Indirect Toxicity of Dimethoate to the Predaceous Mite Euseius hibisci (Chant) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)1

Abstract
Two indirect pathways of pesticide intoxication to the phytoseiid predator Euseius hibisci (Chant), via leaf feeding or consumption of contaminated citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Moulton), were experimentally evaluated. Significant mortality occurred for E. hibisci females confined on grapefruit leaves systemically treated with various concentrations of dimethoate. However, no food chain effects were discernible for adult predators feeding on 2nd-instar S. citri.