Order Mesostigmata Research Articles

Myrmecophily among mesostigmatid mites

AbstractAnt nests are biodiversity hot spots, concentrating resources from a wide area that can be exploited by other organisms, known as myrmecophiles. The mite order Mesostigmata includes a wide range of lineages that have become myrmecophiles with many species reliant on ant nests for at least part of their development. The nature of the associations is quite variable, including predators of smaller arthropods in the nest (close to the ancestral lifestyle of these mites), scavengers, kleptoparasites, parasites, and parasitoids. A few mite species show extreme modifications of morphological and/or developmental patterns, others show almost none. Some host specificity is common but one-on-one host specialization is rare or poorly tested. Phoresy on the ants is common, but the target ant caste varies with the goal of phoresy. In general, the diversity of mesostigmatid mites in the nest of a given ant species is affected by habitat conditions along with a range of life history characteristics of the ants, including factors such as body size, colony size, colony founding mode, social parasitism, and nest density. Unfortunately, the life history of the majority of mites associated with ants is still unknown.

The Diversity of Arachnid Assemblages on the Endemic Tree Zelkova abelicea (Ulmaceae): An Evaluation of Fragmentation and Connectivity in Crete (Greece).

Zelkova abelicea is an endemic tree growing only on eight mountain stands on the Greek island of Crete. The aim of this study was to determine the structure of the assemblages and analyze the diversity of the arachnid assemblages living on Zelkova abelicea, an endemic tree species in Crete. Material for the analyses was collected from tree trunks, oftentimes covered by bryophytes or lichens. In the examined material, 85 taxa were recorded. The most numerous groups represented in the analyzed material were Acari, including representatives of the orders Mesostigmata (78 ind. of 18 spp.) and Oribatida (1056 ind. of 51 spp.). In the order Mesostigmata the species represented by the highest numbers of specimens were Onchodellus karawaiewi (15 individuals) and Hypoaspisella sp. (13), which is probably a species new to science. In turn, representatives of the order Oribatida were much more numerous, with Zygoribatula exilis (284) and Eremaeus tuberosus (210) being identified in the largest numbers. Among the eight sampled localities, Gerakari (646 ind. and 50 spp.) and Omalos (409 ind. and 43 spp., respectively) had by far the richest assemblages. Statistical analyses confirmed the highly diverse character of the arachnid assemblages at the individual sites, which is a consequence not only of the varied numbers of arachnids found, but also of the presence of very rare species, such as Androlaelaps shealsi, Cosmolaelaps lutegiensis or Hoploseius oblongus. These results highlight the high species diversity of the arachnids found on Z. abelicea but also suggest the lack of connectivity between the isolated and fragmented forest stands on Crete.

Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acari: Macrochelidae) associated with Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae) in the municipality of Sabanalarga, Antioquia

Objective: To identify mites in Diptera in a wooded area of Sabanalarga, Department of Antioquia, Colombia. Materials and methods: Two "stable flies" (Stomoxys calcitrans) were collected in a corral used temporarily to move cattle located in a wooded area of the municipality of Sabanalarga, Antioquia-Colombia. The flies were stored in Eppendorf tubes containing 70% ethyl alcohol for further processing. In the laboratory, the flies were identified, and then the mites they carried on their ventral area were removed and counted. Subsequently, the mites were stored in 70% ethyl alcohol to be rinsed on slides and identified under a light microscope. Results: A total of 15 specimens of a mite of the order Mesostigmata, family Macrochelidae of the species Macrocheles muscaedomesticae, parasitizing the flies S. calcitrans, were identified. Conclusions: This is the first report on the parasitic association between phoretic mites Macrocheles muscaedomesticae and stable flies Stomoxys calcitrans in Sabanalarga, Antioquia-Colombia.

Integrative taxonomy demonstrates synonymy between Euseius amissibilis Meshkov and Euseius gallicus Kreiter & Tixier (Acari: Phytoseiidae)</p >

Taxonomy of the predatory mite family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) is essentially based on morphological observations, and only a few studies use integrative approaches that include mainly morphological and molecular analysis. Species of the genus Euseius Wainstein (Acari: Phytoseiidae) are pollen feeding generalist predators belonging to “Type IV” group. There are more than 200 species of the genus that are considered to be valid. However, there could be a series of synonyms among these valid species. Euseius gallicus Kreiter & Tixier is one of the recently described species and its natural populations have been reported from a total of 10 countries. There are some molecular studies showing that E. gallicus represents a different lineage and separated adequately from the other well-known and common species, E. stipulatus in the Western Palearctic region. However, it shows great morphological similarities with E. amissibilis Meshkov, a species previously described from Tajikistan. According to its original description, these two species can be separated based on a few differences in their setal lengths, but doubts remain regarding the similarities between them. Therefore, we examined the type material of E. amissibilis, and newly collected materials from various localities including the type locality. We conducted molecular analyses, using two gene markers (ITS and Cox1) to determine whether these two species are conspecific. Results show that all morphological characters and measurements of the type and the newly collected materials of E. amissibilis fall within the range indicated in the original description of E. gallicus. Moreover, zero and low levels (≤6% previously considered as variation for phytoseiid mites) of genetic distances were detected among the specimens of these two species from different populations based on ITS and Cox1 gene markers, respectively. As conclusion, this study confirms that E. gallicus is a junior synonym of E. amissibilis. In addition, based on our best knowledge, a ventral pore-like structure located on ambulacral stalk of the first leg is observed for the first time in a species of the family Phytoseiidae, probably even in the order Mesostigmata.

Parasitic Arthropods of Soricinae Shrews in North-Eastern Poland.

The study of the ectoparasite fauna of the insectivores-Sorex araneus, Sorex minutus, Neomys fodiens, and Neomys anomalus (subfamily Soricinae)-was carried out in three locations in Poland: Białowieża National Park, Kosewo Górne in the Masurian Lake District, and in vicinity of Warsaw. Three species of Ixodidae ticks, eleven species of fleas, and four species of mites from the order Mesostigmata were noted. The most numerous ectoparasites are ticks Ixodes ricinus (larvae), Dermacentor reticulatus (nymphs), and fleas Palaeopsylla soricis, Megabothris walkeri, and Hystrichopsylla orientalis. These species show the highest prevalence and show the highest dominance index. The parasitofauna of S. araneus is much richer in species than other shrew species. The structure and dominance of parasite assemblages differ between locations.

Nest-dwelling Mites of Selected Common Bird Species in Sri Lanka

Bird nests primarily function to protect and incubate eggs and nestlings. However, nests are also host to a broad diversity and abundance of arthropod associates, primarily mites (Acari). Our knowledge of nest dwelling mites of common bird species in Sri Lanka is quite limited and necessitates further study. Five different types of nests of selected common bird species (18) in Sri Lanka in urban, suburban, wild, and captive populations were sampled opportunistically using a portable mini vacuum trap. ANOVA: single factor test was used to evaluate statistical significance at p<0.05. A total of 1493 mites were collected from 180 nests. The mites belonging to order Mesostigmata had the highest relative abundance (58.6%) and prevalence (74.4%) of all mite orders collected, followed by the Sarcoptiformes (41.1%, 72.8%), and Trombidiformes (0.3%, 2.2%). Mite diversity of host bird species was measured using the Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H’). Pycnonotus cafer nests had the highest diversity of mites. Cup-shaped nests were host to the highest average abundance value (13.4) of mites, while cavity nests had the lowest value (5.7). Nests from captive populations had the highest average abundance (24.6) of mites and the nests of suburban populations had the lowest value (7.2). These findings can be used as a baseline data set for further detailed research studies on nest-dwelling mites of birds, focusing on avifaunal conservation and the impact on human health by nest-dwelling ectoparasites, built-in human habitations in Sri Lanka.

Checklist of Indian mites in the family Laelapidae (Acari: Mesostigmata)

Laelapidae Canestrini, 1891 is one of the most diverse mite families in the order Mesostigmata, but the Indian fauna of this family is very poorly known. This paper is a checklist of the known species of Laelapidae recorded from India, with a summary of the available information on the distribution and biology of each species. The known fauna includes 66 species in 21 genera, plus seven species whose generic placement is unresolved and a number of others that lack validly published descriptions.

Checklist of Indian mites in the family Laelapidae Canestrini, 1891 (Acari: Mesostigmata)

The mite family Laelapidae Canestrini, 1891 (Acari: Parasitiformes) is one of the most diverse families in the Order Mesostigmata. The family is cosmopolitan and ecologically diverse, including obligate and facultative parasites of vertebrates, insect paraphages, and free-living predators that occur in soil and litter and the nests of vertebrates and arthropods. The free-living species have received considerable attention as predatory biological control agents of agri-horticultural pests that spend at least part of their life in the soil. 

Delimiting the Dermanyssoidea

The Dermanyssoidea and the Eviphidoidea are two closely related diverse superfamilies within the mite order Mesostigmata. This diversity accrues from their remarkable ecological vagility. The Dermanyssoidea is particularly prone to evolve symbioses with larger animals. Our understanding of the relationships within and between these superfamilies remain unsatisfactory. Various currently-used characters used to recognise the Dermanyssoidea are plesiomorphies and cannot clearly unite this grouping or define it with respect to the Eviphidoidea. While integrated phylogeny will assist in resolving these issues, for key taxa there is a need to further refine available characters to render them usable as homology statements. Several phylogenetically useful characters are outlined. Key characters, when clearly defined, will help the search for natural groups. This will guide phylogenetic sampling and make subsequent tests of evolutionary ecological questions coherent. These needs persist despite widespread calls (coming from outside of acarology) to distil the number of characters used to describe taxa at the species level.

Checklist of water mites from mainland Portugal and its archipelagos

This study focuses on aquatic mites from the Portuguese Exclusive Economic Zone, including the mainland area, and Madeira and Azores archipelagos, aiming at compiling all existing information and generating a list of species and all their data on collecting sites. For the present work, we consider aquatic species, those that inhabit the marine, deep sea, intertidal, freshwater, transition water or brackish environments, with life-cycle occurring entirely at water habitats or their vicinity. Furthermore, breeding should take place in water aquatic lifestyles. The dataset search for this checklist started with the first descriptions of water acarids from the Azores Archipelago performed by Théodore Barrois. Primary sources for occurrence confirmation were Süßwasserfauna von Mitteleuropa book collection, The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), complemented with an extensive Portuguese literature review and data biodiversity websites, e.g., European Water Mite Research (Watermite.org). In total, 102 valid species were found belonging to 41 genera, and 19 families, nested in the orders Mesostigmata, Sarcoptiformes and Trombidiformes. This is the first work compiling all the species of aquatic mites found in Portuguese territory, as well as data of collection, serving as the basis for future studies.

THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT PHYTOPROTECTION SYSTEMS ON ENTOMOFAGE FAUNA IN APPLE PLANTATION

The paper presents data on the diversity of entomophagous fauna in an ecologically managed apple plantation, as well as aspects regarding the differences found in the structure of the entomophagous complex in three variants of phytoprotection technologies: "Ecological", "Biotechnical" and "Chemical standard". The study was carried out during the years 2019-2020, at the Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitesti, in a plot aged 12 years. The evaluations were performed both in the field, visually and in the laboratory, at binocular magnifier. As a result of this study, a number of 6 species of predatory insects were identified: Chrysopa carnea, Coccinella septempunctata, Adalia decempunctata, Anthocoris sp., Phytoseiulus persimilis and Aphidoletes aphidimyza, were mainly from the Orders Mesostigmata, Coleoptera, Neuroptera, Diptera and Hemiptera.

World distribution and habitat scope of Ameroseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata)

The mite family Ameroseiidae with 138 valid species is presently classified in the superfamily Ascoidea of the order Mesostigmata. Seventy-two species have been described based on type specimens and no report has been done since then, while the other 66 species have been frequently reported from around the world. The objective of this study is to provide information about distribution and habitat of the latter group, which are listed in twelve genera: Ameroseius (21 species), Kleemannia (15), Neocypholaelaps (8), Epicriopsis (7), Hattena and Sertitympanum (4 each), Ameroseiella (2), Afrocypholaelaps, Asperolaelaps, Brontispalaelaps, Pseudoameroseius and Sinoseius (1 each).

<p class="Body"><strong>Gamasina mite communities (Acari: Mesostigmata) in grain production systems of the southwestern Brazilian Amazon</strong></p>

Emphasis has been given in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso to the implementation of more sustainable production practices, including what has been termed agrosilvopastoral production system (ASPS), which involves the integration of different types of land use in a same area along time, seeking increased ecological stability. The Gamasina mite group (order Mesostigmata) is usually diverse and abundant in non-cultivated soils, where they can prey on arthropods and nematodes; some are commercialized for biological pest control. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity and abundance of edaphic Gamasina in plots of grain production managed under conventional (alternating cultivation) system and under ASPS, both with the adoption of no-tillage cultivation, in the municipality of Sinop, Mato Grosso state. In samples of soil and litter taken biweekly from August 2015 to May 2016, 762 Gamasina representing 32 species of 21 genera and nine families were collected. Considering both systems together, the dominant Gamasina were quite different from those of other parts of Brazil. Calculated ecological indexes showed no major differences between the two systems, possibly because of the relatively short time since the implementation of ASPS. In both systems, Rhodacaridae was one of the dominant families (37.5% of the Gamasina), followed by Macrochelidae (20.9%) and Laelapidae (18.8%). The most abundant species were Multidentirhodacarus squamosus Karg (Rhodacaridae), a new species of Holostaspella (Macrochelidae) and Cosmolaelaps barbatus Moreira, Klompen and Moraes (Laelapidae). Future studies are warranted, allowing more time for the adoption of ASPS to produce possible ecological changes.

Effects of thermal shock on the survival and reproduction of Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae).

The responses of arthropods to thermal stress are vital in ecological studies in order to understand survival, development, and reproduction. However, this subject is poorly addressed. In the order Mesostigmata, an abundance of species lives in the soil. Among these species, Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley) is a predator used in the control of pest organisms that live in the soil. Mites of this species are commercialized in several countries, including Brazil, presenting efficiency in pest control in several crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermal shock on S. scimitus females, as well as to monitor the temperature variation in the environment. For each temperature, 80 experimental units were assembled for different periods (0.5, 1, 2, and 4h). Experimental units were maintained at 25°C, after exposure of the mites. Mortality and oviposition were evaluated. The results showed a 40% reduction in the survival of mites exposed to 37°C for 4h, compared to the control treatment (25°C). Oviposition was less affected at 1h exposure to temperatures of 19 and 12°C and thermic fluctuation was observed in the greenhouse, especially inside the slabs. Understanding temperature effects in mites and the thermic fluctuation in the environment is essential to achieve satisfactory results in biological control. It is important to observe the scenario in which predatory mites will be released as these aspects are decisive in predatory activity.

<p class="Body"><strong>A contribution to the fauna of mites (Acari) in Fiji</strong></p>

We recently had the opportunity to collect some mite samples in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu of Fiji and found a couple of dozens of species. In this paper we present 32 species in three orders—Mesostigmata: 15 species in 11 genera in 9 families; Sarcoptiformes: 13 species in 13 genera in 10 families; Trombidiformes: 4 species in 4 genera in 3 families. The following 22 species are recorded for the first time from Fiji: Ameroseius womersleyi in Ameroseiidae, Lasioseius cuppa, L. latinoamericanus, L. pellitus and L. penicilliger in Blattisociidae, Androlaelaps casalis in Laelapidae, Proctolaelaps aurora in Melicharidae, Propriosiopsis ovatus and Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) transvaalensis in Phytoseiidae; Funkotriplogynium ovulum in Triplogyniidae, Uroactinia hippocrepea in Uroactiniidae, Neotropacarus mumai and Schwiebea zingiberi in Acaridae, Glycycometus weelawadjiensis in Aeroglyphidae, Blomia tropicalis in Echimyopodidae, Pergalumna (P.) hawaiiensis hawaiiensis in Galumnidae, Nasozetes sumatrensis in Hemileiidae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in Pyroglyphidae, Sudasia pontifica in Suidasiidae, Oulenziella bakeri in Winterschmidtiidae, Dactyloscirus smileyi in Cunaxidae, Tarsonemus rakowiensis in Tarsonemidae.

Dominance and Frequency of Mite Species Associated with Poultry Droppings

The present study was carried out onAl-Saqlawiya poultry farm's soil (Anbar, Iraq) for the period of 8 months (November 2018- June 2019). A total of 75 samples of poultry droppings were collectedrandomly. 552 individuals of mite,belonging to 3 orders and 8 families representing 15 species, were found. These species were: Acarus gracilis, Acarus siro, Caloglyphus berlesi, Androlaelaps casalis, Sejus temperaticus, Parasitus paraconsanguineus, Eugamasus butleri, Macrocheles medarius, Macrocheles glaber, Macrocheles muscaedomesticae, Macrocheles matrius, Kleemannia plumosus, Cheyletus eruditus, Cheyletus malaccensis, and Pyemotes herfsi.
 The highest population density belonged to order Astigmata, followed by orders Mesostigmata and Prostigmata, respectively. The dominance and frequency of mite species were linked to the availability of appropriate conditions in terms of food source and temperatures registered in theIraqi Meteorological Directorate. Thehighest mite population densities were recorded during the winter months compared to the summer months.

Mites Inhabiting Manure and Dunghills in Assiut Governorate, with Annotated Checklist of Mite Species Existing in Husbandry Farms in Egypt

The present survey of mite species inhabiting organic manure in different animal-sheds (i.e., buffalo, cow, sheep, goats), in both farms, the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University and the production farm of El-Fateh district, Data showed that there were 28 mite species pertaining to 20 genera of 12 families in three mite orders (Mesostigmata, Astigmata, Trombidiformes). Mesostigmata represented by 19 species (8 families); Astigmata (Acarididia), represented by 8 species (2 families) and Trombidiformes represented by two species belonging to two families. Both mite species of the families Macrochelidae Vithzthum, 1930, and Parasitidae Oudemans, 1901 were recorded in high densities. While scarce numbers of Tarsonemidae Canestrini & Fanzago, 1876 were observed. The annotated checklist reported 150 mite species belonging to 67 genera of 26 families.

What is the Southern Limit of the Distribution of Red Palm Mite, Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), in Agricultural Lands in Brazil?

The red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), has been considered one of the most threatening pests of coconut, banana, and other monocotyledonous plants. It now has been reported from several Brazilian states, but little is known about its current distribution in the southern half of Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the distribution of R. indica and the associated predatory mites in mid-southern Brazil, and to determine the possible southern limit to its distribution in the country. It was found in the Federal District and in 49 municipalities of 9 states, of which the southernmost was Ipora, Parana State (24.007222°S, 53.698333°W). The majority of the surveyed sites south of Ipora had higher altitude than this municipality and surveyed sites immediately north of it. Thus, sites south of Ipora seem ecologically unsuitable to R. indica, most probably because of the low temperature in the winter. Eighteen species of predatory mites were found in association with R. indica, all of which belong to the order Mesostigmata, and 14 of which belong in the family Phytoseiidae. However, they are not R. indica-specific, as most have been reported from coconut (and other plants) in Brazil and elsewhere, regardless of the occurrence of R. indica. Resumo Raoiella indica tem sido considerada uma das pragas mais importantes de coqueiro, bananeira e plantas de importância floristica. Atualmente foi relatado em varios estados brasileiros, mas pouco se sabe sobre sua distribuicao atual no sul do Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a distribuicao de R. indica e os acaros predadores associados no centro-sul do Brasil, discutindo o possivel limite sul de sua distribuicao. Raoiella indica foi encontrado no Distrito Federal e em 49 municipios de 9 estados, dos quais o mais meridional foi Ipora, estado do Parana (24.007222°S, 53.698333°W). A maioria dos pontos pesquisados ao sul de Ipora tem altitude maior do que este municipio e dos pontos pesquisados imediatamente ao norte. Assim, pontos ao sul Ipora parecem ecologicamente inadequadas para R. indica, muito provavelmente por causa da baixa temperatura no inverno. Dezoito especies de acaros predadores foram encontradas em associacao com a R. indica, todos dos quais pertencentes a ordem Mesostigmata e 14 pertencem a familia Phytoseiidae. No entanto, eles nao sao inimigos naturais especificos de R. indica, pois, a maioria foi relatada em coqueiro (e outras plantas) no Brasil e em outros lugares, independentemente da ocorrencia de R. indica. Key Words: phytoseiid mites; natural enemies; coconut View this article in BioOne

Report on three ectoparasites of the Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat Cynopterus sphinx Vahl, 1797 (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in Cachar District of Assam, India

Ectoparasites of bats (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae), with a description of three species of of which two belong to order Mesostigmata (family: Ameroseiidae and Macronyssidae) and one belong to order Ixodida (family: Ixodidae), from northeastern India are discussed. The present study was carried out for six months (January–June 2014) to identify the various ectoparasites of the Short-nosed Fruit Bat Cynopterus sphinx in Cachar District of Assam, northeastern India. A total of 12 individuals of C. sphinx was captured using mist nets from eight different localities of the study area. During the study, a total of 125 parasites was collected from C. sphinx. The identified parasites were Dermacentor sp. Indet., Ameroseius sp. Indet., and Steatonyssus sp. Indet. and falls under the class Arachnida.

Mesostigmatic mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) of Saudi Arabia (excluding Phytoseioidea), new records and a key to the known species.

This paper reports on 35 species and 33 genera belonging to 18 families of the order Mesostigmata, collected from different provinces of Saudi Arabia. Among these, eight families, 21 genera and 30 species, mostly collected from date palm agroecosystem, are new to the fauna of Saudi Arabia. Five species reported previously are also recorded in this study. The collection data and distribution of all species recorded in this study as well as those reported previously are given. A comprehensive key to the females of the mesostigmatic mites reported from Saudi Arabia, except the Phytoseioidea, is provided.