Nomenclatural notes on the names Gaeolaelaps and Geolaelaps (Acari: Laelapidae)

Abstract

The genus-group names Geolaelaps and Gaeolaelaps (Acari: Laelapidae) are in widespread use in the formal taxonomic literature of acarology, for a genus or subgenus of predatory soil mites. They are also in use in the literature of ecology and agriculture, especially in discussions of the biological control of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), and sciarid larvae and gnats of the genus Bradysia, in greenhouse vegetables and ornamentals (Zhang, 2003). Examples of usage in mite taxonomy are Karg (1971), Evans & Till (1979) and Casanueva (1993) (Gaeolaelaps), and Karg (1979, 1993) and Xu & Liang (1996) (Geolaelaps). Examples of usage in ecology and agriculture include House et al. (1987) (Gaeolaelaps) and Gillespie & Quiring (1990) (Geolaelaps). There are many other examples of usage of both of these names in both print and internet documents, and there is considerable confusion surrounding their spelling and authorship. The purpose of this note is to resolve that confusion.