Physical Limits for Complete Development of the Grain Mite, Acarus siro L. (Acarina, Acaridae), in Relation to Its World Distribution
1965; Wiley; Volume: 2; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.2307/2401481
ISSN1365-2664
Autores Tópico(s)Insect and Pesticide Research
ResumoThe grain or flour mite, Acarus siro L. (formerly called Tyroglyphus farinae L.) is a serious and widespread pest of stored foodstuffs, particularly grain and grain products. Recently, Griffiths (1964) has shown that the flour mite represents a complex of three species, Acarus siro L., sensu Griffiths 1964, which appeared to be the dominant species found in stored-product habitats, A. farris (Ouds. 1905) and A. immobilis Griffiths 1964, which seemed to be field species sometimes transported to storage premises. For some years, a comprehensive study of the rates of survival, development and reproduction of A. siro has been in progress at this laboratory. The present paper describes the results of experiments carried out to determine the physical limits for survival and complete development of this species. Since these experiments were begun, other authors have published studies covering the same ground but in less detail. The present results seem worth publishing because of their greater precision and also because it is useful to record the similarities and differences between mites from different regions or on different food materials. Also, Griffiths' work indicates that some of the published information on A. siro may be based on misidentifications of A. farris and A. immobilis. Although the effects of temperature and humidity are interdependent I have found it convenient, for purposes of presentation, to deal with them separately as far as possible.
Referência(s)