A haplodiploid mite adjusts fecundity and sex ratio in response to density changes during the reproductive period.

ABSTRACT: Population density is one of the main socio-environmental factors that have critical impacts on reproduction of animals. Consequently, they need to adjust their reproductive strategies in response to changes of local population density. In this study we used a haplodiploid spider mite, Tetranychus ludeni Zacher (Acari: Tetranychidae), to test how population density dynamics during the reproductive period altered female reproductive performance. We demonstrate that females produced fewer eggs with a significantly higher female-biased sex ratio in dense populations. Reducing fecundity and increasing daughter production in a dense environment could be an advantageous strategy to minimise the intensity of local food competition. However, females also reduced their fecundity after arrival in a

SUBMITTER: Weerawansha N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9732065 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature