Comparative Assessment of the Potential of Xylocoris flavipes (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Two Cheyletus spp. (Trombidiformes: Cheyletidae) for Managing Liposcelis decolor (Psocodea: Liposcelididae)

Psocids are difficult to manage using insecticides, hence the need for alternatives including biological control. Evaluation of data from two separate studies was conducted. One study investigated the potential of <i>Cheyletus eruditus</i> (Shrank) (Trombidiformes: Cheyletidae) and <i>Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans</i> to manage <i>Liposcelis decolor</i> (Pearman) (Psocodea: Liposcelididae), whereas the other investigated the potential of <i>Xylocoris flavipes</i> (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) to do the same. Temperature and relative humidity conditions were similar in both studies. However, the five predator-prey (P-P) ratios for the mites (0:20, 1:20, 2:20, 4:20 and 10:20) were different from those of <i>X. flavipes</i> (0:240, 1:240, 2:240, 3:240 and 5:240). The three predators demonstrated significant prey suppression; however, the level of control by <i>X. flavipes</i> was higher compared to the mites. At optimal prey conditions of 32 °C and 75% RH, all predators maintained high suppression. Temperature significantly influenced progeny production, with high reproduction observed at 20 and 24 °C for the <i>Cheyletus</i> spp. and at 28 and 32 °C for <i>X. flavipes</i>. Relative humidity of 63% was detrimental to <i>Cheyletus</i> spp. progeny production. While the results from this evaluation for the purpose of comparison should be interpreted cautiously, the different performances of the predators provide valuable insights for biological control of stored-product psocids.