[Objectives]  To investigate the effect of different melon varieties on the growth, development and fecundity  of Tetranychus truncates Ehara, and thereby provide information to guide the choice of watermelon and muskmelon varieties and the integrated management of this pest. [Methods]  The effects of five different melon varieties, including Zaojia watermelon 8424, Meidu watermelon, Jiamei watermelon, Jinyuhong muskmelon No.2 and Yugu muskmelon, on the growth, reproduction, survival and life-table parameters of T. truncates, were studied under laboratory conditions. [Results]  The survival rate of T. truncates on Zaojia watermelon 8424 and Yugu muskmelon was 95.00% and 86.55% respectively, whereas that on Meidu watermelon and Jinyuhong muskmelon No.2 was 75.38% and 70.45%, respectively. The reproductive capacity of T. truncates on different melon varieties differed significantly; highest reproductive fitness was recorded on Zaojia 8424 and Meidu watermelons, which indicates that these varieties have the lowest resistance to this pest, and that the oviposition period is relatively long and the number of eggs laid relatively high on these varieties. An average of (35.31±5.35) eggs per female were laid on Zaojia 8424 watermelon compared to (19.96±2.02) per female on Jiamei watermelon. In addition, the highest intrinsic growth rate r_m and weekly growth rate λ were recorded on the Meidu Watermelon and Zaojia Watermelon 8424 varieties; 0.203 1, 0.161 7 and 1.225 2, 1.175 5, respectively. Jiamei Watermelon had the lowest net value-added rate (R₀) of 16.7. [Conclusion]  Among the five melon varieties tested, Zaojia watermelon 8424 and Meidu watermelon were the most suitable for the growth and reproduction of T. truncates, whereas the Jiamei muskmelon was the most resistant to this pest.