Mating Modifies the Survival and Oviposition of Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux (Acari: Tetranychidae) Females on Five Host Plants

Abstract

Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a significant pest of papaya (Carica papaya L.) crops. The behavior of female spider mites is altered by interaction with males. However, the cost of this interaction between male and female T. merganser has not been studied. This study aimed to determine the effect of mating on the survival, longevity, and daily oviposition of female T. merganser on five plant species. By comparing virgin and mated females, we tested the hypothesis that mating with a male affects female behavior, leading to greater survival and daily oviposition in virgin females than in mated females. The survival over the entire adult lifespan of mated females was lower than that of virgin females. The mean number of eggs laid by mated females was also lower compared to virgin females. Additionally, mated females initiated oviposition earlier than virgin females, which may suggest male-induced stress or harassment.