Mite infestation of xanthocnemis zealandica in a christchurch pond

Abstract

Infestation of the common redcoat damselfly Xanthocnemis zealandica (McLachlan) with larval water mites (Arrenurus spp.) was examined in a single Canterbury population during November‐December 2001. Tenerals (immature adult damselflies) of both male and female morphs (androchrome and gynochrome) showed a similar prevalence of infestation, higher than the prevalence of infestation found in mature adults. As anticipated, mature adult males were more frequently infested than mature females, but there was no evidence that infestation reduced the mating activity of males. Up to 62 mites were found per infested host, although mean mite burdens were not significantly related to the size, gender or morph of the hosts. © 2003 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.