Abstract
Specific feeding and habitat conditions for phytophagous insects and mites are created by their host plants. Adaptations to the specific host plant may be reflected in differences in the life-history traits of phytophagous arthropods. Herein we tested whether host populations of the eriophyid mite Abacarus hystrix (Nalepa), adapted to feed on their natal host plants, differ in life history parameters. For this purpose the developmental time, survivorship, longevity and fecundity of A. hystrix living on two grass species, Lolium perenne L. and Elymus repens (L.) Gould, were compared. No significant differences in immature and male survival, sex ratio, median adult longevity and mean fecundity were recorded between host populations. Significant differences in the developmental time, female survival and oviposition rate between populations studied were found. Immature development and the total developmental time from egg to adult were significantly longer on L. perenne compared to E. repens. Females from E. repens survived significantly longer than females from L. perenne. Females from E. repens oviposited at a slower rate, had two oviposition peaks, and throughout their life the oviposition increased and decreased gradually. Females from L. perenne oviposited at a faster rate, had only one oviposition peak, and the oviposition increased and decreased rapidly. It is concluded that A. hystrix populations from E. repens and L. perenne differ in allocation of resources for development and reproduction. These differences may result from different degrees of adaptation of each population to various host plant characteristics. The effect of chemical composition and physical structure of the host on A. hystrix development and reproduction is discussed. The results obtained here support the hypothesis that the two populations of this mite from E. repens and L. perenne are highly specialized in their host use and may be regarded as host races or separate species.
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