The Influence of Pollen and Prey Density on the Number of Prey Consumed by Amblyseius hibisci (Acarina: Phytoseiidae)1

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Abstract
The number of adult female Oligonychus punicae (Hirst) consumed by adult female Amblyseius hibisci (Chant) was determined in the laboratory on excised leaves in the presence and absence of pollen at 4 different prey densities. Less prey were consumed in the presence of pollen at all prey densities, with an average reduction of 60.4% and 25.7% in the presence of heavy and light quantities, respectively. However, lower prey consumption was offset by an increase in reproduction. Increased prey consumption occurred as the prey density was increased whether or not pollen was present. The implications of the results are discussed.