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The life strategies of mites

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The Acari

Abstract

This study tries to discern life strategies developed by mites. The concept of adaptive strategy is defined, and the methodology followed is justified. Six species, considered as models of mites living in contrasting habitats, are compared: Steganacarus magnus (Nic.) (Oribatida), Adoristes ovatus (Koch) (Oribatida), Nothrus palustris Koch (Oribatida), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trt) (Acaridada), Tetranychus urticae Koch (Actinedida) and Hypodectes propus (Nitzsch) (Acaridida). For each population-environment system, the degree of selectivity of the habitat is estimated in relation to its constraints and perturbations. The main state variables of the mite populations are described (especially density and spatial structure), as well as ontogenetic and demographic features (phenology of immature development and life history). Finally, dispersal and certain behavioural traits are taken into account, in order to complete the study. Comparisons between these models clearly reveal gradients ranging from the saprophagous Oribatida to the parasitic Acaridida. The significance of these gradients is discussed in connection with the environmental characteristics of the mite populations chosen.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unité d’Ecologie et de Biogéographie, Université Catholique de Louvian, Place Croix du Sud 5, B-1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

    Ph. Lebrun

  2. Centre d’Acarologie I.R.S.I.A., Place Croix du Sud 5, B-1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

    G. Van Impe

  3. Laboratorium voor Ectoparasitologie en Woonmilieu, Rijksuniversiteit Utrecht, Catharijnesingel 101, NL-3511, GV Utrecht, The Netherlands

    D. De Saint Georges-Gridelet

  4. Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique, Rue Vautier 29, B-1040, Bruxelles, Belgium

    G. Wauthy

  5. Musée Royal de l’Afrique Centrale, B-1980, Tervuren, Belgium

    H. M. Andre

Authors
  1. Ph. Lebrun
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  2. G. Van Impe
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  3. D. De Saint Georges-Gridelet
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  4. G. Wauthy
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  5. H. M. Andre
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© 1991 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Lebrun, P., Van Impe, G., De Saint Georges-Gridelet, D., Wauthy, G., Andre, H.M. (1991). The life strategies of mites. In: The Acari. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-3102-5_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-3102-5_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-5374-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-3102-5

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