First characterization of a highly specialized ecological network composed by gall-inducing mites and their host plants

ABSTRACT

Here, we describe for the first time the structure of a network composed by gall-inducing mites and their host plants. Species and interactions were sampled from 2004 to 2008 in Nitra City Park in Nitra, Slovakia. The plant–mite network was composed of 31 mite species (29 eriophyid and two phytoptid species), 24 host plant species and 40 distinct interactions. The network was characterized by a very low connectance (5.37% of potential interactions) and a high level of modularity. Our results confirm previous studies that indicated the high specificity of interactions involving gall-inducing mites and their host plants.

KEYWORDS:

• Eriophyidae
• galling mites
• Phytoptidae
• plant-animal interactions
• specialization

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.