Data for: Biomechanical adaptations enable phoretic mite species to occupy distinct spatial niches on host burying beetles

Niche theory predicts that ecologically similar species coexist by minimising interspecific competition through niche partitioning. Therefore understanding the mechanisms of niche partitioning is essential for predicting interactions and coexistence between competing organisms. Here we study two phoretic mite species, Poecilochirus carabi, and Macrocheles nataliae that coexist on the same host-burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides and use it to ‘hitchhike’ between reproductive sites. Field observations revealed clear spatial partitioning between species in distinct host body parts. P. carabi preferred the ventral side of the thorax, whereas M. nataliae were exclusively found ventrally at the hairy base of the abdomen. Experimental manipulations of mite density showed that each species preferred these body parts, largely regardless of the density of the other mite species on the host beetle. Force measurements indicated that this spatial distribution is mediated by biomechanical adapta..., We explored the spatial niche partitioning between two phoretic mite, Poecilochirus carabi, and Macrocheles nataliae, that coexist on the host-burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides. We further provided evidence with biomechanic approaches to reveal the underlying adaptive values of attachment to beetle's cuticle surface. We first surveyed the natural densities of mites on field-collected beetles, and determined their preferred attachment sites on beetles. Next, we manipulated densities of both mites to investigate how intra- and inter-specific interactions influenced mite spatial distribution. Using electron microscopy, we quantified the cuticle surface of all beetle body parts and mite attachment devices. To further assess if mite preference for specific attachment sites is adaptive, we tested mite attachment to both beetle surface and artificial test substrates. Together, we showed that specialised mite attachment to different beetle's body parts mediate spatial niche partitioning a..., , # This is the repository for data and codes used in mite biomechanics paper Biomechanical adaptations mediate spatial niche partitioning between phoretic mite species on burying beetles

Syuan-Jyun Sun1,2,† ,*, Simon Chen1,†, Walter Federle1, and Rebecca M. Kilner1

1 Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK. 2 International Degree Program in Climate Change and Sustainable Development, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan

†These authors contributed equally to this study.

*Corresponding author: Syuan-Jyun Sun Email:

We explored the spatial niche partitioning between two phoretic mite, Poecilochirus carabi and Macrocheles nataliae, that coexist on the host burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides. We further provided evidence with biomechanic approaches to reveal the underlying adaptive values of attachment to beetle's cuticle surface. We first surveyed the natural densities of mites on field-collected beetles, and determined th...