Behavior Of Mites Research Articles

Cultivar-specific responses of tomato essential oils to tomato red spider mite (Tetranychus evansi): Implications for pest management

Background: The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a widely cultivated and nutritionally valuable plant species, known for its culinary and health benefits. However, tomato crops are susceptible to various pests, including the tomato red spider mite (Tetranychus evansi), which can cause substantial yield losses. Essential oils from plants have shown potential as natural alternatives for pest management. Methods: This study investigated the interaction between essential oils from seven different tomato accessions namely; 1 (money maker), 13 (marglobe), 51 (PI 134417), 162 (JKUAT 22/202183), 182 (JKUAT 19), 428 (LA 2185) and 460 (LO 3279) and T. evansi. The aim was to understand the role of essential oils in shaping mite behavior. Essential oils were extracted from these diverse tomato accessions using steam distillation. The response of spider mites to these essential oils was assessed using Y-tube olfactometer and glass slide bioassays. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to analyze the composition of volatile compounds released by the essential oils. Results: Spider mite responses to different concentrations of essential oils were not significantly different among accessions. However, specific accessions, such as 51 and 428, elicited negative responses across concentrations. Analysis of volatile compounds revealed qualitative and quantitative variations in essential oil composition among accessions. Compounds like 2-tridecanone, 2-undecanone, β-caryophyllene, and α-humulene exhibited distinct abundance patterns across accessions. Conclusions: The study provides insights into the complex interaction between tomato essential oils and spider mite behavior. While concentrations of essential oils did not strongly influence mite responses, the unique composition of essential oils in different accessions played a crucial role. These findings suggest the potential for selective breeding of tomato varieties with specific essential oil profiles to enhance resistance to spider mites. The research contributes to our understanding of natural pest management strategies and underscores the importance of phytochemical diversity in shaping arthropod behavior.

Avoidance measures for mite allergy—an update

AbstractHouse dust mites are a major source of allergens in house dust and, thus, the main trigger of perennial allergic respiratory diseases [1–5]. Scientific research on the life cycle, diet, and reproductive behavior of dust mites and on the biology of mite allergens has uncovered mechanisms leading to the development of respiratory allergies and suggests measures that can minimize exposure to dust mite allergens. Here, we discuss the evidence linking house dust mite exposure and respiratory allergies and present the efficacy of avoidance measures and their scientific evidence.

The Role of Honey Bee Derived Aliphatic Esters in the Host-Finding Behavior of Varroa destructor

Varroa destructor is an obligate ectoparasite of honey bees and shifted from its original host Apis cerana to the new host Apis mellifera in the first half of the twentieth century. The host shift has resulted in a great threat to the health and survival of A. mellifera colonies worldwide. Chemical signals play a crucial role in all aspects of the Varroa life cycle, including host finding. However, the chemical cues that affect the host finding behavior of Varroa mites are still not fully understood. In this study, we systematically profiled the headspace volatiles of both worker and drone larvae of the two honey bee species by using solid phase micro-extraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS), and then used electrophysiological recording and Y-tube olfactometer bioassay to study the potential roles of the selected compounds. The chemical profiling showed that there were four aliphatic esters, ethyl myristate (EM), methyl palmitate (MP), ethyl palmitate (EP), and ethyl oleate (EO) commonly detected from all four types of larval hosts. Among them, EM was a new substance identified from honey bee headspace volatiles. Results from electrophysiological recordings indicated that all the aliphatic esters could elicit significant responses of Varroa pit organs on its forelegs. Moreover, behavioral analyses revealed that EM could significantly attract V. destructor at a medium dosage (10 µg), while MP had no observable effect on the mites and both EP and EO were able to repel the parasites. Our findings suggest an important role of host-derived aliphatic esters in Varroa host finding, and provide new chemicals for Varroa monitoring and control.

Learning behavior of Neoseiulus californicus from astigmatid to spider mites

Oulenziella bakeri is often used as an alternative prey for the mass rearing of Neoseiulus californicus in China. Long-term alternative prey feeding experience may cause a decline in the predatory capacity of phytoseiid mites toward their target prey. Learning behavior of predatory mites can help them adapt to the changes from preying on thrips to preying on spider mites (Rahmani et al., 2010), but there are few studies on the learning behavior of predatory mites from astigmatid mites to spider mites. Here, we compared the attack latency, prey preference, and functional response of N. californicus toward Tetranychus urticae among the “natural prey strains” (feeding only on T. urticae), “alternative prey strains” (feeding only on O. bakeri), and “learning behavior treatment” (alternative prey strains experienced in attacking but not feeding on T. urticae). The results showed that the attack latency of “alternative prey strain” of N. californicus on T. urticae was significantly longer than that of “natural prey strain” and “learning behavior treatment”. The “alternative prey strain” showed no obvious predatory preference between the protonymphs of T. urticae and O. baker. There were no significant differences in the capture rate and handling time among the three treatments. Our results indicated that the long-term rearing on alternative prey mainly prolonged the attack latency of N. californicus to the target prey and changed its prey preference, while learning behavior could help alternative prey strain of N. californicus to shorten the attack latency and restore its prey preference toward target prey (Zhu et al., 2022).

Population density of eriophyid mites (Acari: Eriophyidae) on raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and their association with leaf blotch symptoms

Red raspberry, Rubus idaeus, is known to be infested by at least six species of eriophyid mites. Among them, the raspberry leaf and bud mite, Phyllocoptes gracilis, (Figure 1, A–B) is the only known vector of a raspberry virus, namely the raspberry leaf blotch virus (RLBV) (Dong et al. 2016; McGavin et al. 2012; Tan et al. 2022). Raspberry leaf blotch (Figure 1, C), a leaf disorder displaying as leaf chlorosis, distortion and patchy necrosis, yellowing and thinning on lateral branches, has been attributed to the feeding of P. gracilis until RLBV was also found to be associated with these symptoms (McGavin et al. 2012). Previous sampling of eriophyid mites was often based on the presence of the leaf blotch symptom, and there is a reasonable doubt if the symptom was caused by RLBV infection or mite infestation. It could also be hypothesized that eriophyid mites are attracted to RLBV-infected plants as viruses could make host plants more attractive to vectors (Donnelly & Gilligan 2020; Shi et al. 2019). It is therefore important to improve the detection of both mites and RLBV to efficiently manage the virus. In addition, knowledge on the dominant infestation area of eriophyid mites on raspberry canes is essential to develop an effective pest management approach. Gordon and Taylor (1976) reported that P. gracilis on primocanes during late summer (mid-August) was dominantly found on the upper leaves, due to the presence of predatory mites on the lower and middle leaves. But mite behavior on floricanes is also important to study if the goal is to prevent mite migration and RLBV transmission to primocanes. This study aimed to investigate the population density of eriophyid mites on raspberry floricanes and the association of eriophyid mites, RLBV, and leaf blotch symptoms.

Recapping and mite removal behaviour in Cuba: home to the world’s largest population of Varroa-resistant European honeybees

The Varroa destructor ectoparasitic mite has spread globally and in conjunction with Deformed Wing Virus has killed millions of honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies. This has forced Northern hemisphere beekeepers into using miticides to avoid mass colony losses. However, in many Southern hemisphere countries widespread treatment did not occur since miticides were prohibitively expensive, or a centralised choice was made not to treat, both allowing natural selection to act. The Varroa mite initially caused high losses before mite-resistance appeared in the honeybee populations. Initially, mite-resistance was only associated with African and Africanised honeybees. Although recently, several isolated mite-resistant European honeybee populations have appeared. Here we studied the mite-resistance in Cuba and found high rates of recapping of infested worker cells (77%), high removal of mites (80%) and corresponding low mite fertility (r = 0.77). These are all traits found in all naturally evolved Varroa-resistant populations. We can confirm Cuba has the world’s largest European mite-resistant population with 220,000 colonies that have been treatment-free for over two decades and illustrating the power of natural selection. Cuban honeybees are also highly productive, 40–70 kg of honey produced annually, and are mild mannered. Cuba is an excellent example of what is possible when honeybees are allowed to adapt naturally to Varroa with minimal human interference.

Learning behavior of Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) can help in adapting from feeding on alternative prey to target prey

Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a commercialized predatory mite that is used as a biological control agent against Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). Long-term feeding on alternative prey could impact the predatory capacity of N. californicus. Although most studies on the learning behavior of predatory mites have indicated that learning behavior could help them adapt from feeding on thrips (alternative prey) to spider mites (target prey), the role of learning behavior in adapting from feeding on astigmatid mites to spider mites has not been studied thus far. Therefore, this study explored the learning behavior of N. californicus in adapting from feeding on alternative prey (Oulenziella bakeri [Acari: Winterschmidtiidae]) to target mites (T. urticae). The attack latencies, prey preferences, and functional responses of female N. californicus were compared between two strains, N. californicus fed on T. urticae (TU) or O. bakeri (OB), and a learning behavior (LB) treatment. The results showed that the attack latency of OB strain was significantly longer than those of TU strain and LB treatment; OB strain did not show obvious prey preference between protonymphs of T. urticae and O. bakeri; and the functional response among TU, OB, and LB-treated strains were not significantly different. Our results demonstrated that long-term feeding on alternative prey had little effect on the predatory ability of N. californicus. To a certain extent, learning behavior can help N. californicus shift from feeding on alternative prey to target prey. Therefore, in the long run, it is reasonable to rear N. californicus on O. bakeri.

Professor Emeritus Roy A. Norton and his outstanding contributions to our knowledge of systematics, evolution, morphology, ecology and behaviour of Oribatida and other mites

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On the perception of leaf morphology and visible light by Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acariformes, Tetranychidae)

The two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae is one of the most polyphagous and most damaging pests worldwide. The behaviour of the mite differs on its various host plants and this could influence crop defence strategies. We investigated the perception of leaf morphology by T. urticae in relation to the effects of visible light on the selection of sites on which females prefer to live and feed. Mite females chose the shaded surface when smooth and glabrous lemon leaves were offered as a surface for living and feeding, showing a photophobic behaviour. However, they clearly preferred the abaxial surface of bean leaves regardless of the presence or absence of visible light. As no differences were found regarding the food quality between the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces, mite behaviour seems to be related firstly to the perception of leaf morphology and secondly to visible light. As regards the first factor, T. urticae prefers the abaxial surface of leaves with a complicated architecture, i.e. veins in relief, on which they can easily build their dense web, and this factor has priority in comparison to the negative effect of the visible radiations. The second factor is important on smooth and glabrous leaves, these being unsuitable for building the complicated characteristic webs of T. urticae.

Study of Drifting behaviour of aquatic mites in the snow fed river Alaknanda from Garhwal Himalaya: Density, Diversity and Diel Pattern

Hydrachnida or water mites are most diverse group amongst Acari and they play an important role as bioindicator for their adjoining habitat. In the present study data for drift density, diversity and diel drift pattern was recorded from January 2018 to December 2018. Total 743 individuals belonging to 25 species were noted. Species Atractides panesari, Feltria gereckei, Feltria rubra and Lebertia glabra displayed nocturnal drift and species Torrenticola turkestanica, Monatractides garhwalensis, Sperchon indicus and Sperchon garhwalensis displayed both diurnal and nocturnal drift. Maximum 17 species exhibited diurnal drift throughout the course of the study. Presence of Hygrobates fluviatilis, a pollution tolerant species reflected the polluted condition of water.

Life history, nesting behaviour, and social behaviour of Stigmaeopsis spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae)

ABSTRACT Stigmaeopsis mites are voracious feeders of bamboo plants, Pleioblastus spp., Miscanthus spp., and Sasa spp. Fifteen species of the genus Stigmaeopsis have been reported worldwide. Their life history is affected by temperature and they can have many generations overlap in their nests under favourable conditions. Stigmaeopsis species overwinter as only adult stages in temperate zones. Males kill conspecific males to mate with unmated females. Most Stigmaeopsis mites defaecate at pre-determined sites, which differ among species. Stigmaeopsis mites determine defaecation sites through volatile chemical cues or tactile stimuli. Herein, we discuss advances in the understanding of aspects of Stigmaeopsis mite biology and behaviour, such as life history, life types, reproduction, overwintering, nest building and sizing, defaecation, mating, and defence against predators. We conclude that there is a paucity in the literature concerning the biological traits of Stigmaeopsis. Furthermore, we suggest that additional research be performed on the effects of temperature, geographic distribution, and biological and chemical control on the species of this genus.

An investigation of the efficacy of hygienic behavior of various honey bee (Apis mellifera) races toward Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) mite infestation

Hygienic behavior in honey bees reflects the social immunity against parasites and diseases and is considered one of the main factors of genetic resistance of the bee breeding program. Hygienic behavior refers to the uncapping and removal of diseased and dead larvae and pupae from sealed brood cells by the worker bees. Here, the hygienic behavior of Apis mellifera races was investigated in response to pin-killed assay and artificial Varroa mite-infested brood cells. Moreover, the reproduction behavior of Varroa mites was determined in various sizes of honey bee race comb cells. The results revealed that the percentage of uncapping and removal of dead broods were significantly higher in the Italian as compared to the Carniolan bee colonies (p < 0.05). Similarly, a significant difference was present in response to artificially infested brood cells with Varroa mites in Italian and Carniolan colonies over the day of inspection (p < 0.05). Overall, the width of cells of the two types of combs was significantly different. The smaller width of cells size combs reduces the Varroa mite reproduction behavior compared to larger cell size combs. More infestation of Varroa mite occurred in drone brood cells as compared to worker brood cells in both old and new comb types. This study contributed to understand the hygienic behavior of A. mellifera races in preparation for selecting and developing hygienic lines of bees given the important contribution of hygienic behavior to honey bee health.

Drifting Behaviour of Aquatic Mites and Regulating Ecological Parameters in Khankragad Stream, A Springfed Trubutary of Alaknanda River, Rudrarayag, Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India

Water mites are a large group of macroinvertebrates that are very vulnerable to contamination and environmental changes. As a result, they are often used to monitor water quality. Khankra gad stream, a third-order perennial spring-fed stream of the Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand, India, was studied to determine the drift behavior of water mites and water quality. Drift nets were set up for 24 hours in both spots of the Khankra stream where there was little or no human influence over a two-year sampling period (June 2018-20). Every four hours, the nets were changed out with new ones. Water mites signify a particular drift month and diel drift pattern. The majority of the drift mite species were present in considerably higher numbers in the daytime. During the two-year study period, a total of 2503 mite samples were collected from the Khankra stream, from which 204 water mite species drifted. The least number of Hydrachnidia (694) were collected from Spot-1, and the highest (1809) were collected from Spot-2, with 106 water mites drifting from Spot-1 and 134 mites drifting from Spot-2 during the study period. From Spot-2 maximum 25 mite species were collected and minimum 19 mite species were collected from Spot-1. For various mite species, the DBDI value ranged from 0.155 (July) to 0.204 (April) in Spot-1 and 0.134 (July) to 0.149 (February) in Spot-2. It was also observed that maximum water mite species were day-drifter. The physico-chemical parameters of the Khankra stream were also reported. The effect of ecological parameters on mite drift was investigated using Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA).

Geographical Distribution and Selection of European Honey Bees Resistant to Varroa destructor.

Simple SummaryThe parasitic mite Varroa destructor is a major challenge to honey bee populations worldwide. Some honey bee populations are resistant to the mite, but most of the commercially used stocks are not and rely on chemical treatment. In this article, we describe known varroa-resistant populations and the mechanisms which have been identified as responsible for survival of colonies without beekeeper intervention to control the mite. We review traits that have potential in breeding programs, discuss the role played by V. destructor as a vector for virus infections, and the changes in mite and virus virulence which could play a role in colony resistance. We also describe results of surveys carried out (mostly within Europe) on the presence of naturally surviving honey bee populations, on the commercial availability of mite resistant stock and on the traits considered in breeding programs. We found that there is a growing interest and awareness among beekeepers, but that there are very few commercially available resistant lines; some from breeding programs and some from naturally selected populations. The most commonly considered traits for assessing varroa resistance are linked to mite reproduction and specific hygienic behavior of the bees. Developing resistance to the varroa mite in honey bees is a major goal for apicultural science and practice, the development of selection strategies and the availability of resistant stock. Here we present an extended literature review and survey of resistant populations and selection programs in the EU and elsewhere, including expert interviews. We illustrate the practical experiences of scientists, beekeepers, and breeders in search of resistant bees. We describe numerous resistant populations surviving without acaricide treatments, most of which developed under natural infestation pressure. Their common characteristics: reduced brood development; limited mite population growth; and low mite reproduction, may cause conflict with the interests of commercial beekeeping. Since environmental factors affect varroa mite resistance, particular honey bee strains must be evaluated under different local conditions and colony management. The resistance traits of grooming, hygienic behavior and mite reproduction, together with simple testing of mite population development and colony survival, are significant in recent selection programs. Advanced breeding techniques and genetic and physiological selection tools will be essential in the future. Despite huge demand, there is no well-established market for resistant stock in Europe. Moreover, reliable experience or experimental evidence regarding the resistance of stocks under different environmental and management conditions is still lacking.

&lt;p class="Body"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Bioecological aspects of mites associated with &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Vitis vinifera &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;varieties in the state of Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Viticulture is an activity of economic importance in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, especially in Serra Gaúcha, which is the major grape-producing region. However, an increase in cultivated areas has been observed in other municipalities in the state. The aim of this study is to characterize mite diversity and community behavior on different varieties, recognizing which predatory species have potential to control phytophagous mites associated with Europan varieties in the Taquari Valley, Rio Grande do Sul state. The study was conducted in vineyards located in the municipalities of Marques de Souza: ‘BRS Vitória’ and cv ‘Itália’ “m”; Imigrante: cv ‘Itália’ “i”; Dois Lajeados: cv ‘Itália’ (c and f), ‘Tannat’ and ‘Chardonnay’; and Putinga: ‘Champanhe’ and ‘Moscato’. Samplings were carried out monthly in the period ranging from March 2017 to March 2018, during which twenty plants were randomly collected from each variety. Three leaves were clipped from each plant; one from the apical third, one from the median third, and one from the basal third, totaling 60 leaves per area. A total of 10,533 specimens were collected, belonging to 12 families, 38 genera, and 53 species, along with those belonging to the suborder Oribatida. The ‘Itália’ “c” variety had the highest abundance (2,012), followed by ‘Moscato’ (1,788) and ‘BRS Vitória’ (1,593). Phytoseiidae had the highest diversity among the mite families observed, with 20 species followed by Tetranychidae (8). The most abundant species were Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (3,420) and Euseius concordis (Chant) (565), present throughout the study period. ‘Chardonnay’ variety had the highest similarity (72.55%) among mite fauna compositions and the highest dissimilarity occurred between ‘BRS Vitória’ and ‘Champanhe’ varieties (95.48%). Environments evaluated in Dois Lajeados and Putinga were the most homogeneous concerning mite fauna diversity and abundance.

The nature of the arena surface affects the outcome of host-finding behavior bioassays in Varroa destructor (Anderson & Trueman).

Varroa destructor, an acarian parasite of the Western honey bee Apis mellifera L., is a serious threat to colonies and beekeeping worldwide. The parasite lifecycle occurs in close synchrony with its host development. The females have to discriminate between different developmental stages of the host and trigger an appropriate behavioral response. Many studies have focused on these behavioral aspects, whether it is the choice of a precise host stage or the reproduction of female mites. Behavioral tests often require laboratory settings that are very different from the mite's environment. Our first experiment was designed to study the impact of the surface of test arena on the mite behavior. We found that plastic from Petri dishes commonly used as test arenas disturbs the female mites and can cause death. We searched for a substrate that does not harm mites and found that gelatin-coated plastic Petri dishes responded to these expectations. We then investigated the host choice behavior of phoretic mites confronted with larval stages of the bee on gelatin-coated arenas to watch if the well-documented orientation towards 5th instar larva was observable in our conditions. Pupal stages were included in the host choice experiments, initially to act as neutral stimuli. As white-eyed pupae were revealed attractive to the mite, several pupal stages were then included in a series of host choice bioassays. These additional experiments tend to show that the positive response to the white-eyed pupa stage depends on cues only delivered by living pupae. Further investigation on the nature and impact of these cues are needed as they could shed light on key signals involved in the parasite lifecycle.

Can your behaviour blow you away? Contextual and phenotypic precursors to passive aerial dispersal in phytophagous mites

Dispersal involves many behavioural interactions that if inefficient or ineffectual would lead to serious fitness consequences. Such costs would be particularly dear for passively dispersing organisms for which direction of movement is determined by external forces. In this study, we investigated whether environment and morphology influence dispersal behaviours of a passive, aerially dispersing organism, the eriophyoid wheat curl mite, Aceria tosichella. We used a wind tunnel to generate stable wind speeds and analysed mite behaviour, morphology and dispersal rate for each wind speed treatment. We found that dispersal events were phenotype and context dependent with an important behavioural component. Aerial dispersal increased significantly via chains formed by individuals and mites dispersing in chains were significantly more elongated than controls. This difference in shape interacted significantly with wind speed but diminished at high wind speeds. Contrary to expectations, we found that an upright position was not related to the likelihood of being blown away. The results indicate that departure events for this mite are influenced by the interaction of behaviour, morphology and environment. Our study represents a substantial step toward explaining wheat curl mite dispersal and its colonization potential, with implications for passively dispersing organisms in general.

Does viral load alter behavior of the bee parasite Varroa destructor?

The invasive mite Varroa destructor has negatively impacted global apiculture, by being a vector for many viruses of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). Until now, most studies have been limited to varroa-honey bee or virus-honey bee interactions. The aim of this study is to bridge the important research gap of varroa-virus interactions by correlating varroa behavior with viral load. Ten-minute video recordings of 200 varroa mites were analyzed, and average speeds of the mites were compared to individual qPCR viral loads for deformed wing virus (DWV) and sacbrood virus (SBV). Statistically significant models reveal that colony, DWV, and SBV all might play a role in mite behavior, suggesting that the varroa-virus interaction needs to be an integral part of future studies on honey bee pathogens.

Effects of bean seed treatment by the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium robertsii and Beauveria bassiana on plant growth, spider mite populations and behavior of predatory mites

The fungal genera Metarhizium and Beauveria are considered as both entomopathogens and endophytes; they are able to colonize a wide variety of plants and can cause increased plant growth and protect plants against pests. In view of the need for new biological methods for plant protection and how promising and little studied candidates entomopathogens are, the aim of this research was to evaluate the potential of two isolates of Metarhizium robertsii (ESALQ 1622) and Beauveria bassiana (ESALQ 3375) to suppress spider mite Tetranychus urticae population growth and ability to promote growth of bean plants Phaseolus vulgaris after seed treatment, in order to develop an innovative strategy by using these fungi as inoculants to improve both spider mites control and plant growth and yield. In addition, behavioral responses and predation rates of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis towards fungal treated plants and spider mites from these plants were also evaluated in leaf disc assays to assess potential conflicting effects of the fungal inoculations on overall pest control at higher trophic levels. Seed inoculations by the two isolates of M. robertsii and B. bassiana were done individually and in combinations to evaluate potential benefits of co-inoculants. The results showed a significant reduction in T. urticae populations and improved plant development when inoculated with M. robertsii and B. bassiana individually and in combination. The predatory mite P. persimilis showed no difference in the predation rate on T. urticae from treated and untreated plants even though the predators were most likely to feed on spider mites from fungal treated plants during the first half of the trial, and on spider mites from control plants during the remainder of the trial. Overall, the two fungal isolates have potential as seed inoculants to suppress spider mites in bean and the strategy appears to have no conflict with use of predatory mites. Co-inoculation of both fungal isolates showed no additional benefits compared to single isolate applications under the given test conditions.

Physiological Response of Basil Plants to Twospotted Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) Infestation.

The induction of plant resistance against pests is considered a potential method of controlling mite infestation as it restricts the use of chemical pesticides in herbal crops. Our goal was to investigate whether plant physiological response to mite feeding varied depending on basil cultivar and/or duration of mite infestation. The effect of plant acceptance, mite mortality rate, and changes in physiological parameters: malondialdehyde content (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, and antioxidant enzyme activities, including guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) were examined in this study. Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) infestation induced oxidative stress in three Ocimum basilicum L. cultivars: 'Sweet basil,' 'Purpurascens,' and 'Fino Verde.' The analysis of mite behavior and alteration in metabolic plant profiles showed different sensitivities of basil cultivars to biotic stress that were dependent on the cultivar and duration of infestation. All basil plants were suitable as host plants for T. urticae, but they varied in the level of susceptibility to mite feeding. O. basilicum 'Fino Verde' was the most suitable host for the twospotted spider mite. In turn, O. basilicum 'Purpurascens' was characterized by the lowest level of susceptibility to T. urticae feeding. The lowest acceptance, the highest mortality of twospotted spider mite individuals as well as decreased levels of H2O2 and MDA, significantly increased GPX activity and low level of CAT activity were recorded in O. basilicum 'Purpurascens' leaves. Research on plant responses to biotic stress can inform breeding cultivars resistant to arthropod attack.