Overwintering behaviour of Tetranychus telarius (L.) in the Stanthorpe district, Queensland

Abstract

A single polyphagous strain of Tetranryclms telarius (L,) is present in the Stanthorpe district. On deciduous hosts this mite enters the non-feeding winterform, while on evergreen hosts it persists as the active two-spotted form. Nutritional factors are decisive in inducing the winterform. Photoperiod is of only slight importance. The winterform could be induced to feed and to commence egg-laying at any time and is considered to represent a quiescence rather than a true diapause. Data on the survival of the winterform under controlled temperature conditions were in general agreement with field observations that only a small percentage of these individuals successfully overwinter in the Stanthorpe district.