PHORESY AS MIGRATION ‐ SOME FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS OF PHORESY IN MITES

Summary I. The dispersive role of mite phoresy, which has merely been presumed, is presented in the light of modern theories of migration with the aim of its characterization behaviourally, ecologically and physiologically. II. Data on phoresy accords well with modern, behavioural definitions of migration, as a phase of the depression of growth‐promoting functions, during which the phoretic mite is transported while it shows a special readiness for being moved. III. Thus, modern definitions of migration encompass ‘passive’ movements which, none the less, involve active phases of seeking out of the host. IV. An examination of mite loads suggests that phoresy is most effective where the host gathers within the range of the mite; hence the association of phoresy with micro‐habitats between which the mite requires to be carried. Monocultural plant‐stands and ecological climaxes are not characterized by phoretic associations. V. The role of phoretic mites in colonization is clarified, in that phoretic migration is associated with sub‐climactic communities. Thus, phoresy is invited where habitats are discrete and temporary, in which case it is manifest, as typical of migration, as a means of colonizing and exploiting irregularly changing habitats by r ‐selected, pre‐reproductive individuals. VI. Waiting‐stages, marked by the depression of growth‐promoting functions, occur within the life‐cycle of the phoretic mite. The ‘hypopus facies' characterize the typical phoretic stage, whose association with the host is an adaptation for survival in extreme environments. VII. Attachment pattern is a function of specificity towards the host. Structural and behavioural adaptations for attachment are developed and some sensory mechanisms have been shown, as have some physiological relationships with changes in the substrate; these changes also affect detachment. VIII. That phoresy is not caused by unfavourable conditions but is related to those that allow optimum dispersal is supported by sound evidence. IX. Physiologically, waiting stages have analogies with diapause which, together with migration, have been characterized by a temporary failure of the migrant to respond, by further growth and development, to the conditions that will eventually promote these processes. X. With phoresy are contrasted relations, between mite and insect, where the association is assured and more or less permanent. XI. The study of phoresy is very fragmented. However, a case has now been made for putting the dispersive role of phoresy beyond presumption, so that phoretic associations can clearly be fitted into modern treatments of migration.