<p><strong>Life table analysis and predation efficiency of </strong><strong><em>Neoseiulus californicus</em></strong><strong> (McGregor) </strong><strong>(Acari: Phytoseiidae) </strong><strong>fed on diverse preys</strong></p>

This study evaluated the biological traits and life table parameters of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) when fed on four prey species: the clover mite (Bryobia praetiosa Koch), the citrus brown mite (Eutetranychus orientalis Klein), the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch), and the acarid mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank). Laboratory conditions were maintained at 27 ± 1 °C and 70 ± 5% relative humidity (RH). All prey types were suitable as food for N. californicus, but prey diet significantly influenced the predator's immature development and adult longevity in both sexes. The shortest developmental time (egg to adult) of predatory mite was 4.35 and 4.17 days for male and female when fed on Te. urticae motile stages. The shortest and longest oviposition periods were 12.53 and 19.07 days for B. praetiosa and Te. urticae, respectively. The highest fecundity per female was 39.60 eggs for Te. urticae, followed by 31.67 eggs for E. orientalis. The study found that Te. urticae had the highest net reproductive rates (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and gross reproduction rate (GRR). Additionally, Te. urticae exhibited the shortest mean generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) compared to B. praetiosa and Ty. putrescentiae. Age-stage-specific fecundity (fxj) was highest for Te. urticae, followed by E. orientalis, Ty. putrescentiae, and B. praetiosa. A similar trend was observed in the age-stage-specific life expectancy (exj). Interestingly, the highest predation rates for both male and female N. californicus were observed when feeding on Ty. putrescentiae compared to the other prey species. The results obtained can be useful in the biological control of phytophagous mites on field crops. Further studies are needed to evaluate its effectiveness in combination with other parameters of a control program for managing pests affecting crops under field or greenhouse conditions.