Kin recognition and cannibalism among predaceous mites.
- Boden und Landökosysteme
- Forschungscluster "Pflanzen"
- Forschungscluster "Nachhaltigkeit"
Abstract
Based on kin selection theory, I study kin recognition and how it affects cannibalism in predaceous mites. Study animal is the specialist predator Phytoseiulus persimilis, which is a natural enemy of herbivorous spider mites. I pursue seven major questions: (1)What life stages are able to recognize kin? (2) What is the smallest degree of relatedness at which kin recognition functions? (3) Do cannibals become less discriminating as they become hungrier? (4) Does cannibalism on non-kin occur despite the presence of other potential food? (5) What is the role of cuticular hydrocarbons in kin recognition? (6) How and at what stage during ontogeny do P. persimilis learn to recognize kin? (7) Is species recognition a by-product of kin recognition?
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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University of Amsterdam, IBED, The Netherlands
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