“Sleeping with the enemy”—predator-induced diapause in a mite

• DOI: 10.1007/s00114-008-0442-4
• Publication Date: 2008-08-26T01:33:23Z
• Authors: Annemarie Kroon; René L. Veenendaal; Jan Bruin; Martijn Egas; Maurice W. Sabelis
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 570; Mites; 590; Plants; 01 natural sciences; Insect Hormones; Predatory Behavior; Space Perception; Odorants; Time Perception; Animals; Female; Cues; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Diapause in arthropods is a physiological state of dormancy that generally thought to promote survival during harsh seasons and dispersal, but it may also serve avoid predation space time. Here, we show predation-related odours induce diapause female adult spider mites. We argue this response allows them move into an area where they are free enemies, yet forced survive without food. Spider mites specialised leaf feeders, but--in late summer--they experience severe on leaves. Hence, face dilemma: stay the risk being eaten or away from death starvation thirst. Female two-spotted solve dilemma by dramatically changing their physiology when exposed predation-associated cues. This disperse leaves winter refuges bark trees soil. conclude mere presence cues causes some herbivorous seek refuge, thereby retarding growth rate population as whole: trait-mediated indirect effect have consequences for stability predator-prey systems ecosystem structure.