A Modified Leaf Arena Technique for Rearing Phytoseiid or Tetranychid Mites for Biological Studies

Abstract

A new procedure for rearing mites in the families Phytoseiidae or Tetranychidae is described. The rearing unit provides air exchange and a stable level of humidity (75-85% RH) in the microenvironment at 1 cm height. At 26.degree. C or less, mature citrus leaves were maintained in the unit up to 8 weeks. Pollen of the ice plant, Malephora crocea (Jacq.) was usable for 10 to 15 days as food for Euseius mesembrinus (Dean) at 18 to 30.degree. C. The method requires low maintenance, is simple, relatively inexpensive, and allows monitoring of mite behavior or development through the clear plastic lid.