Biology ofAllothrombium pulvinum (Acariformes: Trombidiidae), a potential biological control agent of aphids in China

摘要: Allothrombium pulvinum Ewing is a common natural enemy of aphids and other small arthropods in China. It univoltine species. The eggs hatch spring, nymphs emerge early summer, adults autumn. Larvae are ectoparasites aphids, whereas deutonymphs free-living predators spider mites some lepidopterous eggs. Adults hibernate soil during winter females lay their spring. In the laboratory duration immature stages 74 days at 20–30°C. kill host within 1–3 when mite load 2 or more. They decrease reproductive rate adult arrest development early-instar aphid 1. capable controlling population growth level parasitism high. Owing to its wide occurrence,A. could be potential candidate biological control aphids. suggested that impact on pest evaluated IPM programs future.