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.

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