Mite damage provides refuges and affects preference and performance of a subsequent herbivorous moth

Damage by herbivores often modifies plant structure and physiology, which may change the behaviour performance of future herbivores. Here, we studied such interactions among major coconut pest, mite Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae), two minor pests, Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum Tarsonemidae) moth Atheloca bondari (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). All these species develop in meristematic zone coconuts, is difficult to access because small opening between epicarp perianth. Both mites cause necrosis on nuts, facilitate caterpillars moth. However, co-occur predominantly with A. not S. concavuscutum. We show that did colonize nuts without colonized most frequently, agreement openings caused this caterpillar size. When perianth was artificially increased, also offered a choice, preferred easy region, regardless presence mites. Caterpillars performed better guerreronis-infested than other but females preferentially oviposit bunches infested Hence, caterpillars, adults, select suitable feeding sites within bunch facilitates infestation coconuts bondari. discuss how damage affects relevance as pest.