Mite Fauna Research Articles

First record of the genus Eviphis Berlese (Parasitiformes: Eviphididae) from Türkiye, with some notes on the eviphidid mites in Türkiye

Female specimens of Eviphis ostrinus (Koch) have been collected in litters, moss, lichen and soil from different provinces of Türkiye, which has been described as a new record of the Turkish acarofauna. The present study provides description, original drawings, and images of the Turkish specimens of E. ostrinus. Also, the recent status of the Turkish eviphidid mite fauna is considered here.

Additions to the chigger mite fauna (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of Saudi Arabia, with the description of a new species

Collections of chigger mites from murid rodents were performed in two bordering provinces of southwestern Saudi Arabia, Al Bahah and ‘Asir. A total of 561 chiggers belonging to 19 species were collected in 2020 and 2021 from 54 rodents of two species, Acomys dimidiatus (Cretzchmar) and Mus musculus L. One new species is described: Odontacarus thesigeri n. sp. Five species are recorded in Saudi Arabia for the first time: Microtrombicula abyssinica (Radford, 1947), Microtrombicula felis (Vercammen-Grandjean, 1965), Microtrombicula saperoi (Radford, 1954), Schoengastiella hypoderma Vercammen-Grandjean, 1956, and Schoutedenichia originalis Kudryashova, 1976. Among them, M. abyssinica and M. saperoi, are re-described based on type specimens and new materials.

THE SPECIES DIVERSITY OF FOUR-LEGGED MITES (ACARI: ERIOPHYOIDAE) IN THE URBOPHYTOCENOSIS OF KYIV

The superfamily Eriophyoidea is a large and diverse group of mites that includes a number of species of economic importance, mainly on perennial plants in agriculture and forestry. This article updates the latest data on the species diversity and distribution of eryophyoid mites in the phytocoenoses of Kyiv. Monitoring of four-legged mites was carried out in 2012-2022 from May to September on the territory of the Fomin Botanical Garden, the M.M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, in parks, squares and street plantings of Kyiv. During the research, field and laboratory methods were used in accordance with generally accepted methods in acarology. As a result of the surveys, it was found that in the current state of phytocoenoses in Kyiv, the fauna of four-legged mites includes 28 species from 11 genera (Acalitus - 2 species, Aceria - 9, Aculops - 1, Aculus - 5, Anthocoptes - 1, Epitrimerus - 1, Eriophyes - 4, Phyllocoptes - 1, Phytoptus - 1, Trisetacus - 2, Vasates - 1 species). Invasive species account for 21.4 %. They include Aceria erineus, Aceria loewi, Aculus hippocastani, Anthocoptes platynotus, Eriophyes vitis, Vasates allotrichus. The most common are 4 species of mites: Eriophyes tiliae, Aceria petanovicae, Aceria fraxinivorus and Aceria cephalonea. Seven species of Eriophyceae are characterised by significant harmfulness: Aceria erineus, Aceria fraxinivorus, Aceria petanovicae, Aculus tetanothrix, Eriophyes leiosoma, Eriophyes pyri, Eriophyes tiliae. The article presents the fodder plants, gives a brief description of the peculiarities of the types of damage and the occurrence of four-legged mites in the phytocoenoses of Kyiv. The practical value of the work is that the information on the presence, abundance and distribution of the four-legged mites will help in monitoring and making future management decisions.

Diversity of mite fauna associated with some fruit trees in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India with their economic importance

The present paper reports the occurrence of 7 types diseases occurring on 12 species medicinal plants of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narendrapur, West Bengal, India. For each plant the disease symptoms and pathogen involved have been discussed.

NEW DATA ON SPIDER MITES (PROSTIGMATA: TETRANYCHIDAE) FROM KYRGYZSTAN

This paper provides a brief review of investigations of the spider mite fauna of Kyrgyzstan. 5 species—Eotetranychus libocedri, Eo. tiliarum, Eo. thujae, Oligonychus karamatus and O. lagodechii—were recorded from Kyrgyzstan for the first time. In addition, the presence of O. piceae in the studied region has been confirmed. Thus, the tetranychids fauna of Kyrgyzstan consists of 58 species.

New Data on The Soil Mite Fauna (Acari: Oribatida) from Soğucak Plateau (Turkey)

During the investigations of soil mites of the Soğucak Plateau, three species belonging to families Oribotritiidae, Neoliodidae, and Collohmanniidae (Acari: Oribatida) were found. Oribotritia (O.) krivolutskyi Liu, Niedbała, and Starý, 2011 is secondly recorded throughout the world. SEM images of the species are also provided.

Host-Parasite Relationships of Quill Mites (Syringophilidae) and Parrots (Psittaciformes)

The family Syringophilidae (Acari: Prostigmata) includes obligatory ectoparasites, which occupy feather quills from various parts of avian plumage, where they feed and reproduce. Our study was concerned with the global fauna of syringophilid mites associated with Psittaciformes, as well as host-parasite specificity and evolution. We assumed that the system composed of quill mites and parrots represents a model group that can be used in a broader study of the relationships between parasites and hosts. In total, we examined 1524 host individuals of parrots belonging to 195 species, 73 genera, and 4 families (which constitute ca. 50% of global parrot fauna) from all zoogeographical regions where Psittaciformes occur. Among them, 89 individuals representing 81 species have been infested by quill mites belonging to 45 species and 8 genera. The prevalence of host infestations by syringophilid mites varied from 2.8% to 100% (95% confidence interval (CI Sterne method) = 0.1–100). We applied a bipartite analysis to determine the parasite-host interaction, network indices, and host specificity at the species and whole network levels. The Syringophilidae-Psittaciformes network was composed of 24 mite species and 47 host species. The bipartite network was characterized by a high network level specialization H2′ = 0.98, connectance C = 0.89, and high modularity Q = 0.90, with 23 modules, but low nestedness N = 0.0333. Moreover, we reconstructed the phylogeny of the quill mites on the generic level, and this analysis shows two distinct clades: Psittaciphilus (Peristerophila + Terratosyringophilus) (among Syringophilinae subfamily) and Lawrencipicobia (Pipicobia + Rafapicobia) (among Picobiinae). Finally, the distributions and host-parasite relationships in the system composed of syringophilid mites and parrots are discussed.

New species, new records, and re-descriptions of two species of the genus Oligonychus Berlese (Acari: Prostigmata: Tetranychidae) from Saudi Arabia

Spider mite fauna of the genus Oligonychus Berlese (Acari: Prostigmata: Tetranychidae) was comprehensively explored from natural and cultivated vegetation in Saudi Arabia (SA), during the years 2018 to 2020. One new species, Oligonychus washingtoniae sp. nov., and three new records, O. coniferarum (McGregor, 1950), O. dactyloni Smiley & Baker, 1995, and O. tylus Baker & Pritchard, 1960, are reported for the first time from SA. The new species, O. washingtoniae sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Washingtonia filifera (Lindl.) H.Wendl. (Arecaceae). The species O. dactyloni, and O. tylus are re-described, which were briefly described previously.

Contributions to the knowledge of the plant-inhabiting mite fauna of Hungary and Austria (Acari: Parasitiformes and Acariformes)

AbstractDate-locality-host records for 37 mite species of 15 families are presented for Hungary and Austria. These results include the first record of eight species for Hungary, viz. Charletonia krendowskyi (Feider, 1954), Marantelophus rudaensis (Haitlinger, 1986), Cunaxa gazella (Berlese, 1916), Eupalopsellus oelandicus Sellnick, 1949, Tydeus lindquisti (Marshall, 1970), Neoseiulus dungeri (Karg, 1977), Neoseiulus tauricus (Livshitz et Kuznetzov, 1972) and Proctolaelaps drosophilae Karg, Baker et Jenkinson, 1995. Observations on habitat preferences, plant associations, co-occurrences and feeding behaviour are also provided.

Description of a new species of Lasioseius (Acari: Mesostigmata: Blattisociidae) from Brazil, redescription of L. meridionalis Chant and a key to separate the Lasioseius species reported from that country

Lasioseius Berlese is the largest genus of Blattisociidae (Phytoseioidea), with slightly more than 200 described species. Mites of this genus have been collected from different habitats such as soil, litter and in association with insects. In an effort to understand the fauna of edaphic mites, soil samples have been collected from different Brazilian biomes. The objectives of this work are to describe a new Lasioseius species from Brazil, to redescribe Lasioseius meridionalis Chant and to present a key for the separation of the species of the genus reported from that country. The samples were processed in modified Berlese-Tullgren funnels, and the mites collected were mounted in Hoyer’s medium for identification. The Mesostigmata were separated into families, and the Blattisociidae were separated into genera. The Lasioseius specimens were compared with the original descriptions and redescriptions of the species presently placed in the genus, leading to the conclusion that part of the specimens belonged to a new species. Other specimens belonged to a species taxonomically known only from the original description, L. meridionalis, which was redescribed. Lasioseius n. sp. has an unusual feature among the Lasioseius species for having dorsal setae mostly bacilate and saber to leaf-shapped. This species is most similar to L. foliatisetus Merlin et al. in also having a wide peritreme, but differs for not having post-stigmatic extension of the peritreme and different dorsal shield setae. The other species collected in this work is very similar to Lasioseius barbensiensis Faraji & Karg, morphologically known only from the original description, based solely on the holotype. The examination of part of the specimens collected and of the holotypes of L. barbensiensis and L. meridionalis led us to the conclusion that they represent two similar species, differing mostly in relation to the spermathecal apparatus. Lasioseius barbensiensis has been previously reported from Brazil, but L. meridionalis is reported for the first time. With this publication, the total number of Lasioseius species reported from Brazil is increased to nineteen, which can be separated with a key presented in this publication. Financial support FAPESP (2019/27793-7; 2017/12004-1).

Caligonella quinqueocellata Khaustov (Caligonellidae): a new addition to Turkey’s acarofauna

This study presents the first record of Caligonella quinqueocellata Khaustov for the mite fauna of Turkey. The single female specimen was collected from grassy and mossy soil in the Karasu Valley. This species was previously recorded from the Crimea and Iran. As of right now, this is the third report on this species.

The arthropods of corpses from above ground and from deep below

The Acari are one of the most ubiquitous arthropod inhabitants and associates of human and animal remains. Over 150 years ago, Jean Pierre Mégnin proposed that mites arrive at corpses at two particular stages of the decomposition process, that is within the first and the sixth waves of arthropod arrival or colonisation event (Mégnin, 1895). Now we know that mites actually arrive at each stage of the decomposition process of corpses, in a continuum (Rai et al., 2021). Interestingly, the mite fauna of cadavers is very diverse, and mite species composition varies as decomposition progresses and according to the environment where decomposition occurs (Baker, 2009; Braig & Perotti, 2009). In fact, specific stages of decomposition can be characterised by the associated mite species (Kamaruzaman et al., 2018; Leclercq & Verstraeten, 1988; Mašán et al., 2013; Mégnin, 1895).

Distribution and phylogeographic patterns of intertidal oribatid mites along South African shores

A faunistic study of the intertidal oribatid mite fauna of South Africa’s coastline revealed the presence of four species from three families, namely Halozetes capensis (Podacaridae), Fortuynia elamellata micromorpha (Fortuyniidae), Schusteria ugraseni and Selenoribates divergens (Selenoribatidae). A specific biogeographic pattern was observed coinciding with suggested marine biogeographic ecoregions corresponding with the cold Benguela Current slowly drifting northwards on the west coast and the warm, rapidly southwestward moving Agulhas Current on the east coast. Halozetes capensis is confined to the southern cooler warm-temperate Agulhas region, F. e. micromorpha and Sch. ugraseni to the eastern warmer subtropical Natal Ecoregion and Sel. divergens to the northeastern tropical Delagoa Ecoregion. Furthermore, CO1 gene sequences of H. capensis showed isolated populations and a distinct genetic structuring, while F. e. micromorpha showed gene flow between all populations and thus no distinct structure. The paleoenvironmental history and the ocean currents may be responsible for the observed patterns. During the last glacial maximum, the colder climate and the weakening of the Agulhas Current possibly resulted in a bottleneck in the warm adapted Fortuynia populations, but the subsequent global warming allowed the populations to expand again. The cold-adapted Halozetes populations experienced no dramatic changes during this period and thus could persist in the Agulhas Ecoregion. Considering transport on ocean currents, the Agulhas Current on the east coast could be further responsible for connectivity between Fortuynia populations, but the deflection on the south-eastern coast could support the isolation of the Halozetes populations. It is difficult to determine how individual populations may be influenced by climate change, but in general, with global warming induced changes in sea surface temperatures, warm adapted fortuyniid and selenoribatids can be expected to expand their ranges southward, while the distribution of the cold adapted podacarid might be reduced to a few southwestern coastal areas.

Comparative diversity of the Uropodina (Acari, Gamasida) inhabiting poultry manure in southeastern Brazil

Species in the cohort Uropodina include a great diversity of free-living mites, which inhabit soil, leaf litter and manure. These habitats present favorable microclimatic aspects for colonization and succession of several species of mites, with different niches occupied over time. For poultry manure, many weeks of manure accumulation are necessary for there to be sufficient colonization by predatory and decomposing arthropods, including mite species, and for the formation of complex food webs for ecological stability. The knowledge of manure mite fauna in Brazil is hampered by the great diversity of species and the lack of specialists. In the State of São Paulo, there are few known species of edaphic and manure mites from the cohort Uropodina. This study presents taxonomic and some comparative distribution data about uropodids in poultry manure in the State of São Paulo. The manure was collected in poultry farms in Mogi-Guaçu, SP (1,800 kg) in July 2022. The mites were extracted by Berlese-Tullgren method over an eight-day period and preserved in 70% alcohol. The mites were counted and Uropodina identified by visual observation for clarification and preparation of slides in Hoyer’s medium. The mite specimens were compared with the mites previously collected in manure from a laying farm in Santa Cruz da Conceição, SP in July 2001 and July 2002. Two morphospecies of Thrichouropoda were identified in the samples from Mogi-Guaçu. The mites obtained in Santa Cruz da Conceição, SP had representatives in the genera Uroseius, Uroobovella and Thrichouropoda, with four morphospecies identified. The variation in distribution and diversity of uropodids in the manure of both poultry farms suggest that instabilities regarding the accumulation of manure, management in these properties, environmental changes over the years and factors intrinsic to the locations, could affect the uniformity of collections in these areas. The uropodids from this study were deposited in the Collection of Arthropods of Medical and Veterinary Importance (IB-CPAMV), Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Biological Institute of São Paulo.

Mites associated with stored Oryza sativa L. in the Philippines

The mite fauna present in stored rice grains in the Philippines has never been systematically studied. Two of the identified species are known to produce human allergens, namely: Blomia tropicalis Bronswijk, Cock and Oshima (Echimyopodidae) and Suidasia pontifica Oudemans (Suidasiidae). Other species collected were Tropilichus aframericanus Fain (Glycyphagidae), Acarophenax tribolii Newstead and Duvall (Acarophenacidae), Chortoglyphus arcuatus Troupeau (Chortoglyphidae), Sancassania oudemansi Zachvatkin (Acaridae), Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans (Cheyletidae), Cunaxa capreolus Berlese (Cunaxidae), and Blattisocius keegani Fox (Blattisociidae). However, S. pontifica, C. malaccensis and B. keegani were the only constant and dominant species. On the other hand, lack of control measures and inadequate hygiene and cleanliness in various warehouses contribute to a significant infestation of storage mites. This information could be useful in understanding the acarofauna of stored rice grains and control of the damages and losses caused by storage mites, providing researchers a small starting point for dealing with mite infestations on rice grain.

Mite fauna abundance and composition on apples in southern Brazil

The production of apples (Malus domestica: Rosaceae) in Brazil is concentrated in three states in the southern region of the country. This crop is of great economic importance for the region, and is usually susceptible to infestations of mite populations. However, recent surveys of mite species associated to apples are scarce. The aim of the present study was to fill this void by analyzing species abundance and composition on three apple cultivars in the southern region of Brazil. The survey was carried out in the states of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Santa Catarina (SC), and Paraná (PR). A total of 94 apple orchards were evaluated (43 Gala, 40 Fuji and 11 Eva), in 19 municipalities. Twenty plants were sampled from each orchard in March 2019, with four leaves collected from each plant, thus totaling 80 leaves/orchard. Mites were screened and identified in the Laboratório de Acarologia of Universidade do Vale do Taquari - UNIVATES. Data were analyzed using the R software with mixed generalized linear models, non-metric multidimensional scaling, and PERMANOVA. A total of 4,909 mite specimens were identified, belonging to eight species and six genera, of which 1,833 were classified as phytophagous, 1,758 as predators, and 1,318 as generalists. The most abundant phytophagous species was Aculus schlechtendali (33.55%), followed by the predator Neoseiulus californicus (33.14%) and by the generalist Tarsonemus (Tarsonemus) sp. (23.99%). Abundance was similar between Eva and Fuji cultivars. However, these cultivars differed in composition, as did Eva and Gala. The mean number of mites found in Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul was similar, although Paraná had a higher number. Species composition also differed among the three states evaluated. Considering the importance of the apple production in the southern region of Brazil, studies on species composition and abundance are important, aiming to monitor potential damage-causing organisms to the crop and associated predators.

Pest mites and their interaction with Phytoseiidae and other arthropod predators in an almond orchard in South-West Spain

The almond crop in Spain has increased in importance in recent years and consequently there is a need to improve knowledge about pests, diseases, and weeds. The present study was conducted from 2017 to 2020, with the objective of determining the fauna of spider mites and their natural enemies, with a special emphasis on phytoseiids. The main spider mite species was Tetranychus urticae Koch, and secondary species were Bryobia rubrioculus (Scheuten) and Eutetranychus banksii (McGregor). Phytoseiidae were the most abundant group of natural enemies, with 59% of the individuals observed; Euseius stipulatus (Athias-Henriot) was the predominant species, accounting for 96% of adult females identified, Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) athenas Swirski & Ragusa accounted for the remaining 4%. Other (potential) natural enemies were Chrysopidae, Scolothrips longicornis Priesner, and Stethorus sp. with 36, 2, and 3%, respectively, of the natural enemy individuals. The seasonal pattern of T. urticae indicated population peaks from July to September, and its control was based on miticides in most seasons. Euseius stipulatus and T. athenas appeared mainly in May–June and did not show interaction with the spider mite population. Chrysopidae were present throughout the season, from May to October in the 4 years, but no direct relationship with the spider mite population was observed. In contrast, the seasonal pattern of both S. longicornis and Stethorus sp. coincided with the most important peaks of spider mites and these predators were seen in the spider mite colonies, although in very low numbers. The importance of these latter specialized spider mite predators and ways to strengthen them are discussed.

屋内生息性ダニ類の敷布団における種類相と布団内部の分布調査

屋内生息性ダニ類の敷布団における種類相と布団内部の分布調査

Review of the Iranian Parholaspidid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) with a key to the species.

Six species of Parholaspidid mites were collected from Guilan province in Northern Iran. Gamasholaspis browningi (Bregetova Koroleva, 1960) is a new record for the Iranian Parholaspidid mite fauna. This paper provides a checklist for Parholaspidid mites species recorded from Iran, with a key for identification of the species.

Hidden treasures – a first study on the unexplored diversity of water mites (Acari; Hydrachnidia) from Belize

Here we provide first data on the apparently rich water mite fauna of Belize. In this work 27 genera in 14 families were registered at ten sites. The state of knowledge on water mites of El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Southern Mexico (South of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec) is described and similarities with the presented data are discussed. In total, 23 families, 61 genera are now known from Northern Central America, with one family (Hungarohydracaridae) and three genera (Santiagocarus, Neoaxona (Lamellaxona), Stygarrenurus) published for the first time from this region in the present study.