Life-cycle, longevity and fecundity of Suidasia pontifica (Acari: Saproglyphidae) in a tropical laboratory

Abstract

ln the present study on the life-cycle of Suidasia pontifica, freshly laid eggs were observed until the emergence of adults; the development periods between stages were recorded. The eggs took an average of 16.0 ± 3.6 days to develop to adults. For longevity determination, newly emerged adults were kept at 25°C and observed until they died. Longevities of the different sexes were similar (p= 0.13). Production of eggs by maced females were monitored until egg production stopped and the female died. All maced females laid eggs. The average fecundity was 19.7 ± 16.2 eggs and the mean number of eggs deposited per day was 2. 7± 1.5. Mated females and males survived an average of 37.3 ± 15.5 and 40.3 ± 17.2 days respectively. The longevity of the mated females, and males was also similar (p= 0.67). However, longevity of mated males was found to be significantly (p< 0.05) shorter than unmated males.