Effect of photoperiod on the development and fecundity of Carpoglyphus lactis L. [Acari: Carpoglyphidae]

ABSTRACT

The effect of four different photoperiods [darkness, 0 ; 8 ; 16 and continuous light, 24 hours per day] on the developmental stages and fecundity of Carpoglyphus lactis L. fed on wheat was studied under laboratory conditions of 25 +/- 2°C and 65 +/- 5% RH. The obtained results revealed no clear effect of photoperiod on the incubation period. It was 2.9 and 3.4 for male; 2.7 and 3.2 for female at darkness and continuous light respectively. The duration of each immature instar as well as the combined immature stages increased with increasing hours of light in both male and female. Different patterns were observed for longevity data for male and female. Male longevity was the longest [9.3 days] at continuous light [24 h.] whereas the greatest female longevity [15.4 days] was at complete darkness. The oviposition period as well as total average and mean daily deposited eggs decreased as the photoperiod increased