Abstract
Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) is an important family of predatory mites, with some species being commercialized as biological control agents for the control of phytophagous mites and small insects. In Peru, 65 species of this family have been recorded so far, with Amblyseius being the most diverse genus, with 11 species. The aim of this study is to report for the first time the presence of Amblyseius tamatavensis Blommers, 1974 in Peru. In South America, this species has so far been reported only in Brazil and Venezuela. In Peru, A. tamatavensis was found on orange plants [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] in the district of Pangoa, department of Júnin. In the laboratory, collected specimens were observed to feed on Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmed, 1879) (Acari: Eriophyidae) and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande, 1895) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Studies to verify the potential of this species as a biological control agent for pests occurring in Peru should be conducted. A key to the Amblyseius species recorded in Peru is presented.
Highlights
Phytoseiidae (Mesostigmata) is an important family of predatory mites, with some species being commercialized as biological control agents for the control of phytophagous mites and small insects (McMurtry et al 2013)
In August 2015, samples of branches, leaves and fruits of orange plants [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Rutaceae)] were collected from a grove adjacent to an area of native vegetation of the type known as “Bosque Pluvial Montano Tropical” (Pulgar-Vidal 1996), located in Satipo Province, Pangoa district, Junín department (11°23’03” S; 74°29’10” W; 650m asl.), Peru. These were stored in plastic bags, in turn placed in paper bags and transported to a laboratory for examination under a dissecting microscope
The phytoseiids were identified as Amblyseius tamatavensis Blommers, 1974, described from Madagascar and widely distributed, mainly in tropical areas (Demite et al 2021); it occurs on every continent except Antarctica and Europe
Summary
Phytoseiidae (Mesostigmata) is an important family of predatory mites, with some species being commercialized as biological control agents for the control of phytophagous mites and small insects (McMurtry et al 2013). This family has more than 2800 described species, 65 of which are known from Peru. Phytophagous mites of the family Eriophyidae were found and mounted on microscope slides, in Berlese medium.
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