Oviposition and Mating Tendencies of Cheyletus Malaccensis (Acarina: Cheyletidae)
Abstract
Oviposition by parthenogenetically reproducing females of Cheyletus malaccensis Ouds. began as early as the third day after the final molt and ran its course in 40 to 56 days. In one trial comprising 19 unmated females, these mites averaged 294.2 eggs each. The greatest number laid by 1 female was 406. Attempts to mate females were most successful when males were presented in the period between final molt and the onset of oviposition. Functional matings by ovipositing virgins were not observed when males were introduced during the first 30 days of the laying period. However, a few virgins continuously confined with their own sons accepted mates during the declining phase of oviposition. Females of this species establish nests within which eggs are laid. Eleven virginal females were isolated and manipulated daily only as required to determine nest occupancy. This lot averaged 64.7 days total adult life span, 3.1 days in the preoviposition period, and 50.9 days for the total nesting period. Two of these deposited all of their eggs in the first and only nest, 7 made 2 nests and 2 made 3 nests.Downloads
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