The objective of this research was to determine the potential development and reproduction of Eutetranchus banski (McGregor) in some economically important species of tropical fruit tree. The mites were collected from papaya tree (Carica papaya L.), in the UFRPE Campus and reared in the laboratory, in arenas consisted of leaf discs of papaya tree. Four host species were tryied: cultivars 011-BPA and 014-CPA of Barbado's cherry (Malpighia emarginata A.DC.), papaya tree "Sunrise Solo" and orange lime (Citrus sp.). Adult females were confined during 12h in arenas for oviposition and the duration and survival of the immature stages were evaluated at 12h intervals. After the emergence, the adults were mated and each couple was confined in one leaf disc's arena. Longevity and fecundity were evaluated at each 24h. The results originated a fertility life table. The development time of E. banski was shorter in papaya tree. There was no difference in the females longevity in the different fruit trees studied. The fecundity of E. banski was higher in papaya tree, different from Barbado's cherry and lime orange. The net reproduction rates (Ro), the finite ratio of increase (l) and the increase capacity were higher in papaya tree. The lowest development period and higher fecundity of E. banski in papaya tree were possibly due to the fact that the mite population was originated from the same plant species.
Biology; mite; Malpighia emarginata; Carica papaya; Citrus sp.
