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Aerodynamic advantages of upside down take-off for aerial dispersal in Tetranychus spider mites

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Abstract

Aerial dispersal may be important for redistribution of spider mites into new habitats. Evidence for behavioral control of aerial take-off has been well documented for Tetranychus urticae Koch. Before aerial dispersal they exhibit the aerial take-off posture that involves lifting the forelegs upright and raising the forebody. However, whether the aerial take-off posture functions to increase drag has remained unclear. The objectives of this study were to clarify: (i) aerodynamic effects of the aerial take-off posture; and (ii) actual aerial take-off behavior in T. urticae. To evaluate the aerodynamic forces experienced by grounded spider mites in different postures, we constructed three-dimensional models of T. urticae, exhibiting the aerial take-off posture and the normal posture, using computer graphics. We found that the aerial take-off posture was effective in receiving greater rearward forces from wind rather than upward forces. As a result, aerial take-off from a horizontal platform is unlikely. Instead, inverted departure surfaces, e.g., lower leaf surfaces, with inclines are likely to be effective sites for take-off. Laboratory experiments and field observations indicated that the mites preferentially adopted such a position for orientation and take-off. Our findings provided a rationale for the take-off behavior of Tetranychus spider mites.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the 21st Century Centers of Excellence Program of Innovative Food and Environmental Studies Pioneered by Entomomimetic Sciences at Kyoto University.

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  1. S. Kubota

    Present address: Deciduous Fruit Tree Branch, Shizuoka Prefectural Citrus Experiment Station, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-2102, Japan

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Ecological Information, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan

    Mh. Osakabe & A. Kasai

  2. Laboratory of Field Robotics, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan

    H. Isobe, R. Masuda & M. Umeda

  3. Fuji Branch, Shizuoka Tea Experiment Station, Fuji, Shizuoka, 417-0862, Japan

    S. Kubota

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  1. Mh. Osakabe
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  2. H. Isobe
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  3. A. Kasai
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  4. R. Masuda
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  5. S. Kubota
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Correspondence to Mh. Osakabe.

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Osakabe, M., Isobe, H., Kasai, A. et al. Aerodynamic advantages of upside down take-off for aerial dispersal in Tetranychus spider mites. Exp Appl Acarol 44, 165–183 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-008-9141-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-008-9141-2

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