Biomedical subjects
J A McMurtry
Publications and source records attributed to J A McMurtry.
Classifying life-style types of phytoseiid mites: diagnostic traits.
Several traits are useful for identifying life-style types of predaceous phytoseiid mites when either 2 (diet generalist-specialist) or 4 (specialist I and II-generalist III and IV) type models [McMurtry J.A. and Croft B.A. 1997. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 42: 291-321] are considered. Traits useful for both models are developmental time and oviposition rates when feeding on several food types. Discriminating for the 2-types model are dorsal shield setae lengths, and intra- and inter-specific predation. Another trait useful for both models is feeding preferences of adult female phytoseiids on eggs versus larvae of Tetranychus urticae Koch. In this paper, we review established and other traits that need more study such as mouthpart types, other morphological features, spider mite webbing effects, distributions relative to prey-foods, plant-host relationships including domatia and sap feeding, density-dependent responses to prey and predator-prey ratios required for biological control. Uses of life-style data in biological control decision-making are discussed.
Life-styles of Phytoseiid mites and their roles in biological control.
This review categorizes the diversity of life-styles in the Phytoseiidae, based primarily on food habits and related biological and morphological traits. The life-styles proposed are as follows: Type I, specialized predators of Tetranychus species represented by the Phytoseiulus species; Type II, selective predators of tetranychid mites (most frequently associated with species that produce dense webbing) represented by Galendromus, some Neoseiulus, and a few Typhlodromus species; Type III, generalist predators represented by some Neoseiulus species and most Typhlodromus and Amblyseius species, as well as species in all other genera about which information is available; Type IV, specialized pollen feeders/generalist predators represented by Euseius species. Consideration is given to the relative importance of each of these types in biological control and pest management programs.