How do Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) females penetrate densely webbed spider mite nests?

摘要: The persea mite Oligonychus perseae is a pest of avocado trees that builds extremely dense webbed nests protect them against natural enemies, including phytoseiid mites. Nests have one or two marginal entrances are small and flattened. predatory Neoseiulus californicus co-occurs with O. in the orchards south–east Spain. Penetration inside through by this predator thought to be hindered its size globular-shaped body. However, field it has repeatedly been found were clearly ripped. Perhaps penetration facilitated nest wall ripping caused some other species unfavourable abiotic factors. assess whether N. also able enter itself, we carried out laboratory experiments made short film. They show how manages overcome wall, can penetrate forage perseae.