Prey Preference and Feeding Performance of the Predatory Mite Amblyseius largoensis Muma (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Four Pest Mite Species under Laboratory Conditions

Date Received: 15-11-2025

Date Accepted: 22-12-2025

Date Published: 23-01-2026

##submissions.doi##: https://doi.org/10.31817/tckhnnvn.2026.24.1.03

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Nga, D., Trang, H., Kiem, D., Tung, N., & Giang, H. (2026). Prey Preference and Feeding Performance of the Predatory Mite Amblyseius largoensis Muma (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Four Pest Mite Species under Laboratory Conditions. Vietnam Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 24(1), 20–28. https://doi.org/10.31817/tckhnnvn.2026.24.1.03

Prey Preference and Feeding Performance of the Predatory Mite Amblyseius largoensis Muma (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Four Pest Mite Species under Laboratory Conditions

Duong Thi Nga , Ho Thi Quynh Trang , Dang Thi Ngoc Kiem , Nguyen Duc Tung 1 , Ho Thi Thu Giang (*)

  • Tác giả liên hệ: [email protected]
  • 1 Khoa Nông học, Học viện Nông nghiệp Việt Nam

    • Keywords

    Biological control, prey preference, feeding rate, citrus pests, alternative prey

    Abstract


    Amblyseius largoensis is a polyphagous predatory mite commonly found on citrus crops in northern Vietnam. This study evaluated its feeding capacity on the eggs, I mmature stages, and adult females of four prey mite species: Schizotetranychus hindustanicus, Tetranychus cinnabarinus, Panonychus citri, and Carpoglyphus lactis. Laboratory assays were conducted under two conditions: no-choice and choice tests. In the no-choice assays, A. largoensis consumed the highest number of C. lactis eggs, followed by T. cinnabarinus, whereas S. hindustanicus eggs were consumed the least. Conversely, the immature stages and adult females of S. hindustanicus were preyed upon in the greatest numbers. In the choice assays based on developmental stages of each prey species, A. largoensis preferentially consumed the eggs of P. citri, T. cinnabarinus, and C. lactis. For S. hindustanicus, the immature stage was the most heavily consumed. When prey species were offered simultaneously within the same developmental stage, C. lactis eggs showed the highest selection rate, while the immature and adult female stages of S. hindustanicus exhibited the highest selection rates among their respective categories. Overall, the results highlight the strong potential of A. largoensis as a biological control agent against pest mites on citrus. The findings also suggest that C. lactis could serve as an effective alternative prey for mass-rearing this predatory mite at a commercial scale.

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