Cosmolaelaps keni a polyphagous predatory mite on various insect and mite species (Acari: Laelapidae)

The predatory mite Cosmolaelaps keni is a native laelapid mite in Egypt. Development and adult longevity durations as well as fecundity of C. keni reared on five types of prey, Bactrocera zonata, Spodoptera littoralis and Corcyra cephalonica eggs (as insects prey), Aceria dioscoridis and Caloglyphus rodriguez (as mites prey) were determined under laboratory conditions. Cosmolaelaps keni was able to feed, develop and sustain oviposition on all examined insect and mite species. The mean developmental period of C. keni on B. zonata and S. littoralis eggs was significantly shorter than those fed C. cephalonica eggs and both mite species. Deutonymphs of C. keni were consumed similar number of insect eggs, while during the oviposition period, more B. zonata eggs were consumed. A diet of C. rodriguez provided the shortest oviposition period and longevity, while C. cephalonica eggs showed the longest period in this respect. During the oviposition period, preying on B. zonata and C. cephalonica eggs gave the highest fecundity rates for the predatory mite compared to S. littoralis and C. rodriguez. The sex ratio of C. keni progeny was in female-biased. Bactrocera zonata eggs as a prey gave the highest rate of oviposition as shown by the maximum fertility, net reproductive rate and gross reproductive rate as well as the shortest generation time compared to other tested prey; therefore B. zonata eggs were appropriate factitious prey for oviposition and mass rearing of the predatory mite C. keni