Abstract
Behavioral observations, preference tests, and physiological studies show thatProctolaelaps nauphoetae, an ectoparasitic mite, bases its choice of host on chemical information. Behavioral observations characterized searching patterns used to detect chemical cues. Preference tests showed that mites are attracted by three kinds of chemical cues: general cues — feces and detritus, apposite cues — cockroach expectorants, and a host-specific cue. This last cue, nauphoetamine, was isolated by gel filtration and high voltage paper electrophoresis. Preliminary analysis shows that it is a macromolecular amine (mw = 1,500–6,500) and may be a glycosaminoglycan. Electrophysiological experiments showed that nauphoetamine is detected by contact chemoreceptors located on the tarsi of the first pair of legs; these records are the first reported for a mite. The process of host discrimination is discussed in terms of a general model first proposed for hymenopteran parasites.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
