Cryptic inhabitants of a noxious weed: Mites (Arachnida: Acari) on Lantana camara L. invading forests in Queensland

Abstract

AbstractIn native forests in Queensland, more than 50 species of mites can be found on the leaves of the invasive weed Lantana camara, including two lantana specialists: the eriophyoid leaf vagrant Rhynacus kraussi and the lantana flower mite Proctolaelaps lobatus. Three exotic pests with broad host ranges are co‐invading native forests on lantana: the privet mite Brevipalpus obovatus; the passionvine mite Brevipalpus phoenicis; and the prickly pear spider mite Tetranychus desertorum. In south‐eastern Queensland, privet mite was present at three‐quarters of the sites sampled, even on isolated plants deep within national parks. A diverse fauna of mostly Australasian endemic natural enemies also colonise lantana; 37 species of predatory mites were identified (including 25 species of Phytoseiidae) and a pathogenic fungus was found attacking prickly pear spider mite in tropical Queensland. Therefore, largely without notice and with unknown consequences, several introduced agricultural pests have invaded native forests on a noxious weed and a host of native natural enemies have responded. The latter could be a severe problem for any mite introduced into Australia to control lantana.