Divergent host acceptance behavior suggests host specialization in populations of the polyphagous mite Abacarus hystrix (Acari: Prostigmata: Eriophyidae).

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.