Group Of Mites Research Articles

Effect of different inhalant allergens on T-cell subsets in adults with bronchial asthma

Objective We analyzed the impact of different inhalant allergens on T-lymphocyte subsets in patients diagnosed with bronchial asthma. Methods The study included 57 bronchial asthma patients and 22 healthy controls. Asthma patients were categorized into dust mite, animal hair, pollen, and mold groups. Flow cytometry was used to measure the cells in the case group and control group. These T-lymphocyte subset markers were evaluated among patients with bronchial asthma caused by different allergens as well as between the case group and control group. Results Peripheral blood CD4+ T-cells, CD8+ T-cells, CD4/CD8 ratio, and Th17/Treg ratios were all higher in the case group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets were compared among the four groups, and it was found that there were statistical differences in the Th17/Treg ratio among the four groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences observed among the four groups in terms of CD3+ cells, CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, Th1 cells, Th2 cells, Th17 cells, Treg cells, Th9 cells, and Th22 cells. Further pairwise comparison was made, and the results suggested that the peripheral blood Th17/Treg ratio in the pollen mixed group was lower than that in the dust mite mixed group, animal hair mixed group, and mold mixed group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Patients with bronchial asthma show varied T-lymphocyte subset responses to different inhalant allergens. Elevated CD4+ T cells and Th17 cells in peripheral blood could indicate asthma risk. However, small sample size may introduce bias to these findings.

Mitochondrial metagenomics reveal the independent colonization of the world’s coasts by intertidal oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida, Ameronothroidea)

Oribatid mites are an ancient group that already roamed terrestrial ecosystems in the early and middle Devonian. The superfamily of Ameronothroidea, a supposedly monophyletic lineage, represents the only group of oribatid mites that has successfully invaded the marine coastal environment. By using mitogenome data and nucleic ribosomal RNA genes (18S, 5.8S, 28S), we show that Ameronothroidea are a paraphyletic assemblage and that the land-to-sea transition happened three times independently. Common ancestors of the tropical Fortuyniidae and Selenoribatidae were the first to colonize the coasts and molecular calibration of our phylogeny dates this event to a period in the Triassic and Jurassic era (225–146 mya), whereas present-day distribution indicates that this event might have happened early in this period during the Triassic, when the supercontinent Pangaea still existed. The cold temperate northern hemispheric Ameronothridae colonized the marine littoral later in the late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous and had an ancient distribution on Laurasian coasts. The third and final land-to-sea transition happened in the same geological period, but approx. 30 my later when ancestors of Podacaridae invaded coastal marine environments of the Gondwanan landmasses.

Supernumerary presence of the oribatid mite Archegozetes sp. Grandjean, 1931 in stomach contents of the túngara frog Engystomops pustulosus (Cope, 1864) encourages validation of interaction pathways: phoretic, parasitic, or prey?

ABSTRACT The trhypochthoniid mite Archegozetes sp. was identified at high abundances (N = 126 and 46) in the stomach contents of the túngara frog Engystomops pustulosus. This is the second report of the genus Archegozetes for Colombia. This species has been reported in Central and South America attached to the skin of some anurans, and these observations were assumed as either phoretic or parasitic interactions between both groups. However, based on our data and the fact that Archegozetes forms large aggregations, we hypothesize that 1) E. pustulosus exploits this ecological behaviour through a predator-prey interaction, and that 2) external presence previously reported in the frogs may have been accidental while the frog fed on these large groups of oribatid mites.

Invertebrates occurring in fruiting bodies of the pathogenic tinder fungus, Fomes fomentarius (Polyporales), in the different types of Polish protected forests

Bracket fungi are usually considered as a cause of economic losses, while they also offer specific microhabitats and have an impact on biodiversity. However, to date this topic has not been sufficiently studied. The aim of this article is to show how the diversity of invertebrate communities, viz. harvest spiders (Aranae, Opiliones), pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpionida), two groups of mites (Mesostigmata and Oribatida), springtails (Collembola), and insects (Insecta), inhabiting fruiting bodies of the tinder fungus, Fomes fomentarius, depend on specific characteristics of forests. Samples were collected in three locations: the Białowieża National Park (BNP) characterised by a high degree of forest naturalness, the Bieszczady National Park (BdNP), which was transformed by humans, but has been undergoing naturalisation for several decades, and the Karkonosze National Park affected by a large-scale forest dieback in the 1980s and which for years has been under strong tourist pressure. A total of 20 fruiting bodies of F. fomentarius were collected at each location. In total, 9,821 individuals of invertebrates belonging to 204 species were extracted. The most numerous group was Oribatida (6,595 individuals classified to 106 species), while the most numerous species was Carabodes femoralis (5,216 individuals). The study sites differed in the number of species (the highest one was observed in the BdNP, 115, and the lowest one in the KNP, 88) and number of individuals (the highest one was observed in BdNP, 4,285, and the lowest one in BNP, 1,595), as well as the number of individuals per species (the highest one was observed in the BdNP, 37.26 individuals per 1 species, and the lowest in the BNP, 15.79 individuals per 1 species). A NMDS analysis revealed that the inner distribution of the samples in each of the locations was similar in the case of mountain national parks (BdNP and KNP), while the invertebrate groupings from the BNP and KNP differed the most between one another. The multilevel pattern analysis showed different, specific invertebrate species for each study sites, e.g. Carabodes subarcticus for the BNP, Friesea mirabilis for the BdNP, Oribatella calcarata for the KNP and Dendrolaelaps pini for both mountain national parks. This study shows the uniqueness of invertebrate communities inhabiting fruiting bodies of F. fomentarius and confirms the positive role of this pathogenic fungi in shaping biodiversity. Key words: arthropods; bracket fungi; polypores; anthropopressure; natural forest

Description of Podothrombium sultanae sp. nov. (Trombidiformes: Podothrombiidae) from Türkiye and an updated key to species

Members of Parasitengona belong to the suborder Prostigmata and are one of the important groups of terrestrial mites. They are ectoparasitic in their larval stage whereas their post-larval forms feed on different arthropods as free-living predators. The genus Podothrombium Berlese, 1910 (Trombidiformes: Podothrombiidae) has 19 described species globally, with only two species currently known from Türkiye. This paper describes a new member of this genus, Podothrombium sultanae sp. nov., from Murat Mountain, Kütahya, Türkiye in 2023. Larvae of this species, collected from moss and leaf litter 1181 m a.s.l on Murat Mountain, are described, illustrated and an updated key to species of Podothrombium worldwide (larva) has been added. It is recommended that further investigations be conducted to understand the distribution of these mites and their roles in the environment in Türkiye.

Scanning electron microscopy of Sarcoptes kutchensis, a new species of a Middle Eocene sarcoptid mite in amber from the Umarsar Lignite Mine of Kutch, Western India

ABSTRACT The article describes a new species of a fossil sarcoptid mite, Sarcoptes kutchensis n. sp. extracted from a dissolved slab of amber, from the Umarsar Lignite Mine of the Kutch Basin. The fossil is a remarkable representative of forest litter biota, well-preserved in amber and represents the oldest group of mites from the equatorially placed Eocene forest, dominated by broad-leaved Dipterocarpaceae trees and shares similar taxonomic features with the present day genus of Sarcoptes, Latreille, 1802. The species is recognised by dense microfoveolate striations, lack of cuticular spines on the dorsal surface with morphological resemblance to Trixacarus, Sellnick, 1944, particularly in terms of monodactyly. The fossil is derived from an ancient group of forest litter biota which gradually evolved to higher trophic levels including association with vertebrates. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is used to highlight diagnostic characteristics including capitulum and partially concealed legs with sensory suckers, crucial for defence against large faunal predators.

Taxonomic and ecological structure of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) of mesophilic grasslands on the Transcarpathian lowland

The article analyzes the taxonomic diversity, dominance structure, spectra of morpho-ecological types, biotope complexes and groups of oribatid mites of mesophilic grasslands on Transcarpathian lowland. Prior to our works, there were almost no studies of the oribatid communities of the studied area. The research plots located on the sorrounding areas of the city of Mukachevo and the village of Kalnyk of the Mukachevo district. Soil samples selected for 2013-2014. The geographical coordinates of the first meadow are: 48º22.79' N, 22º40.14' E, and the second one is 48º30.86' N, 22º34.65' E. The total area of the first biotope is 0.45, and the second is 37.5 hectares. In relation to the humidity of the substrate, this type of biotope is characterized by mesophilic conditions. Extraction of mites from soil was carried out using Tullgren funnel method. Permanent preparations were prepared. Identification of the specimens was carried out using a microscope (Olympus BX 51). Oribatid mites of the investigated mesophilic grasslands are represented by 26 species from 22 genera and 16 families. The families Oppiidae and Scheloribatidae are the most represented. The average density of oribatid mites of the mesophilic grasslands on Transcarpathian lowland has relatively small values (3.7 thousand specimens per m2). The dominant species include Punctoribates punctum (C. L. Koch, 1839) and Ceratozetes mediocris Berlese, 1908. They together make up 44% of the total density of oribatids. Margalef, Menkhinik, Simpson, Shannon and Berger-Parker indices were calculated. 10 morpho-ecological types of oribatid mites were found on mesophilic grasslands. Oribatids - inhabitants of small soil crevices – predominate. Representatives of five biotope complexes (euryoecic, hygrophilous, hygro-mesophilous, mesophilous and xerophilous) and four biotope groups (eurytopic, forest, forest-meadow, meadow) were identified in the structure of ecological groups of Oribatids. Mesophilous and meadow species of oribatid mites have the largest share.

The association between mites and the Agave L. snout weevil, more than phoresis

Objective: to identify the phoretic mites associated with the Agave (Maguey) snout weevil Scyphophorus acupunctatus. Materials and methods: manual collections of Scyphophorus acupunctatus were carried out in Agave plantations. The daily behavior of mite-infested weevils was documented. The latter were observed and classified according to specialized taxonomic keys. Results and Conclusions: there was an anomalous behavior of the agave weevil possibly favored by the infestation by mites, which can play an important role in the detriment of the vitality of that pest. Scyphophorus acupunctatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) interacted with three groups of mites; Macrocheles merdarius (Acari: Mesostigmata: Macrochelidae), Tridiplogynium sp. (Acari: Mesostigmata: Diplogyniidae) and Curculanoetus sp. (Acari: Sarcoptiformes: Histiostomatidae). Implications: this study is the first to document the presence of phoretic mites on S. acupunctatus. It is the first report to document the association between the agave weevil and the aforementioned arachnids (Acari: acari) that participate and play a desirable role in the biological control of S. acupunctatus.

Soil oribatid mite community structure and its relationship with environmental factors in different agricultural land-use types in Shibing Karst

The karst world natural heritage site is characterized by fragility due to severe rocky desertification. Buffer zone functions as the ecological barrier of the core area of the heritage site, and can play an ecological filtering role in the core area. Therefore, buffer zones are of great ecological significance. In order to reveal the community characteristics of soil oribatid mites in different agricultural land-use in the buffer zone of Shibing Karst World Natural Heritage and their relationship with environmental factors, soil oribatid mites in the buffer zone of corn field (CF), golden pear garden (GP) and tobacco field (TF) were collected in September 2021. A total of 1220 oribatid mites belonging to 79 genera and 41 families were found in the study. Our key results include (1) The family number, genus number, individual number, and individual density of GP are higher (2) Scheloribates is the dominant group, 22 genera such as Oppiella, Tectocepheus, and Xylobates are common groups, and 56 genera such as Neoribates and Protoribates are rare groups. (3) The Diversity index of GP is higher than that of other cultivated land types. Community similarity analysis shows that the similarity between GP and CF is high, but all habitats are at a medium level of dissimilarity. (4) Analysis of the ecological group of oribatid mites shows that Poronota is more abundant than Macropylina and Gymnonota. (5) The Diversity index, richness index, family and genus level of oribatid mites were significantly positively correlated with soil humidity (SH) and the number of genera, individuals and individual density were significantly positively correlated with total phosphorus (TP). Redundancy analysis indicates that total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), and soil organic matter (SOM) are the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of soil oribatid mites communities. Based on the above research results, it can be seen that there are differences in the community structure of soil oribatid mites in different agricultural land-use in the study area. The use of dominant genera of mites can preliminarily indicate the soil ecological environment of different agricultural land-use. The research results provide basic data for the biodiversity protection of soil animals in different agricultural land-use in the buffer zone of Shibing Karst World Natural Heritage.

New record of Anthocoptes platynotus Nalepa (Acari: Eriophyoidea) and its abundance on Cornus mas L. in the northern part of a Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine

The superfamily Eriophyoidea is a large and diverse group of mites that includes a number of species that parasitise plants of economic importance, mainly perennial plants in agriculture and forestry. The purpose of this study is to examine the cornel plants plantations in the botanical gardens of Kyiv and Zhytomyr (Ukraine) for the presence and damage by mites of the superfamily Eriophyoidea. During the study, field and laboratory methods were used in accordance with generally accepted methods in acarology and plant protection. As a result of the study, on Cornus mas L. plants, a four-legged mite Anthocoptes platynotus Nalepa, 1898 was found. This is the farthest northern distribution zone of the species in Ukraine. New data on the harmfulness of this species were received. It was determined that under A. platynotus feeding, there was a slight deformation of the leaf lamina on both sides of the leaf veins, there was no leaf bleaching. The population level of A. platynotus on six varieties of a plant subg. Cornus was determined. It was established that it was different. Phytophage-mite damaged the varieties “Elegantnyi” and “Kubanskyi” the most. The least affected were the varieties “Mosvir-1” and “Novyi”. The varieties “Bylda” and “Svitliachok” had a medium degree of damage. A. platynotus lives on the underside of a leaf and does not form galls or felt. The peak of phytophagous population in the research region occurs at the end of July. It was noted that a low number of A. platynotus does not substantially affect the growth and development of the leaves on the fodder plant. The practical value of the study lies in the fact that the information on A. platynotus presence, abundance, and spread will help in sampling the mites and making future management decisions

Differences of oribatid mite community and trophic structure between karst caves and surface different moss habitats.

In order to reveal the community characteristics and trophic structure of oribatid mites in different moss habitats in karst caves, the oribatid mites in the moss habitats of ground (GD), understory (US), cave wall (CW), surface shrub (SB) and farmland (FL) outside the cave were collected in October 2021. Through the identification and data analysis of oribatid mites, 2352 oribatid mites were found, belonging to 45 families and 72 genera, most of which were Gymnonota. The family number, genus number, individual number, individual density, dominant genus composition, community diversity, community similarity, MGP (Analysis methods for ecological groups of oribatid mites) ecological group of oribatid mites and trophic structure of oribatid mites in different moss were analyzed. The results showed that: (1) The number of families, genera, individuals, and individual density of SB and FL are higher than those of the other three habitats; (2) Platyliodes, Oppiella, Tectocepheus, Scutovertex, Scheloribates and Trichogalumna are the dominant genera of the oribatid mites in the cave moss habitat, among them, Tectocepheus and Trichogaluna have the most obvious advantages; (3) The diversity index of shrub (SB) was higher than that of other four habitats; Similarity between ground and cave wall, shrub and farmland is high; (4) The MGP ecological group of oribatid mites in different habitats is dominated by O type (Overall type belongs to MGP analysis results, 20%≤M,G,P≤50%), and a total of 42 genera of oribatid mites preliminarily constitute the trophic structure of oribatid mites in the cave moss habitat. Based on the above results, it can be concluded that there are differences in the community structure of oribatid mites in different moss habitats in the study area, and the use of dominant genera of mites can preliminarily indicate the environmental conditions of different moss habitats. This study enriches the study of mites in karst cave mosses, and can provide theoretical significance for the protection of cave biodiversity in karst areas.

ORIBATID MITES (ORIBATEI) IN THE MESOFAUNA OF PARK ZONES CITIES OF ODESA (UKRAINE)

Introduction. The data about mesofauna of the soils of the park areas of Odesa are presented for the first time in this article. Aim. To study the species composition and main ecological characteristics of groups of armored ticks in the soils of the park zones of Odesa city. Methods. In the course of the study, generally accepted methods of soil microarthropod research were used, namely: taking soil samples, extraction of microarthropods in thermoelectrics, and making permanent micropreparations. The main results. According to the results of the study, it was shown that the mesofauna of the soils of the park zones of Odesa contains phonon groups of invertebrates: Enoplea, Malacostraca, Arachnida, Myriapoda, Entognatha, Insecta. Mites (Prostigmata, Mesostigmata, Astigmata) and springtails (Collembola) predominated in all studied biotopes. It is shown that according to the vertical distribution in the soil, mites predominate in the surface layers of the soil (0–5 cm), and springtails prevail in the deeper ones (5–10 cm). 18 species of oribatid mites were identified, which were given the main ecological characteristics: life forms and dominance structure. An environmental assessment was carried out based on the integral index of groups of oribatid mites. Conclusions. According to the analysis of groups of oribatid mites, it is shown that the ecological state of the environment in the parks of the city of Odesa is estimated as “average level of deviations from the norm” in the Shevchenko Park and Youth Square and “slight deviations from the norm” in the Peremogy Arboretum.

Morphometrical Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Rhinonyssidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) Parasitizing Avian Hosts: New Molecular Data.

Members of the family Rhinonyssidae are tiny hematophagous endoparasitic mites that inhabit the nasal cavities of birds and can cause trauma to their hosts. Traditionally, identifying species in this group has relied on observing their morphometrical characteristics. Nevertheless, determining species within this particular group has become more challenging due to the rising number of newly discovered species. Moreover, the morphometrical traits vary depending on the specific genus or group of species being studied. In this study, the complete internal transcribed spacer ITS1, 5.8S rDNA, and ITS2 regions of the ribosomal DNA from eighteen species of rhinonyssid mites belonging to four genera were sequenced to assess the utility of this genomic region in resolving taxonomic questions in this group and to estimate the phylogenetic relationships among the species. Mites were collected by dissecting the nasal cavities of birds under a stereomicroscope. Specimens used for morphometrical analyses were cleared in 85% lactic acid for 1-48 h and mounted in Hoyer's medium. Other specimens were preserved at -20 °C for molecular studies. From the data obtained in this study, it can be concluded that a thorough review and an accurate morphometrical identification and determination of the discriminatory traits are needed in this group of mites. Moreover, although the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 fragment solves different taxonomic and phylogenetic problems at the species level, it would be necessary to test new molecular markers, or even a combination of nuclear and mitochondrial markers or different domains of the nuclear 28S rDNA, to discover a reliable taxonomic situation for rhinonyssids.

Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Laelapidae Mites (Acari: Mesostigmata)

The family Laelapidae (Dermanyssoidea) is morphologically and ecologically the most diverse group of Mesostigmata mites. Although molecular genetic data are widely used in taxonomic identification and phylogenetic analysis, most classifications in Mesostigmata mites are based solely on morphological characteristics. In the present study, eight species of mites from the Laelapidae (Dermanyssoidea) family collected from different species of small rodents in Lithuania, Norway, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic were molecularly characterized using the nuclear (28S ribosomal RNA) and mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene) markers. Obtained molecular data from 113 specimens of mites were used to discriminate between species and investigate the phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity among Laelapidae mites from six genera. This study provides new molecular data on Laelaps agilis, Laelaps hilaris, Laelaps jettmari, Haemogamasus nidi, Eulaelaps stabularis, Hyperlaelaps microti, Myonyssus gigas, and Hirstionyssus sp. mites collected from different rodent hosts and geographical regions in Europe.

Trickle-down effects of the cattle parasiticide ivermectin on soil microfauna on a prairie grassland

Ivermectin is a veterinary drug that is used globally to control internal and external cattle parasites. Dung of cattle treated with ivermectin contains residues that may transfer from the dung pat into the soil to affect soil organisms. We examined the effects of ivermectin in cattle dung on collembolans, nematodes and five taxonomic groups of mites in soils of a native grassland in southern Alberta, Canada. The trial, conducted in 2016 and repeated in 2017, comprised three treatments: (i) dung spiked with ivermectin and placed on soil; (ii) dung without ivermectin and placed on soil; and (iii) bare soil. Soil cores were taken beneath and adjacent to dung pats 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after dung placement and their microfauna quantified. Both generalized linear modeling and path modeling showed that dung without ivermectin increased the abundances of all the taxa relative to bare soil. However, these increases were at least partially negated for nematodes, Mesostigmata and Oribatida if the dung contained ivermectin. Path modeling also revealed unidirectional positive associations between some taxa: from Prostigmata (non-Tydeidae) to Collembola, from Acaridae to Prostigmata (both Tydeidae and non-Tydeidae), and from Mesostigmata to Oribatida. Therefore, deposition of fresh cattle dung enhanced the abundance of all microfauna for up to 16 weeks post-deposition, probably in response to an influx of nutrients and moisture. However, ivermectin in the dung reduced this benefit for three of the seven taxa.

Community structure of soil mites under different crops and its response to environmental factors in the buffer zone of Shibing Karst World Natural Heritage

To reveal the differences in the community structure of soil mites under different crop environments in the buffer zone of the Shibing Karst World Natural Heritage Site, soil mites from corn fields (CF), pear tree lands (PL), tobacco fields (TF), grape fields (GF), and plum gardens (PG) were collected in the buffer zone in January 2022. Through the identification of mite specimens and data analysis, differences in the number of families, genera, individuals, individual density, diversity, similarity of communities, ecological groups of oribatid mites, and responses to environmental factors of soil mites under different crop environments were determined. The results showed that: (1) A total of 6941 soil mites were captured in the study area, belonging to 130 genera, 75 families, and 3 orders. The number of soil mite genera (CF and TF > PL > PG > GF) and number of soil mite individuals (PG > PL > GF > TF > CF) showed characteristics of differential distribution and surface soil aggregation in the five habitats. (2) Scheloribates, Protorobotritia, and Tectocepheus were the dominant genera in the study area. Lohmannia, Scheloribates, and Tectocepheus, representative species that indicate a good soil environment, were distributed in the sample plots of CF, PL, and PG to varying degrees, indicating that the ecological environment of these three crops was healthy. (3) The diversity index of PG was the highest, and similarity analysis of the five habitats revealed that they were at a medium level of similarity. (4) The ecological groups of oribatid mites in the different crop environments were dominated by the overall (O) type, which is a combination of Macropylina, Gymnonota, and Poronota. (5) The community structure of soil mites was sensitive to bulk density (BD), natural water content (NWC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), available potassium (AK), and soil organic matter (SOM). Based on the above results, there were differences in the community structures of soil mites under different crop environments in the study area. The identification of the dominant mite genera can preliminarily indicate the environmental conditions of different crops, and a special correlation exists between the community structure of mites and environmental factors. Studying the community structure of mites in different crop environments in the Shibing Karst World Natural Heritage Site buffer zone is important in ensuring the ecological protection and sustainable development of the buffer zone. Furthermore, the results of this study support the role of the buffer zone as an ecological protection barrier for the heritage site.

Integrative Taxonomy of the Gall Mite Nothopoda todeica n. sp. (Eriophyidae) from the Disjunct Afro-Australasian Fern Todea barbara: Morphology, Phylogeny, and Mitogenomics.

Eriophyoidea is a group of phytoparasitic mites with poorly resolved phylogeny. Previous studies inferred Eriophyidae s.l. as the largest molecular clade of Eriophyoidea, and Nothopodinae as the basal divergence of Eriophyidae s.l. We investigate the morphology and molecular phylogeny of Nothopoda todeican. sp. (Nothopodinae, Nothopodini), associated with a disjunct Afro-Australasian fern Todea barbara (Osmundaceae) from South Africa. Our analyses (1) determine new erroneous sequences (KF782375, KF782475, KF782586) wrongly assigned to Nothopodinae instead of Phyllocoptinae, (2) confirm the basal position of Nothopodinae in Eriophyoidea s.l., (3) question the monophyly of the Colopodacini and Nothopodini tribes, and (4) show the nested position of African fern-associated Nothopoda within a clade dominated by Asian nothopodines from angiosperms, which implies (a) a secondary association of nothopodines with ferns and (b) no relation between geography (continents) and the phylogenetic relationships of Nothopodinae species. Finally, we obtained a first complete mitochondrial genome for Nothopodinae and revealed a new gene order in the mitogenome of N. todeican. sp., notably deviating from those in other investigated eriophyoids. Our results contribute to resolving the phylogeny of Eriophyoidea and provide an example of an integrative study of a new taxon belonging to an economically important group of acariform mites.

Systematic, synonymic and biogeographical list of ptyctimous mites (Acari, Oribatida) in the world (1799-2022).

The primitive ptyctimous mites are one of the most important groups of oribatid mites (Acari), with almost cosmopolitan distribution, except for the Arctic and the Antarctic regions. These mites occur especially in places where there is decaying organic matter. In this study, a detailed catalogue of all known ptyctimous mite species in the world is presented. The catalogue provides information about the zoogeographical distribution of each species, discusses important nomenclatural issues and addresses some remarks. Besides this, it also contains useful data on known juvenile instars of 47 species. The catalogue also presents a classification of the higher taxa of eight families, four subfamilies, 42 genera, 15 subgenera, the taxonomic characteristics and the information about the zoogeographical distribution of 1458 valid known species from all over the world. Among them, 231 species and one genus are enumerated as synonyms, nine homonyms, one rejected name, one genus inquirenda, 41 species inquirendae, four subspecies inquirendae, one genus incertae sedis, 39 species incertae sedis, 12 species nomina nuda, two species mistakenly identified, one species without the author's name, and one non-ptyctimous mite species are included in the catalogue. Furthermore, the DNA sequence data of 53 ptyctimous species (belonging to eight families, 15 genera) can be found in the GenBank. Finally, the attached appendix contains important corrections referring to the published monographs published by the first author, and a list of new species described after the publication of these monographs. SEM photos of some typical ptyctimous mites showing their diversity are attached.

A method for semi-field rearing of Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) to obtain mites of controlled age and specific life cycle

Varroa destructor is one of the most devastating ectoparasites of the honey bee, Apis mellifera, worldwide. Given that V. destructor has very low survivability and exhibits no successful reproduction away from their natural environment and host and that the availability of mites for experimental purposes is limited by seasonality, several protocols of mite rearing under laboratory conditions have been developed. However, only one of these rearing systems has been able to yield a fertile second generation with a low mite survival. The aim of this study was to develop a semi-field rearing method to obtain mites of known age and life cycle that can be maintained through several generations. We registered and compared survival and reproductive parameters of mites of controlled age during four generations (P, F1, F2, F3) and evidenced no significant differences between these mite groups for these life-history traits. With present results we demonstrate that it is possible to successfully produce a third generation of mites under semi-field conditions. This study brings useful information about key conditions for the proper reproduction of mites in a controlled rearing system and provides a potential standardized method for V. destructor research, especially for host-parasite interaction experiments.

The Pleistocene Glaciations as One of the Major Factors Having Impact on the Current Range of Occurrence and Species Diversity of Mites from the Suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata) in Poland

On the basis of data collected since 1961, the authors of the current article conducted an analysis of the distribution of Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata) species in Poland. The areas of occurrence of the species were compared with the range boundaries of the successive Pleistocene glaciations in Poland. The second aim of the study was to establish the importance of the former nunataks (paleonunataks) for the preservation of biodiversity of this group of mites in Poland. The study has revealed that there are six types of distribution of Uropodina species in the area of Poland: (i) species distributed consistently in the whole area of the country, (ii) species having their northern range of occurrence in Poland, (iii) species having their north-western range of occurrence, (iv) species having their north-eastern range of occurrence, (v) species of boreal-mountainous distribution with evident disjunction in central Poland, and (vi) Carpathian species migrating northwards along the Vistula River. The analyses of the species composition of Uropodina communities on nunataks shows that the concave nunatak in Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska, described in the literature as the “Jurassic Inland Oasis”, turned out to be the location with the highest Uropodina diversity, whereas on the nunatak of the Ślęża Massif, which was covered by two glaciations, the Uropodina diversity was the lowest.