Temperature and Humidity Effects on Ovipositional Rates, Fecundity, and Longevity of Adult Female Banks Grass Mites (Acari: Tetranychidae)

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Abstract
Relationships between Banks grass mite (BGM), Oligonychus pratensis (Banks), population dynamics and temperature and humidity were studied at constant conditions of 25, 33, 36, and 39°C and high, medium, and low vapor pressure deficits (VPD). Preoviposition developmental rates were temperature-dependent but did not appear to be influenced by humidity. Developmental rate was predicted to be maximal near 37°C. Temperature also had the greatest influence on longevity. BGM lived longer at cooler temperatures. Life span was slightly affected by humidity only at high temperatures. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) was influenced by temperature and humidity. At lower temperatures, rm was similar for the three VPD. However, at high temperatures, high VPD was optimal for population increase. At high temperatures, low VPD caused reduced survival rates as well as reduced ovipositional rates. The highest rm occurred at 36°C, high VPD. These data provide a possible explanation for the occurrence of BGM in areas that are characterized by warm, dry weather conditions