The biology of Polyphagotarsonemuslatus (Banks) was studied in sweet pepper, Capsicum annuum at 20, 25, and 30 ºC. An inverse relationship between P. latus developmental period and temperature was observed for all stages of the white mite life cycle. Duration of eggs-adults period was the greatest at 20 ºC (5.7 d for males and 6.2 d for females). Oviposition was lower at 20 ºC. The most suitable temperature for fertility was 25 °C (27.9 eggs). The parameters obtained from fertility life table were progressively higher with the increase in temperature, but the opposite ocurred with the mean duration of a generation.
Arachnida; Acari; biology; ecology; white mite
