Two Predator Model Systems for the Biological Control of Diaspidid Scale Insects

Hemisarcoptes (Acari: Hamisarcoptidae) is a parasite of scale insects (Diaspididae), tenacious pests of vascular plants. Hemisarcoptes also has a stenoxenic phoretic (dispersal) relationship with Chilocorus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Chilocorus feeds on diaspidids, transports mites as they feed, and has been applied to the control of scales, with limited success. U.S.-Israeli cooperation focused on this mite-beetle interaction so that a two-component system could be applied to the control of scale insects effectively. Life history patterns of Hemisarcoptes were investigated in response to host plant type and physical parameters. Field and lab data indicated that mites attack all host stages of scales tested, but preferred adult females. Scale species and host plant species influenced the bionomics of Hemisarcoptes. Beetle diet also influenced survival of phoretic mites. Mites use a ventral sucker plate to extract material from Chilocorus, that is essential for development. Seven alkaloids were found in the hemolymph of Chilocorus and three were characterized. Examination of the subelytral surface of Chilocorus indicated that microsetae play a role in the number and distribution of mites a beetle transports. While Hemisarcoptes can be innoculatd into agroecosystems using various indigenous or imported Chilocorus species, the following are preferred: C. bipustulatus, C. cacti, C. distigma, C. fraternus, C. orbus, and C. tristis.