Effect of cues from Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) on the oviposition behavior of Raoiella indica Hirst

Abstract

The ability of an organism to defend itself and protect its offspring is closely related to the evolutionary success of the organism. In this study, we examined the responses of red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, to predation risk using cues from the predator Amblyseius largoensis (Muma). Females of A. largoensis were used for the production of cues for 4 h in two types of bioassays, a choice and no-choice tests. The oviposition rate of R. indica was evaluated until to 96 h. In addition, a walking behavior test was conducted (distance/time walked and resting time). For both tests, a control treatment without cues was done. In the no-choice bioassay, the oviposition rate of R. indica decreased by 55% when the cues were present. In the choice bioassay, the oviposition rate was similar to the control treatment, however most of the eggs were deposited in the site without cues. The walking behavior of R. indica was not affected by the presence of predator cues in no-choice bioassay. In choice bioassay, R. indica stayed longer in sites without cues. A. largoensis cues seem to be strong signs of predation risk affecting R. indica oviposition when there is no-choice, even after 96 h. R. indica shows that it is able to identify the cues of A. largoensis. We clearly evidenced the anti-predation behavior of R. indica, showing the trade-off between predation risk and reproduction on A. largoensis cues.