Evidence for Conspecificity of Aculus cornutus and A. fockeui (Acari: Eriophyidae), Rust Mites of Prunus Fruit Trees

Abstract

Eriophyid mites of the genus Aculus Keifer collected from the peach (Prunus persica [L.]), at Moreno, Riverside Co., Calif., reproduced and increased in numbers on excised leaves of the following palearctic species: myrobalan plum, Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., mahaleb cherry, Prunus mahaleb L., sweet cherry, Prunus avium (L.) var. sylvestris , and P. persica . The mites did not reproduce on the following nearctic species: Prunus hortulana L. H. Bailey, Prunus maritima Marsh., Prunus subcordata Benth., and Prunus virginiana L. var. melanocarpa. Mites of the genus Aculus collected from the prune, Prunus domestica L., at Yakima, Wash., reproduced and increased in numbers on excised leaves of P. persica and P. domestica . Feeding by Aculus from peaches caused chlorotic spots on young peach leaves and young myrobalan plum leaves. Aculus from peaches in Moreno and prunes in Yakima reproduced on either host. Females from either host visited spermatophores of males from the other host and subsequently produced predominantly female progeny, an indication of fertilization of eggs. F1 females produced viable eggs from which, in the absence of spermatophores, F2 males were produced. F2 males produced spermatophores.