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Published on: November 30, 2014
"Sleeping with the enemy"--predator-induced diapause in a mite
Annemarie Kroon1, René L Veenendaal, Jan Bruin
1Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, Section Population Biology, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94084, 1090 GB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Die Naturwissenschaften
|August 30, 2008
Summary
Predation cues trigger diapause, a dormancy state, in female spider mites. This adaptation allows them to escape predators and survive harsh conditions in protective refuges.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Animal Behavior
- Arthropod Physiology
Background:
- Diapause in arthropods is a survival strategy during adverse conditions.
- Predation risk is a significant factor influencing arthropod behavior and survival.
- Spider mites face a trade-off between predation and starvation when feeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if predation-related cues can induce diapause in female adult spider mites.
- To understand the adaptive significance of diapause in predator-prey interactions.
- To explore the role of diapause in population dynamics and ecosystem stability.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of female adult spider mites to predation-associated odors.
- Observation and analysis of physiological changes and behavioral responses (diapause induction).
- Assessment of survival rates in different environments (e.g., winter refuges).
Main Results:
- Predation-related odors were found to induce diapause in female adult spider mites.
- Induced diapause facilitated dispersal from feeding sites to safe refuges.
- Mites in diapause survived without food in winter refuges, indicating physiological adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Predation risk is a direct trigger for diapause in herbivorous mites.
- Diapause serves as an anti-predator mechanism, enabling spatial and temporal escape.
- This trait-mediated indirect effect can influence population growth rates and predator-prey system stability.
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