The parapatric distribution and contact zone of two forms showing different male-to-male aggressiveness in a social spider mite, Stigmaeopsis miscanthi (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract

Two forms showing different male-to-male aggressiveness, different male morphologies and different diapause attributes are known in Stigmaeopsis miscanthi (Saito), a social spider mite infesting Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis Anderss). Reproductive isolation exists between the forms, although it is not always complete, and the details of their distributional patterns are unknown, but expected to be parapatric. We searched for the contact zone at Mt. Unzen (Nagasaki Pref., Japan) where both forms are known to occur at different altitudes. We found the two forms together in several M. sinensis stands, suggesting there is frequent contact between the forms in their boundary area. We discuss the mechanism(s) that maintain the parapatry related to their frequent contact and the pattern of reproductive isolation between them.