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Guarding and Spermatophore Deposition in the Free-Living Eriophyid Mite Vasates Robiniae Nalepa

Guarding and Spermatophore Deposition in the Free-Living Eriophyid Mite Vasates Robiniae Nalepa AbstractSex dissociation means that males deposit spermatophores regardless of the presence of females, while females independently seek spermatophores and pick up a sperm. In this study I describe unique behaviour of insects and mites that practice sex dissociation guarding of pre-emergent females (so called quiescent female nymphs). In particular, behaviour which is exhibited by Vasates robiniae males. When competitors were absent in the vicinity of quiescent female nymphs, guarders deposited ca 0.8 spermatophores per hour and placed them around their mates in a manner in which two subsequent spermatophores were situated more frequently within a relatively long distance from each other rather than close to each other. Between the acts of depositions males alternately explored the closest surroundings of the nymphs, at the rate of ca 7.4 times per hour, and became motionless, mostly in bodily contact with the nymphs. Interestingly, while some males guarded until the quiescent female nymphs started moulting, others left their mates at different times before moulting. Prior to departures, males markedly changed their behaviour, more frequently exploring and resting without bodily contact with the nymphs and tended to shorten the time of depositions as well. However, if males stayed with the mates until moulting, the forthcoming time of females emergence did not influence either spermatophore deposition, exploration or the motionless phase of guarding. During and after moulting, guarders also did not persuade or coerce females into picking up a sperm from their spermatophores. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Behaviour Brill

Guarding and Spermatophore Deposition in the Free-Living Eriophyid Mite Vasates Robiniae Nalepa

Behaviour , Volume 136 (7): 20 – Jan 1, 1999

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References (26)

Publisher
Brill
Copyright
Copyright © Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands
ISSN
0005-7959
eISSN
1568-539X
DOI
10.1163/156853999501630
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

AbstractSex dissociation means that males deposit spermatophores regardless of the presence of females, while females independently seek spermatophores and pick up a sperm. In this study I describe unique behaviour of insects and mites that practice sex dissociation guarding of pre-emergent females (so called quiescent female nymphs). In particular, behaviour which is exhibited by Vasates robiniae males. When competitors were absent in the vicinity of quiescent female nymphs, guarders deposited ca 0.8 spermatophores per hour and placed them around their mates in a manner in which two subsequent spermatophores were situated more frequently within a relatively long distance from each other rather than close to each other. Between the acts of depositions males alternately explored the closest surroundings of the nymphs, at the rate of ca 7.4 times per hour, and became motionless, mostly in bodily contact with the nymphs. Interestingly, while some males guarded until the quiescent female nymphs started moulting, others left their mates at different times before moulting. Prior to departures, males markedly changed their behaviour, more frequently exploring and resting without bodily contact with the nymphs and tended to shorten the time of depositions as well. However, if males stayed with the mates until moulting, the forthcoming time of females emergence did not influence either spermatophore deposition, exploration or the motionless phase of guarding. During and after moulting, guarders also did not persuade or coerce females into picking up a sperm from their spermatophores.

Journal

BehaviourBrill

Published: Jan 1, 1999

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