Identification of potential natural predators of cattle fever ticks, rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini), in selected areas in Nueva Ecija

Issue Date

10-2017

Abstract

The biggest challenge in the control of ticks, such as cattle fever tick (CFT), Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini), is the development of resistance in ticks to common acaricides, as well as environmental pollution and food contamination. This study aimed to identify possible predators of CFT as potential biological control agents to complement the existing integrated tick management strategy. Natural predators were collected in selected areas in Nueva Ecija, by using pitfall traps. Preserved samples were brought to the laboratory for identification and determination of their potential ecological role. Out of 52 species of insects and other arthropods collected, only 14 have been identified as possible CFT predators. Two species are recommended for feeding efficiency test on CFT. Four species of spiders belong to Lycosidae: Pirata sp. , Pardosa birmanica Simon, Pa. sumatrana (Thorell), Pa. pseudoannulata (Bösenberg & Strand) and Pardosa spp. Other species of spiders were Oxyopes javanus Thorell (Oxyopidae), Heteropoda sp. (Sparassidae), and Cyclosa mulmeinensis (Thorell) (Araneidae). There were four species of ants (Formicidae), namely: Solenopsis geminate (Fabricius), Tetramorium sp., Monomorium sp., Technomyrmex sp. Other insect species identified as potential predators were Euborellia philippinensis Srivastava (Dermaptera: Anisolabididae) and Chlaenius sp. (Coleoptera: Carabidae). Natural enemies of CFT need to be identified and evaluated for their efficiency as biological control agents, and using them for pest management could lessen the burden on the increasing cost of acaricides and the detrimental effect of acaricides on human health and the environment.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

31

Issue

2

Page

173

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

RHIPICEPHALUS; CATTLE; PESTS OF ANIMALS; PESTS; ACARICIDES; BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS; INSECT CONTROL; DISEASE CONTROL; NATURAL ENEMIES; PREDATORS; PEST MANAGEMENT; PHILIPPINES

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