Developmental time of Blattisocius tarsalis (Acari: Ascidae) at different temperatures

The developmental time of the predatory mite Blattisocius tarsalis (Berlese) (Acari: Ascidae) was investigated at temperatures of 15, 21 and 25 degrees C and 75% r.h. Eggs 1-3 days old of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lep.: Pyralidae), killed by freezing, were used as food. Mean developmental times were found to be 22.4, 8.5 and 7.0 days, respectively. Within the investigated thermal limits the developmental rate showed a linear relationship with temperature and the corresponding thermal threshold for development was calculated to 10.2 degrees C.