Lechosław Kuczyński

Cryptic species within the wheat curl mite Aceria tosichella (Keifer) (Acari : Eriophyoidea), revealed by mitochondrial, nuclear and morphometric data

Abstract. The wheat curl mite (WCM), Aceria tosichella (Keifer, 1969), is one of the primary pests of wheat and other cereals throughout the world. Traditional taxonomy recognises WCM as a single eriophyoid species; however, a recent study suggested that two genetic lineages of WCM in Australia might represent putative species. Here, we investigate WCM populations from different host plants in Australia, South America and Europe and test the hypothesis that WCM is, in fact, a complex of cryptic species. We used morphological data in combination with nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and nuclear D2 region of 28S rDNA and internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1, ITS2) sequences. The molecular analyses did not support the monophyly of A. tosichella because the outgroup A. tulipae (Keifer, 1938) is grouped within WCM. The molecular datasets indicated the existence of distinct lineages within WCM, with the distances between lineages corresponding to interspecific divergence. Morphological analyses failed to clearly separate WCM populations and lineages, but completely separated A. tulipae from A. tosichella. The results suggest that what has been recognised historically as a single species is, in fact, a complex of several genetically isolated evolutionary lineages that demonstrate potential as cryptic species. Hence, their discrimination using solely morphological criteria may be misleading. These findings are particularly significant because of the economic importance of WCM as a direct pest and vector of plant viruses.

Morphological variation in different host populations of Abacarus hystrix (Acari: Prostigmata: Eriophyoidea).

The present systematic classification of Eriophyoidea is widelyrecognised as artificial and not reflecting plant-herbivore linkage.Quantitative description of host-related morphological variation can providethebasic information needed to improve the eriophyoid taxonomic system and enhanceour understanding of mechanisms generating this variation. The purpose of thisstudy was to investigate quantitative morphological traits of populations ofcereal rust mite Abacarus hystrix living on different hosts. Threepopulations of A. hystrix collected from different grasses(Lolium perenne, Bromus inermis and Elytrigiarepens) were examined morphologically. MANOVA analysis revealedsignificant differences in vectors of means among the three populations.Discriminant analysis yielded 11 traits that significantly differentiate thethree populations. Analysis of canonical loadings showed that traits, whichbestdiscriminate the populations living on different hosts, are: body elongation,length of setae and overall body size. Host-dependent morphological variationisinterpreted in terms of adaptation to specific environmental conditions createdby the host. Hypotheses on the sources of this variation are discussed.

Is the cereal rust mite, Abacarus hystrix really a generalist? - : Testing colonization performance on novel hosts

The majority of eriophyoid mites are highly host specific and restricted to a narrow range of acceptable host plant species. The cereal rust mite, Abacarus hystrix was considered to be one of a few exceptions among them and has been found to be using a relatively wide host range. Since this species is a vagrant, inhabiting short-lived plants and aerially dispersing, it has commonly been considered to be a host generalist. Here the opposite hypothesis is tested, that host populations of A. hystrix are specialized on their local host plants and may represent host races. For this purpose, females from two host populations (quack grass, Agropyron repens and ryegrass, Lolium perenne) were transferred, and subsequently reared, on their normal (grass species from which females came from) and novel (other grass species) hosts. The females fitness was assessed by survival and fecundity on the normal and novel host. Females of both populations had no success in the colonization of the novel host. They survived significantly better and had significantly higher fecundity on their normal host than on the novel one. These findings correspond with observations on host-dependent phenotype variability and host acceptance. The presence of locally specialized host populations in A. hystrix may be evidence for high host specificity among eriophyoids and the viruses they transmit. The main conclusion is that A. hystrix, which so far has been considered as a host generalist, in fact may be a complex species consisting of highly specialized host races.

Divergent Host Acceptance Behavior Suggests Host Specialization in Populations of the Polyphagous Mite Abacarus hystrix (Acari: Prostigmata: Eriophyidae)

Abstract For phytophagous arthropods, host acceptance behavior is a key character responsible for host plant specialization. The grain rust mite, Abacarus hystrix (Nalepa), is an obligately phytophagous, polyphagous eriophyid mite recorded from at least 70 grass species. In this study, the hypothesis that two host populations of this mite (one collected from quackgrass and the other from ryegrass) are highly host-specific was tested using behavioral data. For this purpose, female behavior when exposed to familiar and novel host plants was observed in no-choice cross experiments. Altogether, 13 variables were used to describe mite behavior. Data were subjected to principal component analysis, and host acceptance behavior was subsequently tested with generalized estimating equations (GEE). Distinct variation in female behavior between familiar and novel hosts was observed. Females from neither population accepted novel hosts. This was recorded as significant differences in the occupation of and overall activity on particular plant parts. On their familiar host, females were not active and showed little tendency to move. On novel hosts females were more active and mobile, spending more time walking, running, and climbing on the whole plant surface and showing a tendency to disperse. Other differences in behavior between studied populations were also observed. Thus, the results suggest that mites of these two studied populations (1) differ in their behaviors during plant exploitation and (2) can quickly distinguish between their familiar host and an unfamiliar host used by a conspecific. These findings support the hypothesis of narrow host specialization of ryegrass and quackgrass populations of this highly polyphagous species.

Cryptic speciation in the Acari: a function of species lifestyles or our ability to separate species?

There are approximately 55,000 described Acari species, accounting for almost half of all known Arachnida species, but total estimated Acari diversity is reckoned to be far greater. One important source of currently hidden Acari diversity is cryptic speciation, which poses challenges to taxonomists documenting biodiversity assessment as well as to researchers in medicine and agriculture. In this review, we revisit the subject of biodiversity in the Acari and investigate what is currently known about cryptic species within this group. Based on a thorough literature search, we show that the probability of occurrence of cryptic species is mainly related to the number of attempts made to detect them. The use of, both, DNA tools and bioassays significantly increased the probability of cryptic species detection. We did not confirm the generally-accepted idea that species lifestyle (i.e. free-living vs. symbiotic) affects the number of cryptic species. To increase detection of cryptic lineages and to understand the processes leading to cryptic speciation in Acari, integrative approaches including multivariate morphometrics, molecular tools, crossing, ecological assays, intensive sampling, and experimental evolution are recommended. We conclude that there is a demonstrable need for future investigations focusing on potentially hidden mite and tick species and addressing evolutionary mechanisms behind cryptic speciation within Acari.

Breeding biology of the hooded crow Corvus corone cornix in Warta river valley (W Poland)

Abstract. The study area (16 km2) in “Ujście Warty” National Park, W Poland — was the valley of a lowland river at its confluence with the River Odra, covered by a mosaic of grassy vegetation and willow scrub. 111 breeding attempts were recorded during 2000–2002. The mean nest density (3.2 nests/km2) was higher than that recorded by other authors in agricultural landscapes, but lower than in urban areas. The nest construction was adapted to fit young willow trees. The mean clutch size was similar to that recorded in other populations (4.43), but eggs were smaller (41.2 mm × 29.1 mm). The hatching success was lower (76%) in comparison with other studies, but the mean number of fledglings (2.15 per nest and 2.96 per nest in successful broods) was relatively high. The main reasons for losses were unhatched eggs, predators, starved nestlings and poor nest construction. We hypothesise that the smaller egg size and lower hatching success recorded in this population was due to unfavourable and unpredictable feeding conditions (floods) during the period of egg formation and egg laying. Later in the season, receding floodwaters laid bare areas suitable for foraging on invertebrates; waterfowl eggs also became readily available. Predation was low (lack of nonbreeding stock of Hooded Crow). As a result of good conditions during chick rearing, the overall reproductive output was relatively high in comparison with other populations.

Demography of the cereal rust mite Abacarus hystrix (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on quack grass.

Demography parameters of the cereal rust mite Abacarus hystrix (Nalepa) on quack grass were studied to investigate its potential capacity of population increase in conditions of initially low density. The experiment was maintained under laboratory conditions at a constant temperature of 19.5–20.5 °C and 94 ± 1% RH. Life-history data were used to calculate duration of developmental stages, survival of adults and rates of population increase. A new method of estimation of age-dependent fecundity is proposed. On average, eggs required 7.98 (n = 33, 95% CI: 7.68–8.21) days to develop into adults. Life expectancy of females was longer than that of males (9.72 and 5.41 days, respectively). The mean sex ratio, expressed as the proportion of females, was 0.80 (n = 122, CI: 0.71–0.86). The reproductive output for females was age-dependent and daily egg production reached a peak (3.83 eggs/day, CI: 2.50–5.15) on the 5th day, and then decreased steeply. The net reproductive rate (R0) was 10.12 female progeny per female per generation, the generation time (T) was 11.31 days, the intrinsic rate of increase (r) was 0.20 female progeny per female per day, and the finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.23 female progeny per day. These estimates showed that A. hystrix has a great potential capacity for rapid population increase when colonising new hosts and its density is low. Therefore, we conclude that the population of the cereal rust mite on quack grass may rapidly build up to very high densities and can be a reservoir population, which may easily disperse and infest other, including cultivated, grasses.

Measuring the host specificity of plant-feeding mites based on field data - a case study of the Aceria species

For the majority of eriophyoid species, host ranges have been established purely on the basis of collection records, usually without quantitative data. The aim of this study was to: (1) quantitatively examine published literature to explore whether relevant analyses of field-collected quantitative data were used to assess host specificity of herbivores; (2) propose a protocol for data analysis that could be applied to plant-feeding mites; (3) analyse host specificity of the grass-feeding Aceria species as a case study. Field data were collected in Central and Northern Europe over a period of 11 years, and included 73 grass species. For the eight Aceria species found, infestation parameters and host specificity indexes were assessed. Accumulation curves were calculated to study how the sampling effort influenced estimates of host specificity indexes. A literature analysis showed that among the studies that declared an aim of estimating the host range only 56% of them applied any quantitative analysis or informed on estimation reliability. The analysis of field-collected data and its interpretation showed the most complete and reliable conclusions about the host specificity of Aceria species when all indices were considered and, if available, other information about the mite’s ecology and biology. It was shown that estimates of host specificity could be strongly affected by sampling effort, and that several hundreds of samples should be collected for measuring the host specificity of grass-infesting mites, at least. Recommendations regarding host specificity estimation on the basis of field data are given.

Factors affecting flushing distance in incubating female greylag geese Anser anser

Abstract We studied risk-taking behaviour of breeding greylag geese Anser anser in western Poland. Our objectives were to test predictions resulting from the parental investment theory by observing variation in flushing distance for incubating females in relation to clutch size, stage of incubation, nest type and number of human visits to the nests. We found that the best predictor of flushing distance was the stage of breeding; a negative relationship was observed between the number of incubation days and the observed flushing distance. Hence, females showed more risky behaviour (shortening their flushing distance) in clutches with a higher probability of hatching, i.e. in agreement with the parental investment theory. We found only a small effect of clutch size in relation to flushing distance and not in the direction expected from the parental investment theory, i.e. females incubating the largest clutches demonstrated the largest escape distance. This finding may be due to unknown age and experience of particular females which, at least potentially, may underlie the observed variation in flushing distance. We also found that females adjusted their flushing distance depending on nest location and potentially different concealment. We found no effect of repeated human visits. Flushing distance was nearly significantly shorter in unsuccessful females (whose nests were later destroyed) than in successful females. Hypotheses explaining risk-taking differentiation patterns in greylag geese are discussed. Our findings suggest that using exclusively flushing distance (or another single behavioural measure of response to human disturbance) might be misleading and should be used carefully for managing access to wildlife areas.

Spatial Distribution of Galls Caused by Aculus tetanothrix (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on Arctic Willows

Abstract.The distribution of galls caused by Aculus tetanothrix (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on three Salix species was studied. The factors influencing this distribution were analysed, i.e. willow species, study area and shoot length. Spatial pattern of gall distribution within the shoot was also examined. The study was conducted in Russia, Kola Peninsula. Densities of galls caused by A. tetanothrix differed significantly among willow species. Considerably higher gall density was recorded in the White Sea coast than in the Khibiny Mountains. This may be explained by the influence of a milder maritime climate that favors mite occurrence compared to a harsh and variable mountain climate that limits mite abundance. There was no relationship between the gall density and the shoot length. The highest density of galls was recorded on the inner offshoots; within the offshoot, there was a maximum density on the fifth leaf. This pattern was repeatable for all shoots studied, independent of the study area, willow species and length of shoots, suggesting the optimal conditions for A. tetanothrix exist on leaves in the middle part of a shoot. This distribution pattern may be an effect of the trade-off between the costs and benefits resulting from leaf quality and mite movement along the shoot. This hypothesis, however, needs to be tested experimentally.