Predatory mites transitioning from mass-rearing to field release undergo critical prey switching from rearing hosts to target pests. Understanding temporal adaptation of predatory capacity postswitching is essential for biological control optimization. This study examines how prey switching duration affects predatory performance in Neoseiulus bicaudus Wainstein (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) following from Tyrophagus putrescentiae Schrank (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) to Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov et Nikolskii (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae). The predatory adaptation of female N. bicaudus was assessed during 0 to 7 days postprey switching through integrated approaches: Y-tube olfactometry quantified olfactory responses to T. turkestani, predatory choice tests evaluated feeding preference shifts, Holling type II functional response modeling analyzed predation capacity changes, and field releases on soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr. validated biological control efficacy against T. turkestani. Prey switching enhanced N. bicaudus adaptation to T. turkestani. Olfactory preference increased steadily, with significant shifts by Day 3, peaking at 73.33% by Day 6. Feeding preference shifted from avoidance (D = -0.39, D: prey selectivity index) to strong attraction (D = 0.94), stabilizing >0.9 after Day 4. Though functional response remained Holling Type II, key parameters optimized at Day 4: minimal handling time (Th = 0.04 days), daily maximum predation (1/Th = 26.25), and predation capacity (a/Th = 21.18, where a is attack rate). Field validation showed that the suppressive effect of N. bicaudus (which had experienced prey-switching) on T. turkestani could be enhanced by up to 73.44%. Neoseiulus bicaudus progressively enhances olfactory preference, feeding preference, and predatory capacity toward target prey following prey switching. Implementing this preadaptive strategy significantly improves the mite's field control efficacy against spider mites.

Neoseiulus bicaudus Wainstein (Acari: Phytoseiidae), an important natural enemy of spider mites, is commonly reared on Tyrophagus putrescentiae Schrank (Acari: Acaridae) as a food source. As learning behavior enhances insect foraging efficiency, this study investigated the effects of learning behavior on the predation of Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov et Nikolskii (Acari: Tetranychidae) by N. bicaudus, by evaluating the effects of learning frequency and reward status on olfactory response and memory retention. The influence of learning experiences at different developmental stages on predation capacity as adults was also assessed, alongside the effect of learning behavior on control efficacy against Te. turkestani. Results showed that 4-nonreward learning enabled N. bicaudus to form memories lasting 0.5 h with olfactory behavioral changes, while 4-reward learning induced stable memory persisting 72 h and a significant olfactory preference for Te. Turkestani. This preference lasted at least 0.5 h and was not induced by nonreward learning. Learning experiences during the larval, deutonymphal, and female adult stages significantly increased the attack rate and prey handling time of female N. bicaudus. Among these groups, the female adult learning and larval learning groups showed the most significant predation efficiency, with maximum daily consumption of 17.54 and 19.61 prey individuals, respectively. Field trials confirmed that N. bicaudus trained through learning exhibited enhanced biological control efficacy. In conclusion, incorporating targeted learning into large-scale rearing enhances N. bicaudus's sensitivity to target prey, thereby improving biological control efficacy.

BACKGROUND:Tetranychus truncatus is a dominant mite pest in China, yet its population structure and pesticide resistance status remain poorly characterized. To address this, we performed whole-genome resequencing of 176 individuals, integrating them with previous data to analyze 343 individuals from 44 populations. We investigated the population genetic structure, screened for 22 target-site resistance mutations across ten genes, and reconstructed the evolutionary origins of resistance mutations in acetylcholinesterase (AChE). RESULTS:Phylogenetic analysis identified four geography-based clades. The southeast China (SEC) lineage emerged as the most genetically distinct, characterized by high differentiation yet low nucleotide diversity. However, deviations from strict geographic clustering were observed; TreeMix and admixture analyses revealed that phylogenetic outliers resulted from extensive gene flow bridging distant lineages. While resistance mutations were generally rare, high frequencies of AChE mutations were detected. Evolutionary analysis revealed contrasting patterns: the widespread F331W mutation and the derived G328A mutation (confined to northern regions) shared a single evolutionary origin, whereas the F331Y mutation, which dominated the isolated SEC lineage, arose via multiple independent origins. CONCLUSION:Resistance evolution in T. truncatus is tightly coupled with population history. The strong isolation of the SEC lineage maintains a distinct, independently evolved resistance profile (F331Y), limiting the ingress of northern haplotypes. Conversely, extensive anthropogenic gene flow in northern China has facilitated the widespread dispersal of the single-origin F331W and G328A mutations. These findings highlight that both historical divergence and human-mediated dispersal shape local resistance landscapes, necessitating region-specific management strategies. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Foraging behavior determines natural enemies’ predation capacity and biological control efficacy. Prey density significantly affects their foraging behavior. Studying predator foraging under different prey densities with movement process analysis reveals foraging mechanisms through energy investment and return. The predatory mite Neoseiulus bicaudus (Wainstein) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) preys on pests including Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov et Nikolskii (Acari: Tetranychidae). Using video-tracking, we evaluated how T. turkestani densities (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30 per arena) affect N. bicaudus foraging behavior, movement, and energy gain. This research investigates behavioral mechanisms underlying prey density effects on predation capacity and evaluates biocontrol optimization from a behavioral perspective.Prey density significantly impacted N. bicaudus foraging, with attack frequency peaking at 30 prey. Time allocation among behaviors remained constant across densities. Movement analysis using machine learning algorithms (based on speed and turning angle parameters) revealed two distinct movement states: active and inactive. Below 10 prey, inactive states dominated; higher densities favored active states. Inactive states significantly affected attack frequency and prey consumption; predation rates were further modulated by movement states interactions. Energy gain correlated significantly with inactive-state duration. High prey densities decreased per-prey feeding duration but increased total energy gain and extended patch residence time.Neoseiulus bicaudus dynamically regulates predation frequency and locomotor states in response to prey density. Movement states may be the key factor influencing predation efficiency, consistent with optimal foraging theory predictions. This mechanistic understanding of predator–prey interactions provides a framework for optimizing natural enemy-based biocontrol strategies.

Neoseiulus bicaudus is a beneficial predatory mite used for the control of spider mites. Temperature is a crucial factor that influences the distribution, growth, and development of N. bicaudus. Cold acclimation is an important arthropod strategy used to improve cold tolerance. We investigated the impact of cold acclimation on the cold tolerance of N. bicaudus. To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cold acclimation of N. bicaudus, we conducted transcriptome and proteomic analyses on three cold-acclimated groups (6-h: 3 °C for 6 h; 24-h: 3 °C for 24 h; 7-day: 9 °C for 7 d). Cold acclimation, especially in the 7-day treatment, significantly improved the survival time of N. bicaudus at an acute low temperature (-6 °C). Multi-omics analysis revealed that cold acclimation in N. bicaudus involves coordinated regulation of genes and proteins related to energy metabolism and cellular protection. Cold acclimation suppressed energy-intensive pathways like fatty acid synthesis and glycolysis, reducing energy expenditure. However, it enhanced expression of proteins in fatty acid oxidation, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation pathways to maintain energy balance. Moreover, cold acclimation upregulated genes and proteins involved in mRNA processing, transport, translation regulation, protein folding, and degradation, ensuring rapid repair and synthesis of proteins for homeostasis. RNA interference of NbHSP70 and NbHSP90 showed that these genes play a vital role in regulating the cold tolerance of N. bicaudus. These findings provide valuable resources and opportunities to uncover molecular acclimation mechanisms that support cold tolerance in Phytoseiid mites.

When pests perceive the presence of natural enemies, their growth, development, and reproduction are significantly affected, a phenomenon known as non-consumptive effects (NCEs) of predators. Understanding the impact of NCEs on pests can help optimize biological control strategies. Neoseiulus bicaudus (Wainstein) is an effective predator of Tetranychus turkestani (Ugarov Nikolskii), but its NCEs on this pest remain unclear, as does whether host plants influence the predation-induced stress. This study employed two-sex life table analysis to investigate how long-term NCEs affect the life-history traits and population dynamics of T. turkestani on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and soybean (Glycine max). Results showed that the NCEs of N. bicaudus on T. turkestani varied between the two host plants. On both hosts, the developmental duration of the protonymph stage significantly shortened, while fecundity was unaffected by NCEs. NCEs significantly reduced the lifespan of T. turkestani on common bean but had no significant effect on lifespan on soybean. On common bean, the mean generation time decreased from 15.99 to 14.68 days under NCE, with no significant changes in intrinsic rate of increase or net reproductive rate. In contrast, on soybean, NCEs significantly increased the intrinsic rate of increase by 1.38-fold and the net reproductive rate by 1.43-fold, while shortening the mean generation time by 3.15 days. This study indicates that T. turkestani experiences negative NCEs on common bean but positive effects on soybean. Therefore, host plant characteristics should be comprehensively considered when evaluating the impacts of NCEs in biological control programs.

The release of natural enemies to control pests is generally based on the occurrence of the target pest and the control ability of the released natural enemies. However, under complex field conditions, the efficacy of pest control can be influenced by non-target prey that coexists with the target pest. Neoseiulus bicaudus (Wainstein) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), a generalist predator, feeds on various species, including Tetranychus turkestani (Ugarov et Nikolskii) (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). T. turkestani and F. occidentalis often coexist and cause great damage to numerous crops. This study investigated the predation and preference of N. bicaudus towards two coexisting prey species at different prey stages, five prey ratios, and two densities. Additionally, to assess the impact of non-target prey, we evaluated its effect on the predation of target prey by predatory mites, with the two species acting as both target and non-target pests for each other. The results indicated that N. bicaudus preferred T. turkestani over F. occidentalis, showing a higher preference for mite larvae and eggs (17.90 and 17.70 individuals per day, respectively) compared to female adults and the two stages of thrips. The presence of non-target prey can promote the consumption of target prey by predatory mites. The impact index of female adult of T. turkestani on second instar nymphs of F. occidentalis was the highest (2.44). In conclusion, developing effective pest management strategies requires careful consideration of the complex dynamics and interactions among pests.

The predatory mite Neoseiulus bicaudus (Wainstein) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is used against spider mites, whiteflies, and thrips. Knowledge of the cold acclimation and cold storage techniques for natural enemy biological control agents can promote their development and utilization. This study assessed the impact of cold acclimation on the cold tolerance of N. bicaudus. Then, a cold storage program for N. bicaudus was designed by implementing cold acclimation, followed by an evaluation of the impact of storage on the performance of N. bicaudus. After acclimation at temperatures ranging from 0 to 18 °C for a duration of 2 h to 7 d, the survival rate of mites significantly increased at low temperatures (-6 °C); The survival rate significantly increased to 90% after acclimating at 12 °C for 7 d. In addition, the supercooling point of mites significantly decreased when the acclimation temperature was below 0 °C. After cold acclimation, the survival time of N. bicaudus was 68.3 d and 60.5 d when kept at 9 °C and 12°C, respectively. The fecundity, longevity and predation capacity of female adults were unaffected by 30 d of storage at 12 °C. Furthermore, the storage did not affect the efficiency of N. bicaudus against spider mite Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov & Nikolskii (Acari: Tetranychidae). The process of cold acclimation significantly improved both cold tolerance and cold storage. Cold acclimation at 3 to 21 °C followed by 30 d of storage at 12 °C or 9 °C is recommended for maintaining the quality of N. bicaudus.

Neoseiulus bicaudus is a predatory mite species that could potentially be used for the biological control of spider mites and thrips. Floral resources can provide excellent habitats and abundant nutrients for natural enemies. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of eight floral resources on the longevity, fecundity, and predation ability of N. bicaudus. Among the considered plants, Cnidium monnieri led to the highest longevity (24 days) and fecundity (13.8 eggs) of N. bicaudus, while Tagetes erecta resulted in the lowest longevity (7 days) and fecundity (0.1 eggs) observed in the predatory mites. By comparing the effects of three nectar and pollen plants on the predation of predatory mites, it was observed that N. bicaudus still exhibited a type II functional response to Tetranychus turkestani. In the presence of pollen, the predation efficacy (a/Th) of N. bicaudus exhibited a lower value, compared to that in the absence of pollen (Control: a/Th = 24.00). When pollen was supplied, the maximum consumption (1/Th) of predatory mites was higher than in its absence (Control: 1/Th = 9.90 d−1), with the highest value obtained in the presence of B. officinalis pollen (B. officinalis: 1/Th = 17.86 d−1). The influence coefficient of predation of N. bicaudus on T. turkestani in the presence of pollen was compared in the presence of three nectar and pollen plants: Cnidium monnieri, Centaurea cyanus, and Borago officinalis. At low prey densities, the influence coefficient of C. cyanus exceeded that of B. officinalis, and the overall influence coefficient values were negative (i.e., the presence of pollen reduced predatory mite feeding on T. turkestani). They exhibited similar values at high prey densities, and all of the influence coefficient values were close to 0 (i.e., the presence of pollen had no effect on predatory mite feeding on T. turkestani). The findings revealed that diverse plant species exert differential impacts on N. bicaudus, with some influencing its lifespan and others affecting its reproductive capabilities. Furthermore, the presence of nectar and pollen plants had a significant impact on predatory mite feeding on T. turkestani at low prey densities; however, this effect diminished as the prey density increased. Therefore, we recommend planting C. monnieri, C. cyanus, and B. officinalis in the field to ensure an ample population of predatory mites. The obtained results hold significant implications for the utilization of nectar and pollen plants in eco-friendly pest management strategies within agricultural contexts.

双尾新小绥螨 Neoseiulus bicaudus 是一种重要的捕食性天敌.为明确双尾新小绥螨对花蓟马Franklinilla intonsa的捕食控害作用以及寄主花粉对其取食花蓟马的影响.本研究通过室内测定不同螨态双尾新小绥螨对不同密度花蓟马若虫的捕食量;在棉花新鲜花粉影响下捕食螨对花蓟马 1龄若虫捕食能力,进而在棉田花期时测定捕食螨对花蓟马的实际控制效果.结果表明,双尾新小绥螨各螨态对花蓟马若虫的捕食量随着猎物密度的增加而升高,对 1龄若虫捕食量显著高于 2龄若虫,其捕食量最高可达 6.1头/日.加入花粉后,双尾新小绥螨成螨对花蓟马的捕食量随着花粉数量的增加而降低,足量的花粉处理使其捕食量显著低于不加花粉处理,其捕食功能反应类型也由Holling-Ⅱ型变为Holling-Ⅲ型.将捕食螨以 1:1的益害比释放至棉田中对花蓟马的防治效果相对最好.综上,双尾新小绥螨对花蓟马 1龄若虫有较好的捕食能力,可用于花蓟马的生物防治.

耐寒性的高低极大程度上影响螨类的越冬存活以及分布扩散情况.螨类耐寒性评估的主要指标是过冷却点以及低温胁迫下的致死温度和致死时间.螨类耐寒性通常具有可塑性,不同发育时期、滞育、季节变化以及冷驯化均会影响耐寒性,而耐寒性的变化涉及复杂的分子水平以及生理生化物质的变化.本文简要介绍了目前评估螨类耐寒性的生物学指标以及影响螨类的耐寒性的因素,总结了螨类耐寒性变化所涉及的生理生化和分子机制,探讨了目前螨类耐寒性需要进一步研究的科学问题,并对螨类耐寒性研究的生态学意义进行了展望.以期对螨类耐寒性的深入研究提供参考,促进害螨的综合防治和天敌捕食螨的开发利用.

为明确双尾新小绥螨Neoseiulus bicaudus各螨态对西花蓟马Frankliniella occidentalis不同龄期若虫的捕食量及不同温度对其捕食量的影响.本研究通过测定不同温度下24 h内双尾新小绥螨各螨态对不同密度西花蓟马若虫的捕食情况(西花蓟马猎物密度分别为5、10、15、20和25头/室,温度分别设置为23、26、29、32和35℃).研究结果表明,双尾新小绥螨各螨态对猎物的捕食量随猎物密度的升高而增加.当温度为29℃,雌成螨对西花蓟马1龄若虫捕食量最高,在猎物数为25头/室时,可达4.4头/日.23～32℃内,双尾新小绥螨的雌成螨的捕食量随温度的上升而增加,到达35℃时开始降低.29～32℃双尾新小绥螨的雌成螨对西花蓟马1龄若虫的捕食量最高,可达6.7头/日,最适于其捕食.结果表明双尾新小绥螨对西花蓟马若虫的捕食功能反应类型符合Holling Ⅱ模型,其对西花蓟马有较好的捕食能力,可利用于西花蓟马的生物防治.

为了研究杀虫(螨)剂对双尾新小绥螨的安全性,本文采用喷雾法检测了丁氟螨酯、氯虫苯甲酰胺和噻虫嗪对双尾新小绥螨和土耳其斯坦叶螨的毒力,并对三种杀虫(螨)剂的不同施药方式对双尾新小绥螨捕食作用的影响进行了检测.结果表明,丁氟螨酯对双尾新小绥螨的毒性显著低于土耳其斯坦叶螨,在1000 mg/L浓度下,双尾新小绥螨校正死亡率低于15％,对土耳其斯坦叶螨的LC50为65.08 mg/L;氯虫苯甲酰胺和噻虫嗪对双尾新小绥螨及土耳其斯坦叶螨的毒性均较弱,在各药剂浓度下其校正死亡率均低于20％.三种药剂处理后,双尾新小绥螨对猎物的瞬时攻击率、捕食能力、日最大捕食量降低,寻找效应有所降低,对猎物的处理时间延长;三种药剂对双尾新小绥螨捕食作用的影响由大到小依次为噻虫嗪,氯虫苯甲酰胺,丁氟螨酯.其次,除了释放捕食螨前喷施丁氟螨酯处理,其他处理均对双尾新小绥螨的捕食作用有显著影响;在每种药剂处理下,先释放捕食螨后施药对双尾新小绥螨捕食作用的影响显著大于先施药后释放捕食螨.因此,丁氟螨酯对双尾新小绥螨的存活及捕食作用影响较小,在田间害螨大发生时可先用该药剂降低基数后,再释放双尾新小绥螨联合防治害螨,从而减少化学农药使用剂量和次数;使用氯虫苯甲酰胺和噻虫嗪防治其他害虫时,可在释放双尾新小绥螨前施用,从而减小对双尾新小绥螨捕食作用的影响.

Neoseiulus bicaudus Wainstein (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a beneficial predatory mite to control spider mites. To evaluate the suitable storage conditions of N . bicaudus , the survival of adult females was observed under different combinations of low temperature (3, 6, 9, or 12°C), food (F) or no food (NF), and high (H) or low (L) humidity conditions for 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 d. Predator mites’ longevity and survival time of 50% and 80% individuals (ST 50,80 ) were measured and compared between treatments. After storage, female and male living mites were paired at 26°C. The progeny parameters were evaluated after storage. Results revealed that survival rate decreased as storage temperature decreased. At 3 and 6°C, fewer mites survived after 28 d. At 9°C, ~50% of the females survived in the FH treatment after 35 d. At 12°C, >80% survived 7–35 d in the FH treatment. Moreover, longevity and ST 50,80 were significantly greater in the FH treatment than in the FL or NFH treatments at 3, 9, and 12°C. The highest longevity (48.6 ± 3.7 d) and ST 50 (51.6 d) occurred at 12°C in the FH treatment. There was no effect on progeny hatching or survival rates when adults were stored at 9 or 12°C for 28 d. At 9°C, the total preadult development time was 4.20–5.25 d. At 12°C, the total development time was 4.87–4.93 d and there was no significant difference between the storage treatment and control group. These results demonstrated that N . bicaudus females can be successfully stored at 9°C for ~21 d and 12°C for ~28 d with little effect on adult survival or progeny parameters.

农业昆虫学是植物保护专业的核心课程之一,教学方法影响着学生学习该课程的兴趣和掌握知识的能力.而传统的教学方法存在课程设置单一、学生积极性不高、师生互动不足等问题.为了适应新时代应用型人才培养的要求,结合新疆地域特点,对农业昆虫学进行了课堂讲授内容的改革,以帮助学生掌握害虫发生新动态以及害虫防治方法;对实验课程的改革,以学生为本,促进理论和实践的结合和教学模式的多样化;对考核方式的改革,激发学生学习主动性.通过采取一系列改革措施,取得了良好的教学效果,不仅提高了教学质量,还增加了学生学习的积极性和主动性,激发他们对农业昆虫学的学习兴趣.

指出了农业昆虫学课程是本科植物保护专业的重要应用型课程,课程注重培养学生对知识的实践能力,具有较强的应用性.以石河子大学农学院植物保护系"农业昆虫学"课程的新疆特色教学改革为例,探讨了如何提高农业昆虫学专业课程的应用性.通过调整教学内容,添加本地特色教材,并将翻转课堂、特色化实践课程应用到教学中,结果表明:明显改善了教学效果,学生的综合成绩有大幅度提高,学习兴趣更加浓厚,学生的生产应用能力不断增强.

[目的]研究添加人工饲料后不同食料饲养的双尾新小绥螨实验室种群对不同猎物的取食影响,分析人工饲料在双尾新小绥螨实验室种群扩繁和释放中的作用.[方法]采用小室法观察在有无人工饲料条件下,自然猎物、替代猎物和人工饲料饲养的双尾新小绥螨种群对目标猎物的捕食选择性和取食量差异,采用偏好性系数理论公式和影响系数,分析人工饲料与猎物共存时对双尾新小绥螨捕食作用的影响.[结果]人工饲料的添加导致双尾新小绥螨的自然猎物饲养种群和替代猎物饲养种群对替代猎物腐食酪螨的取食率降低;3个种群对自然猎物土耳其斯坦叶螨的选择及取食率无显著影响.自然猎物饲养种群对土耳其斯坦叶螨的取食量显著高于其他两种饲养种群,无人工饲料时,自然猎物饲养种群对土耳其斯坦叶螨取食率最高可达83.33％,提供人工饲料时,自然猎物饲养种群对土耳其叶螨的取食率最高可达79.33％;替代猎物饲养种群对腐食酪螨的取食量显著高于自然猎物和人工饲料饲养种群,无人工饲料存在时,替代猎物饲养种群对腐食酪螨的取食率最高可达63.33％.[结论]人工饲料作为双尾新小绥螨的营养补充添加,并不会影响其对土耳其斯坦的防治效果,实验室饲养中作为营养补充添加,可以降低对替代猎物腐食酪螨的消耗.双尾新小绥螨前期的取食经历对其后期的猎物选择及取食量具有重要的作用.

为明确杀螨剂对双尾新小绥螨Neoseiulus bicaudus后代生长发育及繁殖的影响,采用联苯肼酯、三唑锡和哒螨灵对土耳其斯坦叶螨Tetranychus turkestani的致死中浓度处理双尾新小绥螨雌成螨,测定其后代各发育阶段的存活率、发育历期、寿命、雌性比例及繁殖力,构建亚致死条件下双尾新小绥螨后代的年龄-龄期两性生命表并模拟其种群增长模型,分析不同杀螨剂亚致死效应对捕食螨后代的影响.结果 表明,联苯肼酯处理能显著缩短双尾新小绥螨后代的未成熟期(4.81 d),显著延长双尾新小绥螨后代雌成螨的寿命(45.43 d),且对存活率、产卵前期、雌性比例和净增殖率无显著影响.三唑锡处理降低了双尾新小绥螨后代雌性比例(0.37)并显著降低了其后代净增殖率(15.91),对未成熟期、产卵前期和雌雄成螨寿命均无显著影响.哒螨灵处理对双尾新小绥螨后代的未成熟期、存活率、雌成螨寿命、产卵前期、和雌性比例均未产生显著影响,仅显著延长了雌雄成螨寿命(51.22 d和44.23 d).经所建Timing种群模型模拟,3种杀螨剂处理后双尾新小绥螨后代种群均可以继续增殖,经过60 d无限制增殖后,联苯肼脂处理的双尾新小绥螨后代种群数量是对照的1.62倍,达4976头;哒螨灵处理(2101头)和三唑锡处理(983头)的种群数量较对照分别减少了31.43％和67.92％.表明联苯肼脂对双尾新小绥螨后代影响较小,是较为安全的杀螨剂.