MALE MORPH DETERMINATION IN 2 SPECIES OF ACARID MITES

Male morph was found to be determined in different ways in two species of acarid mites within which morphologically distinct fighter and non fighter males occur. Fighter males sired significantly larger proporti ons of fighters in comparison to nonfighter males in Rhizoglyphus robi nii, but not in Caloglyphus berlesei. The genetic mechanism of male mo rph determination in R. robinii remains unclear: neither single-locus nor polygenic models fit the results of the crosses. Mites fed on a po or diet during development were less likely to develop into fighters i n both species. However, increased density inhibited the development o f fighters in C. berlesei, but not in R. robinii.