Pediculaster–host relationships (Acari: Siteroptidae)

Abstract

Pediculaster species are mites that are associated mainly with Diptera. They occupy very specific attachment sites on their host and have a specialised morph for dispersal. This suggests a long-standing relationship with their hosts. Based on a modified version of Athias-Binche’s (1994) eco-physiological phoretic categories, the Pediculaster species of this study are obligate phoretics in their natural habitat. Using a statistically determined host preference index, I propose to put P. morelliae, P. gautengensis, and P. gracilis into the eco-ethological category, and P. norrbomialis into the stenoxenous category