Age-Stage Specific Life Table of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae) Fed on Thrips tabaci Larvae

Abstract

The predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is widely recognized as an effective biological control agent against thrips species, particularly Thrips tabaci, in protected and open cultivation systems. The present study evaluates the age-stage, two-sex life table parameters of N. cucumeris when fed on T. tabaci larvae under controlled laboratory conditions to determine its population performance and predatory potential. Developmental duration, survival rate, fecundity, and longevity were recorded across all life stages, and life table parameters were computed using age-stage, two-sex life table theory. Results indicated successful development of N. cucumeris on T. tabaci larvae, with variations observed in stage-specific survival and developmental rates. The intrinsic rate of increase (r), net reproductive rate (R₀), finite rate of increase (λ), and mean generation time (T) demonstrated that N. cucumeris populations can grow efficiently when provided with thrips larvae as prey. High survival rates during larval and nymphal stages reflected strong prey suitability, while fecundity levels indicated adequate nutritional support for reproduction. Age-stage overlap analysis revealed variability in developmental rates among individuals, emphasizing the importance of stage differentiation in population studies. The results further showed that population growth potential was strongly influenced by prey availability and quality. These findings confirm that T. tabaci larvae serve as a suitable food source for sustaining N. cucumeris populations. The study highlights the predator’s potential for augmentative biological control programs targeting thrips in vegetable and ornamental crops. Overall, age-stage life table analysis provides valuable insights into the population ecology of N. cucumeris and supports its application in integrated pest management strategies for sustainable thrips suppression.