Abstract
The present study reports results of a survey carried out mostly on Citrus sp. and Rubus sp. in Georgia. Morphological and molecular (12S rRNA, COI and CytB mtDNA markers) data were analysed in a framework of integrative taxonomy. Eleven species were identified and among them seven are new for the Georgian fauna. Euseius stipulatus and Phytoseius finitimus were the most abundant species during this survey. We assume that Amblyseius eharai, only reported from eastern Asia, was most probably introduced. Neoseiulus californicus, retrieved from uncultivated vegetation, was almost certainly originating from commercial strains. DNA sequences comparisons disclosed phylogenetic closeness between Amblyseius andersoni and Transeius wainsteini, despite these species (i) being morphologically well differentiated and (ii) classified in different genera, thereby questioning the reliability of the genus Transeius. General morphological characters, including measurements, are provided for species for which diagnoses were doubtful.
Highlights
Mites of the family Phytoseiidae are predators used for biological control of mite and small insect pests of various crops (McMurtry and Croft 1997; McMurtry et al 2013; Knapp et al 2018)
Eleven species of Phytoseiidae were identified during this survey, and among them seven are new for the Georgia Fauna
Main features resulting from the survey include (i) the occurrence of common East European species, already retrieved from this country and neighbouring countries, and (ii) the unexpected occurrence of some species, which could be explained by exotic introductions
Summary
Mites of the family Phytoseiidae are predators used for biological control of mite and small insect pests of various crops (McMurtry and Croft 1997; McMurtry et al 2013; Knapp et al 2018). Gaining in the knowledge on the distribution of Phytoseiidae is interesting for meta-analysis approaches aiming to characterise factors affecting diversity at local and global scales (i.e. Tixier et al 2008b; Tixier and Kreiter 2009; Tixier 2018). This information is relevant in biological control studies, by providing background data on the availability of. Acarologia 61(4): 824-844. https://doi.org/10.24349/ m2Rp-WodG natural enemy species / populations adapted to specific environmental conditions or pest availabilities
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