Spatial distribution and inbreeding in Tetranychus urticae

In group living, species spatial distribution results from responses to environmental heterogeneity and/or Mutual interactions between individuals. These Mutual interactions can be regulated by genetic and/or epigenetic factors In this study, We focus Oil genetic factors and investigate how the spatial distribution of some individuals colonizing a new environment IS Influenced by inbreeding. Our biological model is Tetranychus urticae, a phytophagous mite considered as a major pest of many cultivated plants Groups or T urticae were composed of individuals from Successive inbreeding (sister-brother sib-mating). Our results show that the inter-individual distances increase with inbreeding. Indeed, inbreeding level seems to be an important factor affecting the intra-plant spatial distribution of mites. These results confirm that mites have the capability to discriminate their kin and, moreover, that they are able to accurately perceive differences between close relatives from sib-mating lines. To cite this article: G. Le Goff et al., C R. Biologies 332 (2009). (C) 2009 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS All rights reserved