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2017 ; 7
(1
): 10609
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Adaptive aggregation by spider mites under predation risk
#MMPMID28878255
Dittmann L
; Schausberger P
Sci Rep
2017[Sep]; 7
(1
): 10609
PMID28878255
show ga
Grouping together is a commonly observed anti-predator strategy. Possible
anti-predator benefits of aggregation include the encounter/avoidance effect for
visually hunting predators and the dilution effect, together dubbed attack
abatement. Possible costs opposing the dilution effect are easier detection of
aggregated than scattered individuals. The benefits of attack abatement, and
opposing costs after group detection, are poorly understood for chemosensory
predator-prey interactions. We tackled this issue by assessing the aggregation
behavior of spider mites Tetranychus urticae under predation risk emanating from
predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis. We examined whether adult spider mite
females aggregate more tightly when perceiving predator cues (traces left and
eggs), representing graded risk levels, and whether grouping enhances survival in
physical predator presence. The spider mites aggregated more tightly and were
more active in presence than absence of predator cues. Grouped spider mites were
less likely and later detected and attacked than scattered spider mites.
Moreover, encounter and attack of one group member did not increase the risk of
other members to be attacked, as compared to scattered spider mites. To the best
of our knowledge, our study is the first rigorous documentation of the adaptive
benefit of tightened prey aggregation towards a purely chemosensorily hunting
predator.