Journal of Insect Behavior (2001) 14, 829-839

Taro Maeda and Junji Takabayashi (2001)
Patch-leaving decision of the predatory mite Amblyseius womersleyi (Acari: Phytoseiidae) based on multiple signals from both inside and outside a prey patch
Journal of Insect Behavior 14 (6), 829-839
Abstract: We compared the emigration rates of Amblyseius womersleyi from prey patches (leaf disks) of different conditions in airflow containing either infested plant volatiles (volatiles airflow) or uninfested plant volatiles (control airflow). Both airflow and prey patch conditions significantly affected the emigration rates. Emigration rates from patches carrying prey products (feces, exuviae, webs, etc.) and prey eggs were significantly lower in control airflow than in volatiles airflow. Under other patch conditions, the rates were lower in control airflow than in volatiles airflow, although the difference was not significant. In both airflows, the lowest emigration rates were observed when predators were in a heavily infested patch. Patches carrying prey products and prey eggs resulted in lower emigration rates than patches carrying eggs alone and patches emitting prey-infested plant volatiles but carrying no prey. Thus, A. womersleyi appears to decide the timing of emigration based on two criteria: prey products in the patch and prey-infested plant volatiles from outside.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Taro Maeda, Junji Takabayashi

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
transmission/dispersal
environment/habitat manipulation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Neoseiulus womersleyi (predator)