<p>The impact of food stress-induced learning on compensatory behaviors in predatory mites <em>Phytoseiulus persimilis</em> and <em>Neoseiulus californicus</em> (Acari: Phytoseiidae)</p>
Learning and early-life experiences are crucial in enhancing predatory behavior and resource utilization among predators, increasing their ability to adapt to fluctuating environmental conditions. Foraging predators exposed to food-related stress often develop compensatory behaviors that support th...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Acarological Society of Iran
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Persian Journal of Acarology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.biotaxa.org/pja/article/view/86436 |
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| Summary: | Learning and early-life experiences are crucial in enhancing predatory behavior and resource utilization among predators, increasing their ability to adapt to fluctuating environmental conditions. Foraging predators exposed to food-related stress often develop compensatory behaviors that support their survival and reproductive success in resource-scarce environments. This study examines the effects of food stress during nymphal and adult stages on the predation behavior and fecundity of two predatory mites, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) feeding on two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch. In the first experiment, mites experienced food stress during the nymphal stage, resulting in significantly higher predation rates but lower egg production in adulthood compared to controls. In the second experiment, mites faced 24 hours of food stress only in adulthood, leading to increased predation and reduced egg production compared to controls. In the third experiment, N. californicus reared solely on pollen from egg to adulthood exhibited enhanced predation and decreased egg production as adults. These findings highlight the adaptive potential of food-stress-induced compensatory behaviors, including enhanced predation efficiency and reduced fecundity, which act as survival strategies under resource constraints. The study underscores the role of mechanisms such as learning and energy optimization in facilitating these responses. Moreover, these adaptive behaviors present valuable opportunities for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs by enhancing the performance of biological control agents under variable environmental conditions.
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| ISSN: | 2251-8169 |