Background: The sexually selected sperm hypothesis predicts that selection will favour female multiple mating by increasing the sperm competitive abilities of their sons. Hypothesis: Sons of multiply mated females should have higher sperm competitive abilities than sons of singly mated females. Organism: The bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus robini (Acari: Acaridae). Methods: Rhizoglyphus is a highly pro...

Although variation in male fertilization efficiency has been shown to have a genetic basis in several species, the genes responsible for the effect are generally unknown. Here, we show a strong association between the fertilization success of males and their phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (Pgdh) genotype in the bulb mite Rhizoglyphus robini. Males homozygous for the slow (S) allele fathered a s...

Sexual conflict leading to sexual antagonistic coevolution has been hypothesized to drive reproductive isolation in allopatric populations and hence lead to speciation. However, the generality of this speciation mechanism is under debate. We used experimental evolution in the bulb mite Rhizoglyphusrobini to investigate whether sexual conflict promotes reproductive isolation measured comprehensi...

Mites of the genus Rhizoglyphus (Acari: Acaridae) are serious pests plants belonging to orders Liliales and Asparagales such as onions, garlic, lilies, tulips. Their control by synthetic pesticides is becoming problematic a result resistance development in these mites environmental health issues. New pest methods thus need be developed. This review provides an overview studies related bulb mite...