An Initial Survey on Insect Associated Mites of South Bengal

Abstract

A preliminary study related to mites associated in the insects is given in this article. Ten species of mites under nine families collected from six orders of insects from South Bengal are reported here giving collection data and biological information. Keywords - Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Insects, Lepidoptera, Mites, Odonata, South Bengal Insects were collected from different agricultural and horticultural fields located in South 24 Paraganas, district of West Bengal with the help of a collecting net and light trap. The insect specimens thus collected were thoroughly examined under a stereo-binocular microscope for collecting the mites associated with them. The insect groups collected and examined for mites were members of the orders Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Odonata. Different parts of the insect body like the underside of proboscis and elytra, wing base, legs, area between head and thorax, antennae, etc. were examined for collection of mites. The collected mite specimens were temporarily mounted in lactic acid for microscopic observation. Permanent slides were prepared in Hoyer's medium. The slide mounted specimens were examined and identified under a research microscope, following appropriate identification keys and literature. The identification of host insects was made mostly by the experts of the Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.