Group Of Mites Research Articles

Phoretic specialization on insect herbivores facilitates mite transportation to host plants

AbstractPhoresy, the use of another organism for dispersal, is one of the most intriguing commensalistic interactions. The selection of a correct host is fundamental for phoretic organisms to ensure arrival to suitable habitats and to encounter potential mates. This study focuses on a group of phoretic mites in the genus Lasioseius (Acari: Blattisociidae). In La Selva Biological Station, a tropical wet forest in Costa Rica, Lasioseius mites feed on nematodes inside the scrolls formed by the young leaves of their hosts, plants in the order Zingiberales. When leaves expand and unfurl, mites disperse to another rolled leaf by clinging onto ‘rolled‐leaf beetles’, a group of insect herbivores specialized on Zingiberales (genera Cephaloleia and Chelobasis; Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). In this study, we determined whether Lasioseius mites associated with Cephaloleia belti Baly are specialized on this beetle species as a phoretic host. Mites may also be attracted to Chelobasis perplexa Baly, sharing the same host plant. Another possibility is that Lasioseius mites are opportunistic generalists and attach to rolled‐leaf beetle species (e.g., Cephaloleia dorsalis Baly) that never share host plants with either C. belti or Ch. perplexa. In a laboratory setting, we tested whether mites preferred scents from and/or attached to particular beetle species. Scent attraction experiments showed that Lasioseius mites collected from C. belti were attracted to scents from C. belti and Ch. perplexa, but were not attracted to scents from C. dorsalis. Mites collected from C. belti attached to both C. belti and Ch. perplexa, but never to C. dorsalis. In conclusion, Lasioseius mites are not strict specialists, but are able to detect and attach to beetle species that inhabit their host plant.

Crop species and year affect soil-dwelling Collembola and Acari more strongly than fertilisation regime in an arable field

Drivers of soil-dwelling microarthropods represent one of the most addressed topics in soil ecology, and diverse results have been reported in the literature. In the present study, an extremely long-term fertilised monoculture system provided a special opportunity to investigate the drivers of soil-dwelling springtail and mite assemblages. The cropping system included wheat and maize monoculture and biculture and was managed with mineral and organic fertilisers for over 50 years. Soil samples were collected two times a year for two years from four blocks. Soil-dwelling mite groups and springtail orders were identified and analysed based on soil characteristics and compared amongst different treatments to reveal the drivers. In addition, oribatid mites and springtails were identified at the species level and analysed. The most important parameters were ‘crop species’ and ‘study year’. Most Collembola and Acari groups were more abundant in wheat plantations, and there were yearly variations within different mite and collembolan groups. Fertilisation appeared to produce no effect on microarthropod assemblages; however, soil pH and phosphate concentration differed according to fertilisation treatment. Overall, the four blocks at the study site effectively reflected the spatial patterns of oribatid species. Specifically, the dominant collembolan species exhibited similar patterns to the major collembolan orders, whereas oribatid species presented different patterns within Oribatida. The studied special agricultural system helped reveal important drivers of soil-dwelling Collembola and Acari, and these soil-dwelling microarthropod assemblages are affected more strongly by ‘crop species’ and ‘study year’ than by long-term fertilisation regime.

Description of a new species in the Genus Cosella Newkirk and Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) From China

Eriophyoid mites are the most common groups of phytophagous mites found on various plants in Zhejiang Province of China. These mites are usually found on agricultural, horticultural, ornamental, and medicinal plants, including fruit and forest trees. Zhejiang Province is famous for its renowned mountains consist of Yandang, Putuo, Xuedou, Tianmu, Tiantai and Qingliang covered with green forest and wide range of vegetation due to which it is called as a treasure house of plants in China, which provide ecologically suitable living environment for eriophyoids species richness. Because of the diversity of host plants in Zhejiang Province, there is a dire need to investigate the presence of these minute creatures-especially those species that can be harmful to economic crops. Prior to this study genus Cosella Newkirk and Keifer held 43 species worldwide. Further one new leaf vagrant eriophyoid mite species in the genus Cosella was found from Zhejiang Province, China. A survey was carried out to determine the eriophyid mite fauna on natural vegetation of Linan City, Zhejiang Province China. One new species Cosella linanensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Rhododendron ovatum (Ericaceae). There was no apparent damage found on host plants where the new species was collected. Keywords: Acari, phytophagous, Prostigmata, taxonomy, Tianmu, Qingliang

ПРАКТИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ БИОУДОБРЕНИЯ «ВЕСНА» КАК ФАКТОР ЗАЩИТЫ ПОЧВЕННОГО ПЛОДОРОДИЯ

The article is devoted to the study of the effect of biofertilizers on the number of different groups of soil microarthropods of chernozem of ordinary agrocenosis of perennial grasses in the condi-tions of the Lower Don. Most groups of mites and collembolus on the agrocenosis of perennial grasses, being saprophages by the nature of nutrition, undoubtedly play an important role in the circulation of substances, indirectly affecting the productivity of the agrocenosis. It was found that when applying the biofertilizer "Vesna", the number of all groups of microarthropods at the exper-imental site exceeded the control indicators by 1.5 times. All groups of ticks showed a large num-ber, gamase and shell ticks prevailed. The number of leg-tails was less than the number of ticks in the experimental area, but it turned out to be higher than the number of leg-tails in the control ar-ea. The vertical distribution of microarthropods in the horizon of 0-20 cm of the chernozem of the ordinary agrocenosis of perennial grasses was characterized by an uneven distribution: basically all groups of ticks and longtails are concentrated in the horizon of 0-10 cm, which is determined by the gradient of hydrothermal conditions and the distribution of root systems of plants of agro-cenosis.

Soil microbiota and microarthropod communities in oil contaminated sites in the European Subarctic

The present comprehensive study aimed to estimate the aftermath of oil contamination and the efficacy of removing the upper level of polluted soil under the conditions of the extreme northern taiga of northeastern European Russia. Soil samples from three sites were studied. Two sites were contaminated with the contents of a nearby sludge collector five years prior to sampling. The highly contaminated upper soil level was removed from one of them. The other was left for self-restoration. A chemical analysis of the soils was conducted, and changes in the composition of the soil zoocoenosis and bacterial and fungal microbiota were investigated. At both contaminated sites, a decrease in the abundance and taxonomic diversity of indicator groups of soil fauna, oribatid mites and collembolans compared to the background site were found. The pioneer eurytopic species Oppiella nova, Proisotoma minima and Xenyllodes armatus formed the basis of the microarthropod populations in the contaminated soil. A complete change in the composition of dominant taxonomic units was observed in the microbiota, both the bacterial and fungal communities. There was an increase in the proportion of representatives of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria in polluted soils compared to the background community. Hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria—Alcanivorax, Rhodanobacter ginsengisoli, Acidobacterium capsulatum, and Acidocella—and fungi—Amorphotheca resinae abundances greatly increased in oil-contaminated soil. Moreover, among both bacteria and fungi, a sharp increase in the abundance of uncultivated organisms that deserve additional attention as potential oil degraders or organisms with a high resistance to oil contamination were observed. The removal of the upper soil level was partly effective in terms of decreasing the oil product concentration (from approximately 21 to 2.6 g/kg of soil) and preventing a decrease in taxonomic richness but did not prevent alterations in the composition of the microbiota or zoocoenosis.

Eriophyoid mites (Acari: Prostigmata) from Brazil: an annotated checklist

The superfamily Eriophyoidea constitute a group of phytophagous mites of particular economic and evolutionary interest due to their intimate association with host plants and their agricultural importance as harmful or beneficial organisms. Studies on the Eriophyoidea fauna in Brazil started in the early 1900s with botanical works on cecidias and were continued with researchers looking for and reporting on eriophyid mites causing damage to agricultural crops. Therefore, in this annotated checklist, we compile information from just over a century on eriophyid mites reported or described from Brazil. Its purpose is to facilitate plant protection strategies and guide future work on this important group of phytophagous mites. In addition to taxonomy, we present information on host plants and general aspects of cecidia attributed to eriophyoid mites but without genus/species identification. Compilation was based on: i) literature, including papers, books, theses and congress/symposium publications; ii) specimens deposited in mite collections in Brazil. On each species we present: i) suprageneric/generic classification, synonyms and previous genus/era assignments, including references on original and/or additional descriptions; ii) type host plant and other host(s) plant(s) found in the country; iii) host relationships and remarks on symptoms; iv) localities of occurrences at States/Federal District and municipal levels; and v) host plant status in Brazil as well as biomes where they occur or are cultivated. A total of 234 valid eriophyoid mite species are recorded: 196 Eriophyidae, 20 Diptilomiopidae and 18 Phytoptidae, distributed in 92 genera. Host plants comprised 233 species, belonging to 141 genera and 56 plant families. Four new reports of eriophyoid mites in Brazil are presented based on specimens deposited in reference collections. A new combination is presented for Propeaciota secundum (Flechtmann, Amrine Stasny) in the genus Khanthongella. In addition, data on observations and descriptions of 67 cecidias attributed to eriophyoid mites in five states and on 21 plant families are presented. Geographically, the distribution of species reports of eriophyoids around Brazil is highly uneven, with more than 64% of species (151 spp.) in the Southeast region, which surely reflects a lack of research elsewhere. Regarding host plant specificity, 77.7% are reported on only one host species, 88.9% on one host genus and 98.3% on one host family. Regarding host status 64.1% of species are exclusively associated with native host plants, 27% with naturalized or exotic cultivated host plants, and 6.4% from both native and naturalized or exotic host plants.

Evaluation of Ethanol Extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. as Acaricide against Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae).

Simple SummaryAvocado bronze mite (ABM), Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the most economically important pests in avocado cultivars. Its feeding causes major damage, defoliation and fruit abortion. Control measures of ABM are performed mainly through the use of synthetic acaricides. Alternative control strategies for ABM with a low environmental impact are necessary. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20% (v/v)) of ethanolic extract from Moringa oleifera leaves against adult ABM females. Mites treated with 0.1 and 20% (v/v) of the extract showed mortality of 0.00% and 46.67%, 6.67% and 86.67%, 13.70% and 96.67%, at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively, compared to the control group. The oviposition and eggs hatch, as well as ABM feeding rates, depended on the extract concentration, which led to a reduction in the growth rate. The M. oleifera leaves ethanolic extract has potential to control O. punicae.Tetranychidae family is a major group of mites causing serious damage in agricultural, vegetable and ornamental crops. Avocado bronze mite (ABM), Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Acari: Tetranychidae) causes major crop damage, defoliation and fruit abortion. At present, the control of this mite depends mainly on agrochemicals. Therefore it is necessary to find alternatives to synthetic pesticides that can help minimize environmental impact and health risks for the consumers. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20% (v/v)) of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves against adult ABM females. Mites treated with 0.1 and 20% (v/v) of the extract showed mortality of 0.00% and 46.67%, 6.67% and 86.67%, 13.70% and 96.67%, at 24, 48 and 72 h, as compared to the control treatment, respectively. The number of eggs laid and hatch, as well as ABM feeding rates, depended on the extract concentration, which led to a reduction in the growth rate. M. oleifera leaf ethanolic extract has potential to control O. punicae.

The role of bracket fungi in creating alpha diversity of invertebrates in the Białowieża National Park, Poland.

Bracket fungi are seen mainly as the cause of economic losses in forestry, and their role as creators of biodiversity is relatively poorly understood. The aim of the study was defining the manner in which the degree of decay (DD) of the fruiting bodies determines the character of the invertebrate assemblages colonising them. The effect of this group of fungi on the modification of biodiversity of invertebrates (Aranae, Opiliones, Pseudoscorpionida, two groups of mites—Mesostigmata and Oribatida, and Collembola and Insecta) was investigated by analyzing 100 fruiting bodies of 10 species of bracket fungi divided into four DD classes. The material was collected at Białowieża National Park, which is considered to be the largest area of natural forests in the North European Plain. 16 068 invertebrate individuals classified into 224 species were obtained. Oribatid mites (12 543 individuals) constituted the largest group of individuals, which were classified into 115 species with the most numerous Carabodes femoralis (8,811 individuals). Representatives of this group of mites have been reported previously in the publications on bracket fungi; however, the contributions of Oribatida and other groups of invertebrates were not broadly compared. Moreover, the species such as Hoploseius mariae and H. oblongus, which were predominantly found in fruiting bodies of bracket fungi, have also been discerned. The invertebrate fauna differs depending on DD of the samples: In the more decayed samples, a higher number of both individuals and species were recorded compared to the samples with lower DDs; however, this trend proved to be nonlinear. The DCA and cluster analysis revealed a similarity of the invertebrate assemblages from the 2 DD and 4 DD samples. They also indicated that the group 3 DD differed the most from all the other samples. The indicator species analysis identified species characteristic to individual DDs: For group 1 DD, it was, for example, Hoploseius oblongus; for 2 DD—Orchesella bifasciata; and for 3 DD—Chernes cimicoides, while for 4 DD—Dinychus perforatus.

Soil Ecosystems Change With Time

All the animals living below our feet are not still. They can move (to a lot of places because the soil is a 3D space) and to change (for example, from a cocoon to an active state). Therefore, the same soil below a given piece of field may not contain the same living communities in winter as in summer, or even during a sunny day compared to a cold night. For example, research on soil beetle larvae showed seasonal vertical movements, as the larvae searched for better living conditions. Moreover, the soil varies a lot during its formation, and consequently its inhabitants also change. In the case of oribatids, a minuscule but diverse group of soil mites, scientists observed changes in the community over dozen to hundreds of years! Many studies showed a basic but powerful principle: ecosystems are not still photographs, but instead are constantly changing environments.

Unusual parasite from an enigmatic host – a new group of mites infesting feather quills of the hoatzin

Hoatzin, a unique species endemic to Neotropics, has puzzled avian systematists since it was described 244 years ago. Despite its enigmatic origin and unparalleled life cycle, behavior, and mode of life, its parasites only occasionally were investigated. In this study, a new species Calamicoptes hoazinus n. sp. (Laminosioptidae: Fainocoptinae) was described, based on females found in the quill-wall of the primary feather of the hoatzin Opisthocomus hoazin (Statius Muller) (Opisthocomiformes: Opisthocomidae). Following on this we also constructed the key to all known species of the genus Calamicoptes. Importantly, our finding represents the first record of the family Laminosioptidae from the opisthocomiform bird and the first record of this mite family in the Neotropical realm. Scarce records of parasite-host interactions in this group, missing molecular data, and the absence of any phylogenetic study allows only to speculate about evolutionary events leading to observed distribution on the extant Neornithian host tree. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F312CDE8-FB1F-4509-85BC-900F534E5EA8 http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:F1EC0F86-BD68-4340-950E-1E1BB9734B09

<p class="Body"><strong><em>Thyreophagus plocepasseri</em></strong><strong> sp. n., a new parthenogenetic species of acarid mites (Acariformes: Acaridae) from Kenya</strong></p>

To date, some species in the genus Thyreophagus, such as Th. entomophagus and Th. cracentiseta, have been shown to be useful factitious prey for mass-rearing of predacious phytoseiid mites, one of the most common groups of mites used for biological control. Here, we describe a new species, Thyreophagus plocepasseri sp. n. from Kenya that can serve as a factitious prey as well. In addition, the new species is asexual, a trait that can be advantageous for its mass-rearing in industrial settings. In the description, we use high-resolution light microscope imaging and extensive comparison with a similar species, Thyreophagus athiasae, for which the type was studied. We review the literature on asexual acarid mites and point to a lack of data on the presence of sex-manipulating bacteria (Wolbachia, Cardinium) in these asexual mite lineages. Based on the literature, these bacteria are known to induce parthenogenesis in several haplodiploid mites, but they have not been linked so far to parthenogenesis inducement in diplodiploid acarid mites.

OCCURRENCE AND SPECIES COMPOSITION OF THE DOMESTIC MITES IN SIX EGYPTIAN GOVERNORATES

Domestic mites, the combined group of household-living storage mites and pyroglyphid housedustmites, belong to subclass Acari. Identifying mites to species level help to improve the managementof their allergies as they produce species-specific allergens. Knowledge of the impact ofthe diverse and changing ecological conditions in the home environment is useful in developingstrategies to avoid the development and growth of large populations of domestic allergic mites.This study identified domestic mite’s species in six Egyptian Governorates. The dust sampleswere collected from the HDM allergic patients for identification and seasonal distribution. From120 samples, seven species were identified: Dermatophagoides farinae (69.4%), D. pteronyssinus(55.5%), Tyrophagus spp. (38.8%), Blomia tropicalis (30.5%), Cheyletus spp. (13.8%), Euroglyphusmaynei (5.5%), and Tarsonemus spp. (5.5%). The highest positive samples were in QalyobiaGovernorate (73.7%) and lowest in Cairo Governorate (33.3%). Highest number of miteswas in spring and autumn seasons, and D. farinae was the commonest one.

BURSAPHELENCHUS SPECIES (NEMATODA: APHELENCHIDA) ASSOCIATED WITH AN OLIVE TREE IN CENTRAL ITALY

Olive cultivation is of great economic, ecological, and cultural interest in Italy, as well as in the rest of the Mediterranean basin. Among the pests of olive trees, several groups of insects, mites, and nematodes have been reported. Phytoparasitic nematodes especially of the genera Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Xiphinema, Tylenchulus, Rotylenchulus, and Heterodera have usually been extracted from roots and soil around trees. On the other hand, no information is available concerning nematodes directly associated with the wood. At the end of September 2018, in a high-density cultivated olive grove in Tuscany (central Italy), several olive trees with decline symptoms were observed. Three Bursaphelenchus species, B. fungivorus, B. minutus, and B. sexdentati were extracted from the wood of one dead tree. Even though these species had already been reported in Italy, these findings were the first ones recorded in olive wood. Moreover, another undescribed Bursaphelenchusspecies was found associated with the bark beetle Hylesinus fraxini collected from olive trunks and branches. Further research is needed to investigate the role of insects and Bursaphelenchus spp. in the decline processes of olive trees.

Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans) – blessing of Phytoseiids

Predatory mites, comprising of members Phytoseiidae, Cheyletidae, Cunaxidae, Stigmaeidae, Bdellidae, Tydeidae, Anystidae and Erythraeidae are those which feed on phytophagous mites and small insects. Among the entire predatory mites group, Phytoseiidae are the most important one because of their potential ability in controlling mite pests and small squashy-bodied insect pests. Phytoseiids are one of the most investigated and squeezed group of all predatory mites. In a farming nation like India, predatory mites merit extraordinary notice where agriculture, being the prime livelihood is consistently under the danger of pestilence. Many species of phytoseiids are mass cultured and released on the field as a bio-control agent, among which Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans) holds an important position due to its immense potential of predation and so this article reviews available data on the biology, predation and mass rearing of this important Phytoseiid mite species.

Effects of soil application of two different fipronil formulations on some soil-dwelling non-target arthropods

Soil arthropods, including soil insects and mites, play a significant role in the recycling of fertility material and maintenance of soil structure. This study was performed to determine the non-target effects of two different formulations of fipronil on four groups of soil-dwelling insects (collembola, earwig, staphylinids and ants) and one group of mites. The pitfall traps were installed to estimate the arthropod population. The population per trap was evaluated after 3, 6, 9 12, 15, 18 and 21 days after insecticides’ application. The population of soil-dwelling arthropods was significantly reduced in the case of fipronil 5% SC (soluble concentration) treated plots after 3 and 6 days of application. However, the fipronil 0.3 GR (granule) was more toxic at 9th and 12th day of application. The toxicity of fipronil was decreased with the passage of time but fipronil 0.3 GR remained toxic until 18 days in some cases. Hence, both formulations of fipronil reduced the population of non-target soil arthropods, but fipronil 5% SC was more toxic than fipronil 0.3 GR when compared with the untreated check (control plot). According to these results, the application of fipronil should be reduced and find an alternative way instead of this pesticide.

Oribatid Mites as Inhabitants of Lichens in the Taiga Zone of Northeastern Europe: Biotopic Association and Ecological Groups of Species

The ground (Cladina arbuscula, C. rangiferina, C. stellaris, Cetraria islandica) and epiphytic (Hypogymnia physodes and Bryoria subcana) lichens in taiga forests of the European Northeast were examined as habitats of oribatid mites. In total, in different species of lichens, 55 species of oribatids from 30 families were found. Five ecological groups of oribatid mites as inhabitants of lichens were identified. It was found that the specificity of the oribatid mite population in epiphytic lichens consisted of dominant arboricolic species also not numerous arboricolic species. Dominant hemiedaphic species and not numerous hemiedaphic species were characteristic of ground lichens. The arboricolic‒hemiedaphic group includes species that live in both ground and epiphytic lichens. The ecologically vicariating species in relation to epiphytes were identified; these are species of the genera Carabodes, Mycobates, Oribatula, and Phauloppia.

Diversity of Soil Gamasine Mites (Acari: Mesostigmata: Gamasina) in an Area of Natural Vegetation and Cultivated Areas of the Cerrado Biome in Northern Brazil

The Brazilian Cerrado biome has undergone major changes, with the incorporation of new areas for agricultural production. While this can certainly provide for the worldwide growing need for agricultural products, especially food, care should be taken to prevent possible environmental degradation. Worldwide, mites of the cohort Gamasina constitute the most abundant and diverse group of soil predatory mites, usually considered important in maintaining the ecological balance of natural environments. Little is known about the abundance and diversity of Gamasina in the Cerrado. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the abundance and diversity of Gamasina in soils of natural vegetation and of agroecosystems in Cerrado areas of the northern Brazilian state of Tocantins. This is considered the first step in the determination of possible role of the local predators as biological control agents, and their potential for practical use locally and elsewhere. Soil samples were taken monthly between July 2015 and June 2016. In total, 1373 Gamasina representing 45 species of 24 genera and 9 families were collected. The most abundant Gamasina belonged to Rhodacaridae in areas of the natural vegetation and to Ascidae in the agroecosystems. Abundance and diversity were much higher in the rainy than in the dry season. Rhodacarids and ascids have not been used commercially for pest control, but investigations conducted so far suggest their potential as biological control agents. The confirmation of this possibility and the development of techniques that would allow their maintenance in agricultural areas require subsequent research efforts.

Diversity and Distribution of Mites (Acari: Ixodida, Mesostigmata, Trombidiformes, Sarcoptiformes) in the Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard is a singular region to study biodiversity. Located at a high latitude and geographically isolated, the archipelago possesses widely varying environmental conditions and unique flora and fauna communities. It is also here where particularly rapid environmental changes are occurring, having amongst the fastest increases in mean air temperature in the Arctic. One of the most common and species-rich invertebrate groups in Svalbard is the mites (Acari). We here describe the characteristics of the Svalbard acarofauna, and, as a baseline, an updated inventory of 178 species (one Ixodida, 36 Mesostigmata, 43 Trombidiformes, and 98 Sarcoptiformes) along with their occurrences. In contrast to the Trombidiformes and Sarcoptiformes, which are dominated in Svalbard by species with wide geographical distributions, the Mesostigmata include many Arctic species (39%); it would thus be an interesting future study to determine if mesostigmatid communities are more affected by global warming then other mite groups. A large number of new species (42 spp.) have been described from Svalbard, including 15 that have so far been found exclusively there. It is yet uncertain if any of these latter species are endemic: six are recent findings, the others are old records and, in most cases, impossible to verify. That the Arctic is still insufficiently sampled also limits conclusions concerning endemicity.

Endemism of Uropodina Mites: Spurious or Real?

Analyzing the data from the existing literature about geographic distribution of mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata), one can get the impression that this group of mites is characterized by an unusual extent of endemism on a global scale. This observation encouraged the authors of this study to ascertain whether endemism in Uropodina mites is a real feature of this group or whether it stems from the current state of affairs in this field of research. The study is based on evidence from the literature on the topic and data obtained from long-term research conducted on extensive materials from all over the globe (over 40,000 samples). The discussion presented in the article is supported by many examples, showing that both hypotheses can in fact be proved right. The major point of reference in this study is the fairly well-known fauna of Uropodina in Europe, whereas South America is the testing area for the two hypotheses.

Molecular phylogenetic analyses reveal a deep dichotomy in the conifer-inhabiting genus Trisetacus (Eriophyoidea: Nalepellidae), with the two lineages differing in their female genital morphology and host associations.

We analyzed the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Trisetacus using two genes [cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and D1-D2 region of 28S rDNA (D1-D2 28S)], a representive taxon sampling (nearly 40% of known diversity), and a large set of close and distant outgroups. Our analyses suggest the presence of a dichotomy between Trisetacus associated with Cupressaceae and Pinaceae. The following smaller molecular clades were found: Pin-1 (bud mites, twig sheath mites, bark gall mites, and endoparasitic mites from pinaceans), Pin-2 (needle sheath mites from pines), Pin-2a (putative Nearctic group of needle sheath mites), Pin-2b (putative Palearctic group of needle sheath mites), Cup-1 and 2 (bud, cone, seed mites and mites living under bark scales from cupressaceans). The monophyly of the recently proposed subgenus Brevithecus nested within clade Cup-2 was confirmed. Ancestral character reconstruction analyses recovered: (1) Pinaceae as the ancestral hosts of Nalepellidae and Trisetacus, (2) repetitive reductions of the spermathecal tube independently occurred in two lineages of Trisetacus from Cupressaceae, and (3) several mite habitats on host (galls, cones, twig sheaths, seeds, inside leaves, and under scales) are evolutionarily derived states, whereas living in buds or needle sheaths are ancestral states for Trisetacus clades Cup and Pin. Using confocal microscopy, we identified six basic types of the female internal genitalia of Trisetacus based on shapes of the spermatheca and spermathecal tube. These genitalic types are strongly correlated with lineages recovered by molecular phylogenetic analyses, suggesting that the female genital morphology is both evolutionarily conserved and is a factor influencing macroevolutionary patterns in this group of mites.