Cues of intraguild predators affect the distribution of intraguild prey.
Theory on intraguild (IG) predation predicts that coexistence of IG-predators and IG-prey is only possible for a limited set of parameter values, suggesting that IG-predation would not be common in nature. This is in conflict with the observation that IG-predation occurs in many natural systems. One possible explanation for this difference might be antipredator behaviour of the IG-prey, resulting in decreased strength of IG-predation. We studied the distribution of an IG-prey, the predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae), in response to cues of its IG-predator, the predatory mite Iphiseius degenerans. Shortly after release, the majority of IG-prey was found on the patch without cues of IG-predators, suggesting that they can rapidly assess predation risk. IG-prey also avoided patches where conspecific juveniles had been killed by IG-predators. Because it is well known that antipredator behaviour in prey is affected by the diet of the predator, we also tested whether IG-prey change their distribution in response to the food of the IG-predators (pollen or conspecific juveniles), but found no evidence for this. The IG-prey laid fewer eggs on patches with cues of IG-predators than on patches without cues. Hence, IG-prey changed their distribution and oviposition in response to cues of IG-predators. This might weaken the strength of IG-predation, possibly providing more opportunities for IG-prey and IG-predators to co-exist.
Choh
Yasuyuki
Y
Section of Population Biology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
van der Hammen
Tessa
T
Sabelis
Maurice W
MW
Janssen
Arne
A
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D017753:Ecosystem; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D020387:Food Chain; D008925:Mites / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D010058:Oviposition / Q000502:physiology*; D010063:Ovum / Q000502:physiology; D011235:Predatory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors