A horizontally transferred cyanase gene in the spider mite Tetranychus urticae is involved in cyanate metabolism and is differentially expressed upon host plant change

► A laterally transferred cyanase gene was detected in herbivorous spider mites. ► The cyanase enzyme was functionally active in Tetranychus urticae. ► Within Metazoa, cyanases were only detected in nematodes and spider mites. ► T. urticae can alter cyanase expression after introduction to new host plants. ► Cyanase activity might relate to cyanogenesis or plant quality as a food source.