A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Life-history trade-off in two predator species sharing the same prey: a study on cassava-inhabiting mites
Authors: Magalhaes S, Brommer JE, Silva ES, Bakker FM, Sabelis MW
Publisher: BLACKWELL MUNKSGAARD
Publication year: 2003
Journal:: Oikos
Journal name in source: OIKOS
Journal acronym: OIKOS
Volume: 102
Issue: 3
First page : 533
Last page: 542
Number of pages: 10
ISSN: 0030-1299
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0706.2003.12430.x
Abstract
To monitor the prey densities experienced by the two predator species in their micro-environment, we assessed prey and predator populations in apices and on the leaves of cassava plants in the field. Prey densities peaked from November to January and reached the lowest levels in July. They were higher on leaves than in the apices. To test whether the life histories of the two predator species are tuned to the prey density they experience, we measured age-specific fecundity and survival of the two predators under three prey density regimes (I prey female/72 h, I prey female/24 h and above the predators level of satiation). T. manihoti had a higher growth rate than T. aripo at high prey densities, mainly due to its higher fecundity. T. aripo had a higher growth rate at low prey density regimes, due to its late fecundity and survival. Thus, each of the two species perform better under the prey density that characterizes their micro-habitat within the plant.
To monitor the prey densities experienced by the two predator species in their micro-environment, we assessed prey and predator populations in apices and on the leaves of cassava plants in the field. Prey densities peaked from November to January and reached the lowest levels in July. They were higher on leaves than in the apices. To test whether the life histories of the two predator species are tuned to the prey density they experience, we measured age-specific fecundity and survival of the two predators under three prey density regimes (I prey female/72 h, I prey female/24 h and above the predators level of satiation). T. manihoti had a higher growth rate than T. aripo at high prey densities, mainly due to its higher fecundity. T. aripo had a higher growth rate at low prey density regimes, due to its late fecundity and survival. Thus, each of the two species perform better under the prey density that characterizes their micro-habitat within the plant.
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