Mating behaviour, mate choice, and reproduction in Tyrophagus curvipenis (Acari: Acaridae)

In Tyrophagus curvipenis, copulation lasts substantially longer than pre-copulation latency, and mating frequency significantly alters oviposition period, daily oviposition rate, and total fecundity.

• Why it matters: Mating behaviour, mate choice, and repeated mating can shape reproductive output, yet these links are poorly quantified for many mite species.
• What they did: The study described mating sequence and measured pre-copulation latency and copulation duration, tested kinship and mating-status mate choice, and compared female reproduction under one mate, two mates, and unlimited access.
• The result: Neither sex preferred siblings versus unrelated partners, males preferred virgin partners, and copulation duration was shorter with previously mated partners; unlimited mating produced the longest oviposition period and most eggs.

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