Spider mites avoid caterpillar traces to prevent intraguild predation

The phytophagous spider mites Tetranychus kanzawai and urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) can be as small < 0.5 mm; thus, they are often incidentally consumed along with food plant leaves by voracious lepidopteran larvae (hereafter, ‘caterpillars’; Shirotsuka Yano, 2012). Therefore, the ability to avoid such intraguild predation should confer a selective advantage mites. We experimentally demonstrated that adult females of both mite species avoided settling on traces all tested caterpillar (Bombyx mori, Papilio xuthus, Spodoptera litura, Theretra oldenlandiae). examined additional interactions using B. mori T. found trace avoidance lasted for more than 48 h. also stems, which access leaves. Moreover, acetone extracts applied filter paper, indicating chemical substances responsible avoidance. This study is first demonstration repellent effect herbivore chemicals heterospecific herbivores. Although have developed resistance against many synthetic pesticides (Attia et al., 2013; Van Leeuwen 2010), this showed potential natural compounds simulating in repelling from agricultural crops.