Case 3780 – Typhlodromus californicus McGregor, 1954 (currently Neoseiulus californicus; Arachnida, Acari, Mesostigmata, Phytoseiidae): proposed conservation of current usage by designation of a neotype

Abstract

The purpose of this application, under Article 75.6 of the Code, is to conserve the current universal usage of the name Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor, 1954) (Phytoseiidae) for a mite species that is used worldwide as a commercial biological control agent. The type specimens of Typhlodromus californicusMcGregor, 1954 and of its putative synonym T. mungeriMcGregor, 1954, both formerly considered lost, were recently located and studied. After examination, it is clear that the current concept of N. californicus is not consistent with the type material and represents a distinct species. Furthermore, the T. californicus and T. mungeri types match the morphological characters of N. barkeriHughes, 1948, for which the lectotype and a paralectotype were examined. It is proposed that the previous type fixations for nominal species N. californicus be set aside, and that a neotype specimen consistent with the current universal usage of the name N. californicus be designated.