Brevipalpus Phoenicis Research Articles

New records and species of Tetranychidae and Tenuipalpidae (Acarina) from Utah and Idaho

Twenty-three species of spider mites (Tetranychidae) are recognized for Utah and Idaho; three of these are described as new: Br y obi a ne or i bis, Pseudobryobia knowltoni , and Schizotetranychus agropyron. Eleven species of Tenuipalpidae are recorded. Spider mites and false spider mites are relatively well known in only a few regions of the United States such as Arizona and California where economic and native plants have been carefully surveyed. Therefore, it was believed opportune to publish the following records of tetranychoid mites from Utah and Idaho. These records were compiled from numerous collections made by George F. Knowlton, Professor Emeritus of Entomology at Utah State University, 1972-1975. Information on species other than these was taken from Pritchard and Baker (1955 and 1958) and Knowlton and Ma (1950). A total of 24 species of Tetranychidae were determined; Bryobia neoribis , Pseudobryobia knowltoni , and Schizotetranychus agropyron are described as new. Eleven species of Tenuipalpidae were recorded. Tetranychidae Donnadieu, 1875 Bryobia praetiosa Koch Bryobia praetiosa Koch, 1836:8; Pritchard and Baker, 1955:26; Wainstein, 1960:102; Tuttle and Baker, 1968:6. The clover mite (B. praetiosa) is one of the most common species and occurred as follows: Aesculus hippocastanum L. (horse chesnut) ex duff, Logan, Utah, 15 Apr 1973 and 2 May 1974; Agropyron desertorum (Fisch.) Schult. (crested wheatgrass), Duck Creek Camp (Kane Co.), Utah, 5 May 1973 and Holbrook, Idaho, 19 Oct 1972; Agropyron smithii Rydb. (western wheatgrass), Reese Valley (Chicken Creek Canyon), Utah (7,500 ft.), 19 May 1972; Artemisia nova A. Neis., Logan Canyon, Utah, 2 Jul 1973; Artemisia tridentata Nutt. (big sagebrush) ex duff, Logan, Utah, 14 Nov 1972; Chrysanthemum sp., Logan, Utah, 24 Oct 1973; Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pall.) Britton (rabbitbrush), Logan Canyon, Utah, 5 Jun 1973 and Paradise, Utah, 6 Jun 1973; Chrysothamnus sp. ex duff, Snowville, Utah, 15 Nov 1972 and North Logan, Utah, 14 Nov 1972; grasses (not determined), 10 collections (some include duff) from Idaho and Utah, Feb-May 1973; Juniperus sp. ex duff, Black Pine Mt. (Curlew Valley), Idaho, 3 May 1974 and Juniper, Idaho, 15 Nov 1972; moss, Blacksmith Fork Canyon, Utah, 30 Apr and 2 May 1973; Ribes inerme Rydb. (gooseberry), Tony Grove Canyon (Cache Co.), Utah, 30 Jul 1974; and Sarcobatus vermiculatus Torr, (greasewood) ex detritus, Wildcat Hills (Box Elder Co.), Utah, 18 Apr 1974. It was reported by Knowlton and Ma (1950) in Utah on alfalfa, sweetclover, and rabbitbrush. Bryobia rubrioculus (Scheuten) Sannio rubrioculus Scheuten, 1857:104. Bryobia rubrioculus : Tuttle and Baker, 1968:7. Collections were made from Juniperus sp. ex duff, Black Pine (Oneida Co.), Idaho, 3 May 1973; Lonicera sp. (honeysuckle), Hyde Park, Utah, 16 May 1972; Populus tremuloides Michx. ex duff, Monte Cristo, Utah, 21 Jun 1973; Salix sp. ex duff, Mantua, Utah, 17 May 1973; and Sarcobatus vermiculatus Torr, (greasewood) ex duff, Wildcat Hills (Box Elder Co.), Utah, 18 Apr 1974. Bryobia neoribis , n. sp. Figs. 1-7 This species is related to Bryobia ribis Thomas, a European species, but differs in having more slender body setae, in having the inner coxal I seta about twice as long as the outer serrate seta, in having Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Arizona, Yuma Branch Station. Systematic Entomology Laboratory, IIBIII, Agr. Res. Serv., USDA, Beltsville, Maryland 20705.

The false spider mites of northwestern and north central Mexico (Acarina, Tenuipalpidae)

The false spider mites of northwestern and north central Mexico (Acarina, Tenuipalpidae)

Nota sobre ácaros (Acari) atacando fruteira-do-conde (Rollinia sp.)

The flowers of this orchard tree presents six fleshy petals, fused two by two, and disposed propeller like. In the center is a cavity which harbors the cone shaped reproductive organs. An eriophyid mite, described by H. H. Keifer as Aculops flechtmann Keifer, 1972, causes considerable bronzing to the petals (Fig. 1-A). Large numbers of this mite attacking the basis of the reproductive organs causes them to dry and drop. On the young fruits, which are squamous, this mite causes some rusting and small necrotic areas (Fig. 1-B). As the fruit grows these small areas remain dark and barky. Very often the necrotic areas are invaded by the false spider mite Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939), which enlarges the damage. The false spider mite also attacks leaves and green stems; the epidermis of the latter then assumes a barky appearance.

Feeding, Development, and Reproduction of Amblyseius largoensis1 on Various Food Substances

Laboratory experiments were conducted on the reproduction and development of the predaceous mite Amblyseius largoensis Muma when offered various food substances. The young instars developed well and adults reproduced readily on Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes), Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein), Tetranychus cinnabainus (Boisduval), on eggs of 2 moth species, Prays citri Milliere and Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller), on nymphs and pupae of Retithrips syriacus Mayet, on a nematode, Panagrellus sp., and on the pollen of Carpobrotus acinaciformis (Mesembryanthemum) . Although A. largoensis developed on the honeydew of Planococcus citri (Risso) and Toxoptera aurantii (Fonscolombe), but poorly on Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead), reproduction was low on both P. citri honeydew and P. oleivora , and completely absent on T. aurantii honeydew. Similarly the predators succeeded in developing on scale crawlers of Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) and Chrysomphalus aonidum (L.) and on pollen of citrus and Zea mays (corn); again, except for Z. mays , reproduction was low. In experiments on the effect of light on the rate of reproduction during mass rearing of the mites on Z. mays and C. acinaciformis , it was found that natural light produced the highest reproduction rate on both species. The possible significance of these responses is discussed in relation to the potential of A. largoensis to control citrus pests in the orchard.

Injury to Citrus by the Mite Brevipalpus phoenicis12

Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (sometimes called the false spider mite), is worldwide in distribution. It has been reported from citrus in the United States (Florida and Texas), Mexico, Cuba, Trinidad, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Aden, Ethiopia, Egypt, Spain, Syria, India, and the Philippines. With the exception of the citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead), this is the most frequently encountered mite in unsprayed or occasionally sprayed Florida citrus groves (Muma 1965). On citrus, it is often associated with B. californicus(Banks) and B. obovatus Donnadieu, but unlike them, it does not produce leprosis (Knorr 1968). B. phoenicis has been suspected, however, of causing swellings on citrus stems (“Brevipalpus gall”), dropping of leaves (“halo scab”), and foliar chlorosis (“phoenicis blotch”) (Knorr and Malaguti 1960, Knorr et al. 1960).

Studies on the Chemical Control of a Fruit Tree False Spider Mite, Cenopalpus pulcher, in the United Arab Republic. II. Relationships Between Temperature and Toxicity of Three Acaricides

The relationships between temperature and toxicity of 3 acaricides-dicofol, tetradifon, and Thiocron ( O,O - dimethyl phosphorodithioate S-ester with 2-mercapto- N - (2- methoxyethyl) acetamide-to the false spider mite, GenopalPus pulcher (Canestrini & Fanzago), were studied in the laboratory. The toxicity of dicofol and tetradifon were negatively correlated with temperature when tested against C. pulcher eggs; Thiocron was positively correlated. When adult C. pulcher were treated with Lc50, concentrations and held at 20, 30 and 35°C after treatment, tetradifon and Thiocron showed positive and dicofol showed negative correlation with temperature.

Studies on the Chemical Control of a Fruit Tree False Spider Mite, Cenopalpus pulcher, in the United Arab Republic. III. Residual Toxicity of Three Acaricides

Studies on the Chemical Control of a Fruit Tree False Spider Mite, Cenopalpus pulcher, in the United Arab Republic. III. Residual Toxicity of Three Acaricides

Studies on the Chemical Control of a Fruit Tree False Spider Mite, Cenopalpus pulcher, in the United Arab Republic: I. Toxicity of Three Acaricides to Egg and Adult Stages

Cenopalpus pulcher (Canestrini & Fanzago), was found to infest quince trees in the United Arab Republic from April to December. The peak of infestation occurred during August and September. Laboratory experiments were conducted using the glass-atomizer method to determine the toxicity of 3 acaricides to the eggs and adults of this mite. Tetradifon had the highest ovicidal toxicity on newly laid eggs, followed by dicofol and Thiocron ( O, O -dimethyl phosphorodithioate S -ester with 2-mercapto- N -(2-methoxyethyl)acetamide). Adult treatments showed that Thiocron at 0.09% killed 57% of the females compared with 78% of the males; dicofol was the most toxic compound, followed by Thiocron and tetradifon.

False Spider Mites of Jamaica and the Dominican Republic (Acarina: Tenuipalpidae)

The occurrence of false spider mites in Jamaica or in the Dominican Republic has not previously been reported. The genera Brevipalpus (7 species) and Tenuipalpus (19 species) were found during the limited surveys. Keys to these species are given; 11 new species in Tenuipalpus and 1 in Brevipalpus are described and illustrated; the other species are listed, with hosts and collection localities. The new species are: Brevipalpus hernandiae ; of Tenuipalpus: coccolobicoloides, dominguensis, eugeniae, jamaicensis, lygodii, mansoni, proctori, trichiliae, vexus, xylosmae, zanthus .

New Tenuipalpidae (False Spider Mites) from British Guiana with Notes on Four Described Species

New Tenuipalpidae (False Spider Mites) from British Guiana with Notes on Four Described Species

New False Spider Mites with Notes on Some Previously Described Species (Acarina: Tenuipalpidae)

Brevipalpus dipholisi belongs to the species group having five pairs of dorsolateral hysterosomal setae, palpus with 1 seta and a sensory rod at distal end of last segment, and tarsus II of the female with 1 senaory rod. Although it appears to be allied to the lo,chmius-salviella sub-group in having the rostrum reaching slightly beyond the distal end of femur I, it differs from these two species in having but the single seta at end of palp and all dorsal body setae short. FEMALE: Body reddish pink, length 283, width 155; markings of dorsum and shapes of dorsal setae as shown in figure 1, A. Hysterosomal pores faint. Venter medially practically smooth anterior of posterior medioventral metapodosomals; area posterior of these two setae to genital plate transversely striate, ventral plate lacking anterior part of frame; genital plate with areolae wider than long. Posterior medioventrals much longer than anterior pair. Third segment (as well as fourth) of palp with 1 seta; seta of second segment short (7 microns). Rod of tarsus II slender, straight-sided, 7.7 long. Claws of tarsi with large hooks. MALE: Resembles female, but tarsus II with 2 rods. NYMPH: Shapes of dorsal setae as shown in figure 1, B. Holotype: Female, Key Largo, Florida, October 16, 1958 (D. De Leon), on Dipholis salicifolia. Paratypes: 8 males, 4 nymphs, other data same as for holotype. Brevipalpus obovoides, n. sp.

A New False Spider Mite Genus from Mexico (Acarina: Tenuipalpidae)

A New False Spider Mite Genus from Mexico (Acarina: Tenuipalpidae)

Agricultural Insects of the Paraguayan Chaco

The results of a 13-month study of agricultural insects in a remote region of the Paraguayan Chaco are reported. The most serious general crop pests are leaf cutting ants, the migratory locust (Schistocerca paranesis Burm.), and spider mites (Tetranyehidac). Cotton insects were studied in the most detail, with the cotton leaf worm (Alabama argillacea (Hbn.)), the cotton bollworms (Heliothis spp.), the pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella (Saund.)), and the cotton stainer (Dysdercus pallidus (Blöte) considered as major pests. Oxycarenus hyalinipennis is present and possibly of considerable importance. Aphids, lacebugs, whitefly, a coreid, a lygaeid, a broad-nosed weevil, and a Diabrotica beetle are considered minor pests of cotton. A number of other phytophagous insects were found only occasionally on cotton. Several species of caterpillars are important some years on peanut foliage. False spider mites (Tenuipalpidae) are suspected of causing fruit scarring on tangerines and causing a toxin disease of oranges. Several species of moths inflict severe damage to citrus and guava by their feeding punctures. Climatic factors, particularly sporadic rainfall, and hot, dry, spring winds, as well as effective predation are considered phenomena responsible for the fact that some of the insect problems are less severe than those caused by the same pests elsewhere.

Contribution to the Study of some Phytophagous Acarina and their Predators in Mauritius

During investigations on the phytophagous mite fauna of Mauritius, of which up to the present five species only had been recorded, 21 species were collected, of which ten species belong to the TETRANYCHIDAE. In addition, nine species, of which the majority are believed to be predacious, were observed.An annotated list of the species, together with their food-plants, their geographical distribution and the countries from which they might have been introduced into Mauritius, is given.Of the species of economic importance the following are worthy of mention: — In the TETRANYCHIDAE: Eutetranychus banksi (McG.) on Citrus, Oligonychus biharensis (Hirst) and Oligonychus mangiferus (Rahm. & Sapra) on various fruit trees, including avocado, mango and litchi, Oligonychus sp. (pratensis (Banks) group) on sugar-cane, Tetranychus marianae McG. and Tetranychus sp. (ludeni Zacher group) on many vegetable crops, including bean, egg-plant, tomato, etc. In the ERIOPHYIDAE: Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashm.) and Tegonotus sp., which are potential enemies of Citrus and tomato, respectively. In the TENUIPALPIDAE: Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) has a very wide range of food-plants and its future importance in the cultivation of tea and Citrus are mentioned, whilst Raoiella indica Hirst is an important pest of coconut plantations. In the TARSONEMIDAE: Hemitarsonemus latus (Banks) ranks as an important pest of a large number of economic plants including bean, tea and water-cress.Only two predatory mites of great economic importance are recorded, viz.:— Typhlodromus caudatus (Berl.) and T. ovalis Evans. The bionomics of the former species are fully described and its relation to Raoiella indica on coconut is discussed. The life-cycle of T. caudatus from egg to adult varies from 4–8 days, in summer to 13–18 days in winter.Results are given of a survey of the predatory insects associated with the phytophagous mites. The most important predators on Tetranychus spp. are the Coccinellid, Stethorus vinsoni Kapur, and the Cecidomyiid, Feltiella sp. near tetranychi Rübs. The daily mite consumption of these predators is given. Other predators of secondary importance are Oligota pallidicornis Cam. and Scolothrips sp. near indicus Priesn.The bionomics of T. marianae on tomato and of Raoiella indica on coconut were studied. Duration of the life-cycle of the former species varies from 4–9 days in summer to 15–22 days in winter. Twenty four to 30 generations of this species are estimated to occur in a year. Raoiella has a development period of 18–26 days from egg to adult in summer and of 30–36 days in winter.A biological study of the predatory insects, Stethorus vinsoni and Feltiella, sp., is given. Their beneficial effect is discussed. These two predators do not exert a control in time to check the build-up of the mite population. Their abundance is directly proportional to the incidence of the mite and the peak is generally only attained when the depredations of the latter have reached a disastrous level.The various possible factors which have contributed to the sudden increase in the mite population on tomato during the last 6–8 years are discussed. Amongst the important factors are the following: —(a) Absence of cyclonic disturbances with their heavy rains and violent gales which generally upset considerably the development of the mite population and reduce it to a minimum each year.(b) Dressing of tomato and other vegetable crops with nitro-phosphatic fertilisers which were not applied until 10 years ago and which, it is thought, may have favoured an increase in the mite population.(c) The abundance of natural reservoirs of wild food-plants that harbour Tetranychus spp. from which the subsequent spread results in the building up of mite colonies in cultivated areas.(d) The ineffectiveness of Stethorus vinsoni as a predator on infested tomato plants.

False spider mites of the genusDolichotetranychus(Acarina: Tenuipalpidae)

The tiny, slender, bright-red false spider mites of the genus Dolichotetranychus Sayed are widely distributed over the world. Though so similar morphologically that some recent students have regarded specimens from various hosts as representing a single species, this study indicates that the genus contains at least ten distinct species, including four new ones and one new combination: Dolichotetranychus carnea (Banks) (Stigmaeodes cinctus Ewing) Dolichotetranychus micidus, new species Dolichotetranychus ancistrus, new species Dolichotetranychus salinas Pritchard and Baker Dolichotetranychus summersi Pritchard and Baker Dolichotetranychus vandergooti (Oudemans) Dolichotetranychus macer, new species Dolichotetranychus floridanus (Banks) Dolichotetranychus australianus (Womersley), new combination Dolichotetranychus apaches, new species The species are described and illustrated, and the distinctive characters are pointed out. Keys are given for distinguishing the males of all ten species and the females of all but two, which require the males for separation. The hosts of all but one species are monocotyledons, mostly grasses.