Stages of development of persimmons

Persimilis (Phytoseiulus persimilis) is a natural predator of herbivorous mites that feeds on their various life stages. Like many mites, this predator has distinct growth stages, each with specific characteristics and behaviors. The Persimilis growth stages are listed below:

1. Eggs

• Shape and size: The eggs are oval and transparent and about 0.2 mm long.
• Location: The eggs are usually laid near the food source (spider mites) and on the underside of the leaf.
• Duration: The eggs develop into larvae in 2 to 3 days under suitable temperature conditions (25°C).

2. Larva

• Shape and characteristics: Larvae are transparent and colorless and are simple in appearance.
• Feeding behavior: At this stage, larvae do not feed and only store energy to enter the next stage of development.
• Duration: The larval stage usually lasts less than 1 day.

3. Nymph

Pupae develop in two stages:

A. Protonymph:

• Characteristics: Larger body and more mobility than larvae.
• Feeding: Begins to feed on eggs and immature stages of mites.

B. Secondary nymph (Deutonymph):

• Characteristics: More advanced stages with larger bodies and faster speeds.
• Feeding: Main diet of eggs, nymphs, and adult mites.
• Duration: Both nymphal stages last a total of about 2 to 3 days.