First Records ofBrevipalpus lewisiMcGregor (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) in South Africa, with Notes on Distribution and Field Ecology

Abstract

The presence of Brevipalpus lewisi (Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) is reported from South Africa for the first time. Previously this mite was a listed phytosanitary pest to South Africa, and entry of infested goods was prohibited. During a country-wide survey, B. lewisi was found on grapevine in the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces. It has not been found in other provinces or on other crops, most notably on citrus, on which it is considered a pest in other countries. Brevipalpus lewisi was regularly collected together with several other mite species, including predatory species. Other Brevipalpus species collected were B. californicus and B. obovatus on grapevine and citrus and B. yothersi on grapevine.