Abstract
The monotypic genus Iphiseius is represented by only Iphiseius degenerans (Berlese) (Acari: Phytoseiidae). This species, which is one of the most common predatory mites in citrus orchards in Mediterranean countries, is an important biological control agent of various pests that include thrips, whiteflies and spider mites. This species was included in a brief report of the Turkish fauna some 50 years ago. However, there was no morphological information, illustrations or collection details of the examined specimens, except for its host plant, sour lemon, and an unknown locality in Mersin Province, Turkey. Since that time, extensive surveys conducted in citrus plantations in both Mersin and Adana Provinces have not confirmed its presence. However, in 2008, 2011 and 2013, a natural population of I. degenerans was encountered in Anıtlı town, near the border with Antalya Province, where it was associated with thrips on a non-cultivated host, Hedera helix L. (Araliaceae). In this study, we re-describe I. degenerans, based on both female and male specimens, and provide all morphological details. The DNAs of the specimens were successfully isolated and amplified using an internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene marker by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the DNA sequence of the amplified region, as well as other sequences deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The phylogenetic tree and genetic divergence were constructed and estimated, respectively, using the Jukes and Cantor models, respectively. There were no morphological differences in comparison to other populations of I. degenerans. This result was confirmed by the molecular study as no genetic divergence with other populations was found. The results of this study will be useful for further systematic studies on theTurkish Phytoseiidae, and would also help non-expert, phytoseiid taxonomists to correctly identify I. degenerans.
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