Potential predation of the exotic Amblyseius swirskii on Euseius concordis (Acari: Phytoseiidae), a predatory mite commonly found in Brazil

ABSTRACT

Intra/interspecific predation by A. swirskii.

Both Benin and Netherlands populations of Amblyseius swirskii engaged in cannibalism, and in predation on Euseius concordis larvae. Provision of pollen decreased cannibalism considerably, but had a smaller effect on predation on E. concordis. Potential effect of the eventual introduction of A. swirskii for control of Bemisia tabaci in Brazil is discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Phytoseiid mites
• classical biological control
• exotic natural enemy
• IGP

Acknowledgements

We thank Fabien C. C. Hountondji (University of Parakou ENSTA-D-, Benin) and Koppert Company for providing the initial populations of Amblyseius swirskii from Benin and A. swirskii commercial population by Koppert Biological Systems – The Netherlands, respectively. To Lucas R. Borges and Mathaus E. A. Mandro (ESALQ/USP, Brazil) for their assistance in the maintenance of the colonies. To Maria do C. E. do Amaral (Universidade Estadual de Campinas-UNICAMP, Brazil) for the identification of the Typha species.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Ana Cristina Cerqueira Cavalcante http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1023-8579

Additional information

Funding

This work has received financial support from Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brazil (CAPES).