Experimental studies on acarine predator–prey interactions: distribution of search effort and predation rates of a predator population in a patchy environment (Acarina: Phytoseiidae)

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Abstract
The responses of a population of adult female Phytoseiulus persimilis and Amblyseius degenerans in a patchy environment were examined for 2 days in the laboratory. Progressive prey exploitation caused continuous redistribution of P. persimilis among the patches of prey, and although more individuals tended to occupy the highest density patch than other patches, there was an indication that "interference" limited the tendency of the predators to aggregate in this patch. In contrast, there was little redistribution of A. degenerans among the patches despite extensive prey exploitation. This species did not show an aggregative response nor was there any "interference" between the predators. The predation rates of P. persimilis declined with time and their foraging behaviour was not optimal on either day. In contrast, A. degenerans completely exploited the prey in all patches. The feeding and searching strategies of the two predator species are discussed in terms of their respective food habits. The implications of the characteristics of the predators for biological control are also briefly discussed.

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