Effects of mating factors on reproduction and sex-ratio of the predacious mite Amblyseius zaheri Yous. & El-Bor. (Acari, Phytoseiidae)

Three factors were examined to determine their effect on the reproduction a nd sex-ratio in the predacious mite Amblyseius zaheri Yousef & El-Borolossy in the laboratory. The factors studied included multiple matings, disturbe d mating and age of mating females. Fecundity of females mated more than on ce was 3 times higher than in females mated only once. Artificial curtailme nt of copulation to 120, 60 and 30 min resulted in reduction of fecundity a nd oviposition period. The Age of mated females has an influence also on fe cundity, old females produce fewer eggs compared with young females under c onstant condition of abundant prey. All 3 factors studied have no influence on the sex-ratio of the progeny.