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We describe the life history of Laccophilus dikinohaseus Kamite, Hikida, and Satô, 2005 using laboratory rearing-based methods to contribute to future ex situ and in situ conservation. At 26 °C, each developmental stage had the following duration: egg, 6–7 days; first-instar, 3–5 days; second-instar, 3–5 days; third-instar in water, 7–18 days; landing to leaving the pupal chamber, 9–11 days; and total duration of the immature stages, 30–44 days. The total larval period was significantly longer than those of L. yoshitomii Watanabe and Kamite, 2018, L. kobensis Sharp, 1873, and L. hebusuensis Watanabe and Kamite, 2020. The maximum complete lifespan (egg to adult death) and adult lifespan (exiting the pupal chamber to adult death) were 792 and 762 days, respectively, indicating that L. dikinohaseus can live for more than two years after the adults exit the pupal chamber. Laccophilus dikinohaseus laid eggs not only in aquatic plants but also in driftwood and withered plants, suggesting a diverse oviposition substrate availability. This is the first study on the immature stages of L. dikinohaseus and lifespan of Laccophilus. We propose in situ conservation measures for L. dikinohaseus based on its findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant) belonging to Phytoseiidae, Acari, is an indigenous dominant predatory mite. As a typical represent- ative of phytoseiulus, A. herbicolus has the advantages of miscellaneous food, wide distribution, strong abilities of predation, breaking through the wire mesh, and certain resistance to insecticides, so it is a valuable natural enemy resource. In order to further clarify its value and deepen its development and utilization, this paper systematically reviewed the research progress of A. herbicolus, and put forward its prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) bagdasarjani Wainstein & Arutunjan and T. (A.) khosrovensis Arutunjan have been frequently recorded from Iran. While investigating the population dynamics of these two predatory mite species on white mulberry in 2022 and 2023, in Tehran (Iran), our study unveiled intriguing morphological abnormalities and variations. Specifically, variations were observed in the number of dorsal shield solenostomes, insertion of ventrianal setae, shape of spermatheca and length of peritreme. In this context, detailed re-descriptions for both species are presented, accompanied by documentation of the observed abnormalities and variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a polyphagous pest that causes significant economic losses in multiple crop plants. Controlling T. urticae often involves intensive acaricide applications. The use of acaricides also significantly affects human health and ecosystem diversity due to residues and toxic effects in agricultural products. In this study, the efficacy of two predatory mites, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae), was determined against T. urticae when released as single species and when both species were released together on tomato plants under greenhouse conditions during autumn 2022. The study found that the highest T. urticae density per leaf, with 40.88 ± 0.79 individuals (eggs + motile) in the control group, was reached at the eighth week. In the same week, the highest impact on T. urticae, with 7.57 ± 0.42 individuals (eggs + motile), was observed in the treatment group where P. persimilis + A. swirskii were used together, compared to the untreated. According to the current results, the combined use of two predatory species (P. persimilis and A. swirskii) has been found to significantly suppress the population of T. urticae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial communities, derived from food, ambient, and inner, can affect host ecological adaption and evolution. Comparing with most phytophagous arthropods, predators may have more opportunities to develop specific microbiota depending on the level of prey specialization. To explore how diet sources affect host microbial communities and vary across predator species, we considered 3 types of predators from Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata): polyphagous (Amblyseius orientalis Ehara, Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes, and Amblyseius swirskii Athias‐Henrio), oligophagous (Neoseiulus californicus McGregor), and monophagous (Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot) predatory mites. The polyphagous species were fed on 2 types of diets, natural prey and alternative prey. By using 16S rRNA sequencing, we found that diet was the main source of microbiota in predatory mites, while there was no clear pattern affected by prey specialization. Among 3 polyphagous predators, host species had a larger impact than prey on microbial composition. Unlike A. orientalis or N. barkeri which showed consistency in their microbiota, prey switching significantly affected β‐diversity of bacterial composition in A. swirskii, with 56% of the microbial alteration. In short, our results confirmed the substantial influence of diet on host microbial construction in predatory species, and highlighted species differences in shaping the microbiota which are not necessarily related to prey specialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three mite species belonging to the family Phytoseiidae namely, Amblyseiulellasolanaesp. n., Paraphytoseius punjabensissp. n. and Transeiusuttarbharaticussp. n., are described based on specimens collected from plants amidst the dense green semi-arid trans-Himalayan dryland tracts of Punjab plains of North India. Three phytoseiid mite species: Amblyseiusparaaerialis; Scapulaseius asiaticus and Typhlodromips jhilimiliensis were recorded for the first time from Punjab state. Key to the world species of the genus Paraphytoseius is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the biology of Phytoseius leaki and its predation on various stages of Brevipalpus papayensis, providing insights into the feeding habits and behavior of P. leaki as a potential biocontrol agent. Topics include the observation of predation rates on different stages of B. papayensis, the feeding behavior of P. leaki, and its potential role in controlling tenuipalpid and other mite species on hairy leaves.

The results of long-term research on tetranychid and phytoseiid mites in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine are summarized. Transcarpathian Tetranychoidea are represented by 28 species from 10 genera, and the same list for Phytoseiidae included 49 species from 11 genera. For 77 species of mites from 21 genera, species composition, abundance, trophic specialization, and biotopic distribution in different altitudinal zones of Transcarpathia, Ukraine was analysed. Ten species of tetranychid mites (Bryobia rubrioculus, Tetranyhus horridus, Amphytetranyhus viennensis, Eotetranycuus carpini, E. quercicola, Neotetranychus rubi, Oligonychus ununguis, Panonychus ulmi, T. turkestani and T. urticae), and 11 species of phytoseiid mites (Neoseiulus umbraticus, Kampimodromus aberrans, Amblyseius andersoni, A. rademacheri, Euseius ucrainicus, Dubininellus echinus, D. juvenis, Typhloctonus aceri, T. tuberculatus, Anthoseius (A.) rhenana and A. (A.) clavata) were common to all three studied altitudinal zones. The species diversity of tetranychids was highest in the lowlands (23 species), slightly lower in the foothills (19 species), and the lowest in the mountain zone (11 species). For phytoseiid mites, it was the highest in the foothills (38 species), 25 in the lowlands and 21 in mountains. Among the tetranychids, the transzonal species A. viennensis retained its dominant status in all altitudinal zones. In the lowland, the highest rates of occurrence and dominance indices were observed for the species B. rubrioculus and T. turkestani, and in the foothills—for P. ulmi and T. horridus. The species composition of mites in the lowlands and mountains varied the most for both predators and phytophagous mites. Among the tetranychids, the most striking marker species in the mountains were P. ulmi and N. rubi. Only in the mountains were found such phytoseiid species as N. alidis, N. montanus, T. runiacus, T. mutatus, and A. salviae, which could thus be considered strictly mountainous. All of them have fragmented habitats and are tied to mountainous regions. In that altitudinal zone, an exceptionally high occurrence rate and dominance index were established for N. montanus among the phytoseiids. This is most probably due to significantly greater differences in the temperature and humidity regimes and range of host plants and, for predatory mites, prey species. The results of this study provide additional information about the structure of the communities of phytophagous and predatory mites in the natural zones of the mountain landscape and changes in the composition of the communities under the influence of environmental factors and the forage base, which is a consequence of the altitudinal distribution of the investigated biocenoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brief introduction of Chinese Limnesiidae taxonomy is provided. Adults of two new species, Limnesia (Limnesia) lupingae Li & Guo sp. nov. and Limnesia (Limnesia) macrophthalma Li & Guo sp. nov., from Heilongjiang and Hubei provinces respectively, are described in detail. Subtle structures are recorded with scanning electron micrographs. In addition, deutonymphs of two new species are also described in detail and compared with the adults in discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group-living animals sometimes cooperatively protect their offspring against predators. This behavior is observed in a wide range of taxa but, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of its occurrence in arthropods that are not eusocial. Adult female predatory mites Gynaeseius liturivorus protect their eggs against egg predators, the predatory mite species Neoseiulus californicus. In the field, several adult female G. liturivorus were often found on the same plant structures such as folded leaves. We tested whether these females might protect their eggs cooperatively, focusing on kinship between the females. When two adult female G. liturivorus were kept in the absence of egg predators, their reproduction was not affected by their kinship. The presence of egg predators reduced the number of G. liturivorus eggs. However, reproduction of two G. liturivorus sisters was higher than that of two non-sisters. Together, sisters guarded the oviposition site longer than non-sisters. We further tested if non-sisters increased egg guarding by having developed together from eggs to adults and found no such effect. Although it remains unclear how adult female G. liturivorus recognize conspecifics as kin or sisters, our results suggest that G. liturivorus sisters reduced predation on their offspring by cooperatively guarding their eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of fungicides (mancozeb, copper oxychloride, thiophanate methyl, and metalaxyl + mancozeb) on the functional response of a phytoseiid predator, Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans), to eggs of Tetranychus urticae Koch. The predatory mite females were treated with fungicides and after 48 h, progeny from live females were evaluated for the residual toxicity effect on the functional response of predatory mites. All the tested stages of N. longispinosus (protonymph, deutonymph, adult female and male) exhibited a type II functional response to eggs of T. urticae in fungicide treatments and untreated control. With an increase in prey density, the number of prey consumed increased, then levelled off and the proportion of prey consumed decreased. When compared with control, no significant differences across treatments were observed in the attack rate and handling time of the predator stages. The adult female showed maximum searching efficiency with attack rate and handling time ranging between 0.226–0.204 h−1 and 3.069–3.457 h, respectively, across fungicide treatments. This study suggests that even under the exposure of fungicides, N. longispinosus could possess a promising predatory potential against T. urticae on tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Floral resources have been increasingly utilized in conservation-based biological control to support the natural enemies of insect pests or pest mites. The native predatory mite Neoseiulus bicaudus, found in Xinjiang, plays a crucial role in the integrated pest management of agricultural crops. The aim of this experiment was to compare the impacts of floral resources on the longevity, fecundity, and predation ability of N. bicaudus. Finally, a comparative analysis of the adaptation of eight nectar and pollen plants to N. bicaudus was performed, as well as further investigation into the effect of pollen from these nectar and pollen plants on the predation ability of predatory mites. The obtained results have significant implications for the utilization of nectar and pollen plants for eco-friendly pest mite control in farmland. Neoseiulus bicaudus is a predatory mite species that could potentially be used for the biological control of spider mites and thrips. Floral resources can provide excellent habitats and abundant nutrients for natural enemies. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of eight floral resources on the longevity, fecundity, and predation ability of N. bicaudus. Among the considered plants, Cnidium monnieri led to the highest longevity (24 days) and fecundity (13.8 eggs) of N. bicaudus, while Tagetes erecta resulted in the lowest longevity (7 days) and fecundity (0.1 eggs) observed in the predatory mites. By comparing the effects of three nectar and pollen plants on the predation of predatory mites, it was observed that N. bicaudus still exhibited a type II functional response to Tetranychus turkestani. In the presence of pollen, the predation efficacy (a/Th) of N. bicaudus exhibited a lower value, compared to that in the absence of pollen (Control: a/Th = 24.00). When pollen was supplied, the maximum consumption (1/Th) of predatory mites was higher than in its absence (Control: 1/Th = 9.90 d−1), with the highest value obtained in the presence of B. officinalis pollen (B. officinalis: 1/Th = 17.86 d−1). The influence coefficient of predation of N. bicaudus on T. turkestani in the presence of pollen was compared in the presence of three nectar and pollen plants: Cnidium monnieri, Centaurea cyanus, and Borago officinalis. At low prey densities, the influence coefficient of C. cyanus exceeded that of B. officinalis, and the overall influence coefficient values were negative (i.e., the presence of pollen reduced predatory mite feeding on T. turkestani). They exhibited similar values at high prey densities, and all of the influence coefficient values were close to 0 (i.e., the presence of pollen had no effect on predatory mite feeding on T. turkestani). The findings revealed that diverse plant species exert differential impacts on N. bicaudus, with some influencing its lifespan and others affecting its reproductive capabilities. Furthermore, the presence of nectar and pollen plants had a significant impact on predatory mite feeding on T. turkestani at low prey densities; however, this effect diminished as the prey density increased. Therefore, we recommend planting C. monnieri, C. cyanus, and B. officinalis in the field to ensure an ample population of predatory mites. The obtained results hold significant implications for the utilization of nectar and pollen plants in eco-friendly pest management strategies within agricultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheese mites environment infestations have been recurrent and well‐known for a long time. Nevertheless, studies aiming to evaluate consumption safety have not yet been conducted, causing legislation in many countries to prohibit and destroy this type of product when detected. Here, we evaluated whether feeding upon cheeses ripened with Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridae) mites would impair the physiological status of non‐immunosuppressed and immunosuppressed (cyclophosphamide‐treated) mice. Our results revealed the absence of any detrimental effects of eating mite‐ripened cheeses, which can support the advancements in the regularisation of cheeses ripened with mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of Rubroscirus (Acari: Cunaxidae) were collected from the Eastern dry zone of Karnataka, India. Females and males of Rubroscirus sinensisFan, 1992, collected from five different species of plants, are recorded for the first time from India and redescribed. The female of Rubroscirus karnatakaensissp. nov. collected on three species of plants is described. This brings the total number of Rubroscirus species from India to three. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contributes to the extensive history of research on the family Phytoseiidae in New Zealand, covering nearly a century. We examined phytoseiid specimens in the major repositories, unveiling fifteen species new to New Zealand: Amblyseius andersoni (Chant), A. waltersi Schicha, A. williamsi Schicha, Australiseiulus australicus (Womersley), Euseius elinae (Schicha), Graminaseius graminis (Chant), G. sturti (Schicha), Neoseiulus alpinus (Schweizer), N. californicus (McGregor), N. dieteri (Schicha), N. tareensis (Schicha), Proprioseiopsis anthurii (Schicha), P. cabonus Schicha & Elshafie, P. okanagensis (Chant) and Typhlodromus transvaalensis (Nesbitt), and clarifying the presence or absence status of some species in the country. Additionally, we analysed the diversity and distribution of species in New Zealand, presenting an updated checklist of phytoseiid species in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we delved into the effects of royal jelly supplementation on the life history traits of Amblyseius herbicolus, a thelytokous predatory mite with potential in biological pest control. Royal jelly, a nutrient-rich substance from honeybees, is known for its diverse biological activities in various species. Our experiments showed the concentration-dependent impacts of royal jelly supplementation on A. herbicolus. While royal jelly positively influenced mite survival at low concentrations (5%), a trade-off emerged: increased survival came at the cost of reduced fecundity. Also, royal jelly reduced ovipositional and post-ovipositional duration. Remarkably, maternal royal jelly supplementation influenced the pre-ovipositional duration of A. herbicolus offspring, suggesting transgenerational effects. However, certain traits, such as developmental time, size at maturity, and lifespan of both parents and offspring, remained unaffected. Our findings emphasise the specificity of royal jelly's impact on different aspects of mite biology and the possibility of inducing adverse influences on life history traits. To fully harness the potential of royal jelly in dietary supplementation, further research exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions is imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomy of the subgenus Anthoseius De Leon (Acari: Phytoseiidae) has become challenging and often causing confusions among taxonomists. We here provide complementary descriptions of three species, T. (A.) bengalensis Karmakar et al., T. (A.) bulbosis Karmakar et al., and T. (A.) serrulatus Ehara, based on the specimens collected from Karnataka, India. During the identification of our specimens, we observed several important morphological differences between the new specimens and the original descriptions of the first two species. The morphological differences include number of dorsal solenostomes (absence or presence of gd5), position of preanal pores, chelicera dentition including position of teeth, shape of calyx of spermatheca, and leg chaetotaxy including number of setae on genu II, number of macrosetae and shape of ventral setae. Since these characters are crucial for phytoseiid taxonomy, we decided to examine the type specimens of these two species. Our examination on their holotypes confirmed that the morphological characters mentioned above are different than those reported in their original descriptions, but identical to the complementary descriptions provided here. In addition, T. (A.) serrulatus has not been recognized by several acarologists and repeatedly described under different names. We proposed five new and three suspected synonymies for this species. Lastly, we also provided the first description of males of T. (A.) bengalensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch, TSSMs) greatly harm vegetables and other crops in Tibet, but predatory mites are potential effective biological agents against them. Herein, we measure the fitness and predatory abilities of four predatory mite species in the Tibetan Plateau and confirm that the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) had the highest fecundity, the highest pre-adult survival rate, and the highest predation capacity toward adult TSSMs at 15 d post-release. The results imply that A. swirskii is more effective for the control of TSSMs in laboratory conditions and can be viewed as an effective biological control agent candidate against TSSMs in Tibet. Predatory mites are biological control agents used in many countries against various vegetable pests, particularly spider mites. Despite the significant presence of predatory mites in the Tibetan plateau, there is limited research on their potential against spider mites in the area. This study investigated the fitness parameters and performance against TSSM of four predatory, including Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) and three species from the genus Neoseiulus (Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes), and Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans)), originally collected from fields in the Tibetan Plateau. Compared to the other three predatory species, A. swirskii exhibited the highest fecundity (11.60 ± 0.34) and the highest pre-adult survival rate (83.33 ± 3.33%). Since their juvenile survival rate (SR) was extremely low (13.33% ± 5.77%), most N. barkeri nymphs died before emergence. Compared to the other three predatory mites, A. swirskii showed the highest predation capacity against adult TSSMs at 15 d post-release (14.28 ± 2.24). Based on the results, A. swirskii was the most effective, and N. barkeri was the least effective in controlling two-spotted mites in the Tibetan Plateau among the four species tested in this study. Collectively, these findings imply notable advantages in employing A. swirskii for controlling two-spotted mites in the Tibetan Plateau. This study informs the development of a feasible biological control method based on suitable predatory mite species to manage TSSMs in the Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to recognize the mite fauna associated with apple orchards in southern Brazil and present a dichotomous key of the species sampled and those already reported in apple trees in southern Brazil. The studies were carried out in the 2020/2021 harvest in seven apple orchards of the Eva, Fuji and Gala cultivars located in the municipalities of Muitos Capões, Antônio Prado (Rio Grande do Sul state) and São Joaquim (Santa Catarina state). The orchards were divided into quadrants and sampling was carried out monthly. In each orchard, 40 plants were sampled, with three leaves of each plant collected in apical, median and basal regions of a median branch. In addition, monthly five species of spontaneous plants per orchard were sampled. A total of 8,425 mites were found, with the greatest abundance in Antônio Prado (50%), followed by Muitos Capões (35.5%) and São Joaquim (14.5%). The specimens found belong to 29 families, 64 genera and 99 species, in addition to mites of the order Oribatida. The greatest diversity was found in spontaneous vegetation (59 species), being 19 exclusives to apple trees and 21 species common to apple trees and spontaneous vegetation. Phytoseiidae was the family that presented the greatest richness, with 16 species, of which seven were common in apple trees and spontaneous plants. The most abundant species was Aculus schlechtendali Nalepa (Eriophyidae) (39.5%), followed by Panonychus ulmi (Koch) (Tetranychidae) (14.6%), Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Tarsonemidae) (9.4%) and Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Phytoseiidae) (7.4%). These results suggest that the mite fauna present in apple orchards in different landscapes and management are distinct, with a greater diversity of phytoseiid mites present in organic areas. Therefore, to maintain a greater diversity of predatory mites in these orchards, organic management seems to be the most appropriate. Furthermore, the high acarine diversity found in spontaneous vegetation demonstrates the importance of maintaining these plants in orchards that serve as refuges and reservoirs, favoring the permanence of natural enemies in these environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Gynaeseius Wainstein, 1962, namely G. dweepabasi Karmakar and Biswas sp. n. and G. kalapaharicus Karmakar and Biswas sp. n., are described, based on specimens collected from flora in the dense, lush and obscured tropical evergreen rainforest regions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With these descriptions, thirteen valid species of Gynaeseius are presently known from the world. Gynaeseius santosoi (Ehara, 2005) has been recorded for the first time from India, also from that same region, being here redescribed. A key to the world species of the genus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The imaginal stages and eggs of the species Labiobaetis ancoralis Shi and Tong (2014) are first described and photographed based on reared materials from mature nymphs. In addition, its COI gene is sequenced and compared to other species in the same genus. Besides its nymphal labrum with submarginal spatulate-like bristles, abdomen with anchor-shaped markings, its imaginal diagnostic characteristics include slim hindwings with an indistinct costal process, and a cone-like projection between two base-widened forceps. The COI gene sequence of this species is close to L. atrebatinus. The morphological details provided in this research show that the males of the species L. ancoralis, like typical baetids, have reduced hindwings and penes, which have very limited value in classification, but their shapes of forceps can be used in future studies to identify the potentially diverse Chinese Labiobaetis species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental influences experienced by organisms are known to influence the phenotype of offspring through transgenerational plasticity or parental effects, and recent studies have revealed the significance of diet stress experienced by parents in shaping the life course of their progeny. In this laboratory study using a predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, we investigated the influence of parental diet restriction on offspring life history traits. We found that parental mites exposed to food reductions of 50% (Low diet) during both immature development and adult stages produced F1 offspring with reduced survival rates and fecundity compared to those from parents on abundant (High) diets. Sexually dimorphic responses emerged in response to parental diet restriction, whereby a reduced diet led to extended developmental periods for both male and female offspring while simultaneously reducing male size at maturity and increasing female size at maturity. We also found that diet restriction experienced by F0 individuals at both immature and adult stages manifested as reduced egg volumes and a less female-biased sex ratio in the F1's offspring (i.e. the F2). There were additional significant interactions between the dietary history of parents and the dietary experiences of P. persimilis offspring themselves on various traits, including post-oviposition period, fecundity, and individual egg volume. These findings suggest that the dietary experiences of parents can modulate their offspring's response when facing diet restriction. This study provided insights into non-genetic inheritance and transgenerational plasticity, highlighting the intricate interplay between environmental stressors and phenotypic responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a checklist and a key encompassing 11 species of Typhlodromus Scheuten (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from Syria, derived from materials collected in this study as well as previous reports. A brief redescription, including setal measurements and some other important characters used to discriminate phytoseiid species, is provided for each species examined. Notably, the species Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) intercalaris Livshitz & Kuznetsov is reported for the first time in Syria, and redescribed based on adult specimens collected from Quercus cerris L. and Quercus infectoria G. Olivier (Fagaceae) trees in Latakia governorate. The examined specimens of this species demonstrated variation in the presence or absence of preanal pores: (1) absent on both sides; (2) present on both sides; (3) present on the left side; and (4) present on the right side. This species was considered a junior synonym of T. (A.) invectus Chant in an earlier study without examination of their type materials. We tried to find the holotype T. (A.) invectus without success. However, according to their original description, T. (A.) intercalaris is distinguishable from T. (A.) invectus by having two pairs of setae on the sternal shield, as opposed to three pairs in the latter species. Therefore, the reason for the redescription provided here is to improve diagnosis and minimize any confusion regarding the species status of the Syrian specimens. This discovery holds significant implications for understanding the biodiversity of phytoseiids in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet is an important component of mass-production system of bio-control agents. Thus, using a non-prey diet (such as plant pollen) instead of natural prey could be more cost-effective in mass-production of phytoseiid predatory mites. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the multigenerational effect of maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), pollen diet on life table parameters of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot and Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski & Amitai) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) reared for one, five and 11 consecutive generations. The predatory mites A. swirskii and C. negevi successfully completed their development on maize pollen for up to 11 generations. In G1, oviposition days, adult longevity, and fecundity showed significantly higher values in the case of C. negevi as compared to A. swirskii. Despite statistically similar oviposition days in the G11, A. swirskii females (44.43 eggs/♀) deposited significantly more eggs than those of C. negevi (40.60 eggs/♀). There were no significant differences in finite rate of increase (λ), intrinsic rate of increase (r), net (R0) and gross (GRR) reproductive rates between the two predatory mites in G1 and G5 (P ≥ 0.05). In G11, individuals of C. negevi had significantly higher values of r (0.181 day-1) and λ (1.198 day-1) compared to those of A. swirskii (r = 0.159 day-1, λ = 1.173 day-1). However, there were no significant differences in R0 and GRR values between A. swirskii (R0 =34.18 offspring, GRR = 39.75 offspring) and C. negevi (R0 = 31.23 offspring, GRR = 35.44 offspring) in G11. In conclusion, maize pollen has a great potential as a suitable and cost-effective diet for developing the mass-production system of A. swirskii and C. negevi on non-prey diets, where the performance of these predators remained to some extent constant across generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to use standard parameters for assessing the biological performance of natural enemies in biological programs. The predation parameters of Typhlodromus bagdasarjani Wainstein & Arutunjan (Acari: Phytoseiidae) fed on the immature stages of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), reared on four different host plants including cucumber (cultivar ʻNeginʼ), tomato (cultivar ʻIsabellaʼ), eggplant (cultivar ʻBellʼ) and watermelon (cultivar ʻCrimsonʼ) were determined under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 1 ℃, 60 ± 5% R.H. and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Predation data were analyzed using the CONSUME MSChart. The lowest and highest estimated values for the net predation rate (C0) were recorded on eggplant (35.12 prey/individual) and tomato (95.87 prey/individual), respectively. The lowest transformation rate from prey population to predator offspring (Qp) (12.76 prey/egg) was recorded on cucumber which was not significantly different from those obtained on the others. The highest value for the stable predation rate (ψ) was recorded on the cucumber (2.49 prey/predator) and the lowest amount was recorded on the watermelon (1.93 prey/predator). The finite predation rate (ω) for T. bagdasarjani on the abovementioned host plants was 2.73, 2.61, 2.03, and 2.04 (day-1), respectively. Our findings revealed the predation parameters of T. bagdasarjani fed on immature stages of T. urticae on four different host plants and will be helpful for its sustainable management in different agro-ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of 135 reported spider mite species (family Tetranychidae) belonging to two subfamilies, six tribes and 20 genera, from various parts of India has been enlisted here. This paper is aimed at compiling the data from published records, which could be useful for future reference as well as research purposes. A list of scientific names of the Indian tetranychid mite species with their synonyms and their distribution are provided in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the fundamental questions in insect evolution is the origin of their wings and primary function of ancestral wing precursors. Recent phylogenomic and comparative morphological studies broadly support a terrestrial ancestor of pterygotes, but an aquatic or semiaquatic ancestor cannot be ruled out. Here new features of the branchial system of palaeodictyopteran larvae of several different instars of Katosaxoniapteron brauneri gen. et sp. nov. (Eugereonoidea) from the late Carboniferous collected at Piesberg (Germany) are described, which consist of delicate dorsolateral and lamellate caudal abdominal gills that support an aquatic or at least semiaquatic lifestyle for these insects. Moreover, the similar form and surface microstructures on the lateral abdominal outgrowths and thoracic wing pads indicate that paired serial outgrowths on segments of both tagmata presumably functioned as ancestral type of gills resembling a protopterygote model. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the wing sheaths of later stage damselfly larvae in hypoxic conditions have a respiratory role similar to abdominal tracheal gills. Hence, the primary function and driving force for the evolution of the precursors of wing pads and their abdominal homologues could be respiration. New palaeodictyopteran larvae show similar form and surface microstructures on lateral abdominal outgrowths and thoracic wing pads, suggesting that paired serial outgrowths on segments of both tagmata functioned as ancestral type of gills, resembling a protopterygote model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes has been used to control several pests, including the red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst. However, in some situations, the exclusive use of biocontrol agents is not sufficient to prevent the damage caused by pests. In these scenarios, the integration of chemical and biological controls is desired. For that purpose, the determination of selective acaricides, avoiding or reducing deleterious effects on the biological control agent is desirable. This study evaluated the lethal and sublethal effects of acaricides (abamectin, azadirachtin, fenpyroximate and pyridaben) on the predatory mite N. barkeri. We investigated the toxicity and selectivity of the acaricides and the survival, fertility, egg viability and instantaneous growth rate (ri) of N. barkeri exposed to acaricides. Additionally, we classified the acaricides according to the scale proposed by the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC). Among the acaricides evaluated, abamectin was selective for N. barkeri because the estimated lethal concentration (LC50) for N. barkeri was higher than that for R. indica. None of the acaricides affected predator survival curves. However, azadirachtin and fenpyroximate reduced the average predator survival time. Pyridaben was the only acaricide that reduced the fertility of N. barkeri females and, consequently, their instantaneous growth rate (ri). All the acaricides affected the viability of N. barkeri eggs. Pyridaben was classified as moderately harmful, whereas other acaricides were classified as harmless. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of predatory mites belonging to the genus Amblyseius Berlese (Acari: Phytoseiidae), A. latisetosussp. nov., A. unodentatussp. nov., and A. altaiensissp. nov. are described based on the material collected from Altai Republic, Russia. The new species are assigned to the obtusus species group and andersoni species subgroup by having setae J2 and Z1, short and minute setae z4, sub-pentagonal ventrianal shield, and bell-shaped calyx of spermatheca. All new species were compared with each other and all other Amblyseius species known to date. The main diagnostic characters of these species are measurements of prominent dorsal setae, ventral setae JV5 and macrosetae on leg IV, cheliceral dentition, number of setae on genu II as well as small rounded and distinct pre-anal pores on ventrianal shield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to know the population fluctuation of the mites in apple (Malus domestica Borkh: Rosaceae) orchards with different crop management strategies, with emphasis on Aculus schlechtendali Nalepa (Eriophyidae) and Panonychus ulmi (Koch) (Tetranychidae) and their natural enemies. The studies were carried out in 2020-21, in three organic orchards (Eva, Fuji and Gala), from Antônio Prado, two conventional (Fuji and Gala), from Muitos Capões, RS, Brazil, and two of regenerative agriculture (Fuji and Gala), in São Joaquim, SC, Brazil. Forty plants/orchard were sampled, from which three leaves/plant from the apical, median and basal offshoot were detached. The material was screened and identified in the laboratory. A total of 7.193 specimens, belonging to 14 families, 29 genera, and 40 species, were collected. The most common phytophagous mites were A. schlechtendali (46.2%), P. ulmi (16.9%) and Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks (Tarsonemidae) (10.9%). Panonychus ulmi was observed in all orchards, being abundant in conventional and regenerative orchards. The most common predatory mites were Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Phytoseiidae), Agistemus riograndensis Johann and Ferla (Stigmaeidae) and Agistemus brasiliensis Matioli, Ueckermann and Oliveira (Stigmaeidae). Among predators, greater diversity was observed in organic orchards, while in conventional and regenerative orchards N. californicus was the most common. Greater acarine abundance was observed when there was an increase in temperatures, and the predatory mites increased their populations in response to the presence of phytophagous mites. The results suggest that the mite populations were influenced by the cultivar and mainly by the management used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the faunistic survey of Cecidophyinae mites in Serbia, a new species, Achaetocoptes dragicaesp. nov., found on Erica carnea L. is described and illustrated. Additionally, supplementary descriptions of six species (Cecidophyes glaber (Nal.), Cecidophyes nudus Nal., Cecidophyes psilonotus (Nal.), Cecidophyes gymnaspis (Nal.), Cecidophyopsis rosmarinusis Wang et al., and Chrecidus quercipodus Manson) are provided. Moreover, Achaetocoptes cerrifoliae (Labanowski & Soika) and Bariella bakonyense Ripka & Csóka, represent new records for the Serbian fauna, while Ce. rosmarinusis and Ch. quercipodus are recorded for the first time in Europe. Sequences of mtCOI barcode region are provided for all species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental factors, such as the wavelength of light, can have a crucial impact on mite development. Little is, however, known about the effect of visible light quality on demographic parameters of Phytoseiidae. We therefore conducted series of laboratory experiments in which development and reproduction of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot feeding on Tetranychus urticae Koch eggs was investigated under various light conditions (white, blue, green, yellow, and red light). The results revealed that different light wavelengths influenced each developmental stage, with the green light conditions promoting longest pre-adult development. The longevity of both male and female mites varied significantly across light wavelengths, with the shortest lifespan observed under red light. The highest mean total fecundity, 16 eggs per female, was observed under white light conditions. Population parameters (R0, r, and λ) were also highest under white light and decreased with increasing light wavelength. These findings suggest that light wavelength plays a significant role in development, survival, and reproduction of the predatory mite, with white light being identified as providing the best light conditions for commercial production of P. persimilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article assess the genetic diversity of Typhlodromus bagdasarjani, a predatory mite belonging to the Phytoseiidae family, based on molecular markers. It aims to understand the population variations of this mite species in different climate zones within Iran. It is reported that Typhlodromus bagdasarjani is known for its role as a generalist predator, feeding on various pests in orchards, making it an essential contributor to biological pest control.

The tea green leafhopper Empoasca onukii is one kind of insect pest threatening the tea production, and the mite Anystis baccarum has been used as an agent for pest control. In this paper, we introduce a generalist predator-prey model to study the dynamics for informing biological control. There have been some bifurcation studies of the generalist predator-prey model in the last few years. Except for the bifurcations include saddle-node bifurcation of codimension 1 and 2, Hopf bifurcations, and Bogdanov-Takens bifurcation of codimension 2 and 3, we also present the bifurcations of nilpotent singularities of elliptic and focus type of codimension 3. We find that the nilpotent singularities are associated with a cubic Liénard system, and the nilpotent bifurcations are three-parameter bifurcations of a codimension 4 nilpotent focus. Furthermore, we show that the nilpotent focus serves as an organizing center to connect all the codimension 3 bifurcations in the system. We also present the bifurcation diagrams to unfold the nilpotent singularities of codimension 3. One interesting observation is that we show numerically the existence of three limit cycles in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tecia solanivora (Povolný 1973), is a quarantine pest in Europe. Identified in Guatemala in the 1970s, it spread throughout Central and South America, reaching the Canary Islands in 1999 and mainland Spain in 2015. The pest has caused prohibitive economic losses both in the field and in storage, where losses can reach 100%. In the absence of approved chemical treatments, the use of an egg predatory mite, Blattisocius tarsalis (Berlese 1918), and the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma euproctidis (Girault 1911), is being studied for use in storage. Previous laboratory studies have confirmed their potential for use in non-refrigerated stores, typically between 15 and 20 °C. In the present work, we compared the efficacy of both natural enemies under semi-storage conditions. We observed that while both T. euproctidis and B. tarsalis reduced the T. solanivora populations (with an efficacy of 82.95 ± 7.32% and 49.06 ± 2.69%, respectively) and the number of mites per tuber, only B. tarsalis resulted in undamaged tubers (65%). For this reason, the mite was selected and tested in storage conditions, obtaining promising results in the protection of infested tubers, suggesting potential for further investigation, adaptation and standardization of its use in real conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is an important pest that causes economic losses in many varieties of cultivated plants around the world. In this study, it was aimed at determiningthe relationship between spirodiclofen resistance in T. urticae and the presence of Wolbachia. Therefore, simultaneous selection of spirodiclofen was performed in both Wolbachia infected (GSS) and uninfected (GSSN) populations of T. urticae. The dry residue method was used to determine lethal concentration (LC) values in T. urticae. Bioassay experiments were applied to the larval stage of the mite. The LC value studies were established as 7 doses +1 control and 3 replications. Dead-alive counts were made at the end of the 7th day and resistance ratios were determined. In the last selection of T. urticae with Wolbachia infection, 23-fold spirodiclofen resistance was determined, and in the last selection without Wolbachia infection, 103-fold resistance was determined. The presence of Wolbachia was found to be quite low in all Wolbachia-uninfected selection populations compared to Wolbachia-infected populations. As a result, it is thought that there may be a negative relationship between spirodiclofen resistance and Wolbachia endosymbiont in T. urticae, and that esterase enzyme may have an effect on the development of resistance within the scope of this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoptes scabiei (Acari: Sarcoptidae) is a globally distributed parasitic mite species, which causes mange in a broad spectrum of domestic and wild mammals. In the present study, we report a case of chronic S. scabiei infestation in a captive lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) held in a multi-species exhibit at Vienna Zoo. The adult male showed clinically manifested mange flare-ups three times at an interval of up to 12 months, diagnosed by positive deep-skin scrapings and successfully treated by oral applications of ivermectin (0.1–0.2 mg/kg body weight) and washings with antimicrobial solutions. Clinical symptoms including pruritus, alopecia, erythema, crusts, and superficial bleedings were limited to the axillar and pectoral region, as well as distal limbs. The affected tapir died from underlying bacterial pneumonia during general anesthesia. Skin scrapings, necropsy, and histopathological analysis of mite material (eggs, larvae, and adults) permitted further morphological and molecular identification. The morphological features described here matched the characteristics for the species S. scabiei and molecular data verified morphological identification. Cross-species transmission plays a key role in the expansion of this neglected emerging panzootic disease and urban wildlife could potentially bridge the gap between free-ranging wildlife reservoirs and zoo animals. However, further examinations are needed to detect the primary source of infestation and discover transmission pathways within the zoo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oligonychus Berlese (Acari, Prostigmata, Tetranychidae) is an agriculturally important and the largest genus of spider mites, comprised of 211 species (including new species), two subgenera, four species groups, and 11 species subgroups. The present study comprehensively addressed the morphotaxonomic-based identification of world species of the subgenus Reckiella Tuttle and Baker. Five diagnostic keys were developed for identifying Oligonychus (Reckiella) species belonging to five species subgroups: iseilemae, pritchardi, biharensis, gossypii, and exsiccator. Taxonomic notes are provided on intraspecific variations and some closely related Oligonychus (Reckiella) species representing six species complexes, viz. the afrasiaticus complex, the litchii complex, the pratensis complex, the plegas complex, the sacchari complex, and the tylus complex. One new spider mite species, Oligonychus bahaensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Grasses (Poaceae) under the subgenus Reckiella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The more frequent and intense occurrence of heat waves is a challenge for arthropods because their unpredictable incidence requires fast adaptations by the exposed individuals. Phenotypic plasticity within and across generations might be a solution to cope with the detrimental effects of heat waves, especially for fast‐developing, small arthropods with limited dispersal abilities. Therefore, we studied whether severe heat may affect the reproduction of a pest species, the spider mite Tetranychus urticae, and its counterpart, the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis. Single offspring females with different parental thermal origins (reared under mild or extreme heat waves) of both species were exposed to mild or extreme heat waves on bean leaves over 10 days, and the oviposition, egg sizes, survival, and escape behavior of the females were evaluated daily. The total losses of predators mainly via escapers were very high compared to prey, which makes a separation between selective and plastic effects on shifted reproductive traits impossible. Predator females laid smaller eggs, while their consumption and oviposition rates were unaffected during extreme heat waves. In comparison, larger prey females fed more and produced more, but smaller, eggs due to within‐ and trans‐generational effects. These advantages for the prey in comparison to its predator when exposed to extreme heat waves during the reproductive phase support the trophic sensitivity hypothesis: higher trophic levels (i.e., the predator) are more sensitive to thermal stress than lower trophic levels (i.e., the prey). Furthermore, the species‐specific responses may reflect their lifestyles. The proactive and mobile predator should be selected for behavioral thermoregulation under heat waves via spatiotemporal avoidance of heat‐exposed locations rather than relying on physiological adaptations in contrast to the more sessile prey. Whether these findings also influence predator–prey interactions and their population dynamics under heat waves remains an open question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen grains can provide important nutrients for reproduction of different predators such as phytoseiid mites. Since mass rearing of phytoseiid predatory mites may be facilitated by feeding on alternative diets, the current study evaluated the utility of plant pollen as diet for mass rearing of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot, which is a commercially available biocontrol agent of phytophagous mites and insects. Demographic parameters of A. swirskii fed on pollens of bird-of-paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii), thorn apple (Datura stramonium), and maize (Zea mays) were determined over 10 continuous generations. In addition, the pollens of common hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus), and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) were assessed, but the predatory mite was unable to reach adulthood when fed on these pollens, and most of them died in nymphal stages. This study also evaluated the preying ability of A. swirskii on the natural prey Tetranychus urticae Koch before and after 10 generations. All experiments were conducted in the laboratory under controlled conditions of 25±1°C, 60±5% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L: D) h. According to the life table parameters, the pollen grains of bird-of-paradise, followed by maize and thorn apple, were shown to be promising diets for the long-term rearing of A. swirskii. Furthermore, the study found that A. swirskii reared on bird-of-paradise pollen had a high predation capability, with a mean of 677 prey per generation after 10 generations. Overall, it is concluded that while bird-of-paradise pollen was the most suitable alternative diet for the predatory mite, both maize and thorn apple pollen grains were also found to be promising diets for A. swirskii. These diets can be used for mass rearing of this predatory mite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study determined the effects of different temperatures on the life history parameters and development of Typhlodromus athiasae Porath and Swirski (Acari: Phytoseiidae) for the first time. The study was conducted at 20, 25 and 30°C and the predators fed on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) under laboratory conditions. Our results show that temperature significantly affected pre-adult and adult durations of T. athiasae. The adult longevity was calculated as 47.90, 22.88, 19.50 days for females, 26.11, 19.90, 20.46 days for males at 20, 25 and 30°C, respectively. The adult females of T. athiasae laid 15.80 (eggs/female), 17.20 (eggs/female) and 12.38 (eggs/female) eggs at the respective temperatures tested. The highest net reproductive rate (R0= 8.90 offspring/individual) determined at 25°C but no significant difference was found among the other temperatures. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (r= 0.12 day-1) was observed at 25°C and 30°C. Although the highest finite rate of increase (λ= 1.13 day-1) was determined at 25°C, no significant difference was observed between this temperature and 30°C. Also, the shortest mean generation time (T=14.97 day) was obtained at 30°C whereas the longest mean generation time (T=28.39 day) was observed at 20°C. Our results revealed that 25°C was more suitable for mass production even if the female and male of T. athiasae survived and reproduced at all temperatures. Consequently, our present results and the data to be obtained in greenhouse and field conditions will reveal the potential of T. athiasae as a biological control agent of T. urticae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amblyseius largoensis and Typhlodromus ornatus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) are generalist predatory mites that naturally inhabit coconut plantations and other tropical crops. We assessed the suitability of two coconut pest mites, Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) and Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae); the storage mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridae); honey; and the pollens of castor bean, Ricinus communis, and cattail, Typha domingensis, and their mixture, as food sources for the mass rearing of A. largoensis and T. ornatus. Both pollens, supplied singly or mixed, generated the highest progeny production by both A. largoensis and T. ornatus, and were therefore selected for further life table studies. The pollen diets did not influence the survival of A. largoensis whereas there was higher survivorship of T. ornatus fed on the mixed pollen diet than on R. communis pollen alone. The maximum oviposition rate of both A. largoensis and T. ornatus occurred at the beginning of adulthood, irrespective of the pollen diet. Overall, the life table parameters indicated that the pollen of R. communis for A. largoensis, and R. communis with the mixed pollen diet for T. ornatus, were the best regarding population growth and reproduction. Collectively, our results indicate that A. largoensis and T. ornatus can survive and reproduce excellently when fed solely on R. communis or on the mixed pollen diet. In addition, these results point to the potential of pollen supplementation for the enhancement of the efficiency of these predators in conservation biological control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Storage mites are serious pests of stored animal feeds and animals that consume mite-infested feed could reduce feed intake and eventually cause weight loss. To understand the mite species and infestation rates of them in animal feeds, we conducted a survey of mite infestations in samples of animal feeds from animal feed shops, feed mills, or chicken farms in eight provinces in northern Thailand. High mite infestation rates were observed in chicken feed (42.9%), followed by pig feed (26.7%). No mites were observed in fish and frog feeds. Mites were common in pelleted feeds (n = 96) or raw materials (n = 3), but was never observed in extruded feeds (n = 33). The mite species identified include three storage mites: Suidasia pontifica, Dermatophagoides farinae, and Aleuroglyphus chinensis, as well as the predatory mites Cheyletus malaccensis, Blattisocius keegani, and B. everti. Among them, A. chinensis and B. everti, are newly recorded in Thailand. Suidasia pontifica was dominant in chicken and pig feeds, and could be the major storage mite pest in northern Thailand. Figures and identification keys are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kin recognition has been widely observed in various taxa. Cannibalism avoidance may be a strong driver for the evolution of kin recognition, as it may avoid a reduction in inclusive fitness. Kin recognition has recently been observed in a generalist phytoseiid, Amblyseius herbicolus (Acari: Phytoseiidae). This study experimentally examined the degree of relatedness needed between prey larvae and cannibal adults of A. herbicolus for the occurrence of kin discrimination. The adults were individually placed in enclosed arenas with two prey, a daughter and a more distant related larva, to observe their cannibalizing choice. The adults of A. herbicolus did not discriminate between close relatives (daughter versus niece) but preferably cannibalized more distant kin (i.e. first and second cousins once removed). Phenotype matching and familiarization seem prominent as recognition mechanisms used by A. herbicolus adults. The effect of learning on kin recognition through prior contact in A. herbicolus requires further investigation. Studies on other adaptive functions of kin recognition of A. herbicolus , such as cooperation and parental care, may provide meaningful insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many arthropod species harbor a diverse range of viruses. While much is known about pathogenic viruses of some economically important insects and arthropods involved in disease transmission, viruses associated with mites have rarely been studied. The main objective of this study was to characterize the virome of Phytoseiulus persimilis (Phytoseiidae), a predatory mite commercially used worldwide for the biological control of the key pest Tetranychus urticae (Tetranichidae). A combination of de novo transcriptome assembly and virion sequencing, revealed that RNA viruses are highly prevalent and active tenants of commercial populations of P. persimilis, comprising on average 9% of the mite's total mRNA. Seventeen RNA viruses dominated the mite's virome (i.e., were highly transcribed) with over half (n = 10) belonging to the order Picornavirales, + ssRNA viruses that infect a large range of hosts, including arthropods. Screening of the 17 dominant virus sequences in P. persimilis and T. urticae revealed that three viruses (two Picornavirales of the families Iflaviridae and Dicistroviridae, and one unclassified Riboviria) are unique to P. persimilis and three others (two unclassified Picornavirales and one unclassified Riboviria) are present in both mite species. Most of the sequences were related to viruses previously documented in economically important arthropods, while others have rarely been documented before in arthropods. These findings demonstrate that P. persimilis, like many other arthropods, harbors a diverse RNA virome, which might affect the mite's physiology and consequently its efficiency as a biological control agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predatory mites have an incredible role in the suppression of spider mites in modern agriculture. The present study compared some behavioral traits of two predatory mites, namely Neoseiulus californicus McGregor and Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot in response to different life stages of two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. In no-choice predation test, both predators had a higher predation rate on larval than other developmental stages of the prey. In this assay, the lower predation rate of A. swirskii was recorded on the egg stage, which was observed on the adult female for N. californicus. With one exception, the results obtained from the predation test in choice conditions confirmed these observations. In the choice test, both predators had a lower consumption rate on different stages of prey than no-choice ones. To investigate the predation preference of predatory mites, Manly's preference index (β) was used. With respect to this index, both predators significantly preferred the larval stage than other developmental stages of T. urticae. Although N. californicus exhibited a lower preference to the female prey, in the case of A. swirskii, the lower preference to deutonymph and female was observed. Our findings also revealed that both predatory mites had no switching behavior from preferred stages to non-preferred ones, indicating that reducing the ratio of preferred stage in the experimental arena has no detectable effect on the predation preference of both predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A study was conducted in two vineyards located in Northern Italy to investigate the effects of mechanical leaf removal, insecticide application, and their interaction on grapevine arthropods. The results showed that the use of insecticides reduced the population densities of leafhoppers and predatory mites. Mechanical leaf removal had a greater impact on the populations of predatory mites compared to leafhoppers. Interestingly, in one of the vineyards, phytophagous mite populations increased some weeks after both leaf removal and insecticide application. These effects are discussed within the IPM framework. In this study, we tested the effects of mechanical leaf removal, insecticide application, and their interaction on leafhoppers and phytophagous and predatory mites occurring in two vineyards over three growing seasons. Leaf removal was performed in the fruit zone using a two-head pulsed air leaf remover, while insecticides were applied with a tunnel air-assisted sprayer at the maximum dose/ha recommended on the product label. Results demonstrated the efficacy of insecticide application in reducing the population densities of leafhoppers but also their detrimental effects on predatory mites. In a number of case studies, leaf removal reduced leafhopper and predatory mite densities. In one vineyard, phytophagous mite populations increased some weeks after leaf removal and insecticide application, highlighting the need to carefully consider the potential impact of vineyard management practices on non-target arthropods in the IPM framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant defense traits such as trichomes along with biocontrol agents may provide alternatives to insecticide use in tomatoes, Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae). However, plant‐herbivore‐natural enemy interactions are not always complementary. In a series of greenhouse and field experiments, we explored whether augmented defense traits (i.e., production of acylsugars) in tomato plants could reduce sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), populations and aid the establishment of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias‐Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae). In the field experiment, commercial tomato cultivars and acylsugar‐producing tomato lines received no predatory mites or mites released via three methods: dusting on top, dusting on bottom, or slow‐release sachets. In the first greenhouse experiment, predatory mites were released onto the commercial and acylsugar‐producing tomato plants via sachets. In the second greenhouse experiment using a similar design, we augmented the mite diet with an alternative non‐prey resource (i.e., cattail pollen). Our results indicated that acylsugar‐producing tomato plants supported significantly fewer whiteflies than the commercial lines in all experiments. However, in the field, despite lower whitefly numbers, Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) (Geminiviridae, Begomovirus) was detected at higher frequencies in acylsugar‐producing lines. Few mites were recovered from all commercial and acylsugar‐producing lines in the field or greenhouse experiments suggesting A. swirskii does not establish well on tomatoes, and acylsugar lines successfully decreased whitefly populations but not a viral disease transmitted even at low whitefly abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]