Amblyseius herbicolus mothers prefer to oviposit near eggs of non-kin in the absence of prey Carpoglyphus lactis (Acari: Phytoseiidae, Carpoglyphidae)

Abstract

Many animal species can recognise and discriminate conspecifics differing in their genetic relatedness. The discrimination of kin from non-kin or more distantly related kin can benefit individuals with increased inclusive fitness and avoid adverse influences from inbreeding. A preference by mothers to oviposit near their own or closely related eggs rather than ovipositing near non-kin or distantly related eggs has been observed in several phytoseiids, possibly to reduce cannibalism and allow imprinting between siblings. The phytoseiid Amblyseius herbicolus reluctantly cannibalise kin (i.e. siblings or offspring) in the presence of non-kin or more distantly related kin. This study investigated the oviposition preference of A. herbicolus females when provided with two sites, each containing either their own eggs or eggs laid by non-kin. The influence of food on such oviposition site preference is largely unknown in phytoseiids. Thus, we also examined the oviposition site choice of A. herbicolus females in the presence and absence of its prey Carpoglyphus lactis eggs. Our results demonstrated a significant influence of prey on the oviposition site preference of A. herbicolus: adults preferred to oviposit near eggs of non-kin in the absence of prey but showed no preference when C. lactis eggs were present at both sites. We suggest that A. herbicolus females preferred to oviposit near eggs of non-kin in the absence of prey to possibly avoid kin cannibalism during food stress.