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Copyright of Erzincan University Journal of Science & Technology is the property of Erzincan Binali Yildirim Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The oribatid mite of the family Oppiidae, Graptoppia (Stenoppia) italica (Bernini, 1973) (syn.: Oppia heterotricha Bernini, 1969) is redescribed based on females collected from soil in Sistan-o Baluchestan (Southeastern Iran) and South Khorasan (Central-Eastern Iran) provinces. Detailed descriptions of the gnathosoma and legs are also provided for the first time. The original description does not reflect the characters of the pubescence of the setae (cilia), characters on the lateral side of the ano-adanal region, as well as the true length of anal and adanal setae. Through the new finding of Graptoppia italica in Iran, the number of Oribatids in the family Opiidae raised to 81 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey bee parasitic mites (Tropilaelaps mercedesae and Varroa destructor) detect temperature, humidity, and odor but the underlying sensory mechanisms are poorly understood. To uncover how T. mercedesae responds to environmental stimuli inside a hive, we first identified the sensilla-rich sensory organ on the foreleg tarsus. The organ appeared to correspond to Haller's organ in ticks and contained four types of sensilla, which may respond to different stimuli based on their morphology. We searched for differentially expressed genes between the forelegs and hindlegs to identify mRNAs potentially associated with the sensory organ. The forelegs were enriched with mRNAs encoding sensory proteins such as ionotropic receptors (IRs) and gustatory receptors, as well as proteins involved in ciliary transport. We also found that T. mercedesae IR25a and IR93a were capable of rescuing temperature and humidity preference defects in Drosophila melanogaster IR25a and IR93a mutants. These results demonstrate that the structures and physiological functions of ancient IRs have been conserved during arthropod evolution. Our study provides insight into the sensory mechanisms of honey bee parasitic mites, as well as potential targets for methods to control the most serious honey bee pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on features of the lectotype and newly collected specimens from Italy (Boboli Gardens, Florence), a morphological concept of Pachyseius humeralis Berlese, 1910 is revised and re-evaluated. New diagnostic character states important for recognition of the species are provided. A misidentified species, formerly widely published in Europe under the name P. humeralis, is established as a new species, Pachyseius subhumeralis sp. n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lucoppia nicora Djaparidze, 1986 was found in garlic fields in the Kastamonu region of Turkey. This finding is a new record for Turkey and also the first finding after its description from Nikortsminda cave and a vegetable garden in Tbilisi, Georgia. Redescription of the species is accompanied by a discussion of its taxonomic status. Based on differences having generic character in the structure of the prodorsum (length of lamellae; width of translamellae; distance between ro, le, and in setae), L. nicora is regarded as belonging to the subgenus Oribatula (Zygoribatula). Oribatula (Zygoribatula) nicora (Djaparidze, 1986) comb. nov. is proposed. A new diagnosis for the subgenus Zygoribatula is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zercon ostovani sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on female specimens collected from Eram Botanical Garden in Fars Province, southwestern Iran. The similarities and differences between related species within the same genus are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin de la Societe Zoologique de France is the property of Societe Zoologique de France and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Polyandry, i.e. females mating with multiple males, is more common than previously anticipated and potentially provides both direct and indirect fitness benefits to females. The level of polyandry (defined by the lifetime number of male mates of a female) is an important determinant of the occurrence and intensity of sexual selection acting on male phenotypes. While the forces of sexual selection acting on phenotypic male traits such as body size are relatively well understood, sexual selection acting on phenotypic plasticity of these traits is unexplored. We tackled this issue by scrutinizing the link between polyandry and phenotypic plasticity of male body size in two sympatric plant-inhabiting predatory mite species, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus. These two species are similar in life history, ecological niche requirements, mating behavior, polygyny and female body size plasticity but strikingly differ in the level of both polyandry and phenotypic plasticity of male body size (both lower in P. persimilis). We hypothesized that deviations from standard body size, i.e. the size achieved under favorable conditions, incur higher costs for males in the less polyandrous P. persimilis. To test our hypotheses, we conducted two experiments on (i) the effects of male body size on spermatophore transfer in singly mating females and (ii) the effects of mate sequence (switching the order of standard-sized and small males) on mating behavior and paternity success in doubly mating females. In P. persimilis but not N. californicus, small males transferred fewer but larger spermatophores to the females; in both species, females re-mated more likely with standard-sized following small than small following standard-sized males; in P. persimilis, first standard-sized males sired a higher proportion of offspring produced after re-mating by the female than first small males, whereas in N. californicus the paternity success of small and standard-sized males was independent of the mating sequence. Based on our results and pertinent previous studies, which showed that females of P. persimilis, but not N. californicus, prefer mating with standard-sized over small males and allow them fertilizing more eggs, the lack of interspecific difference in female body size plasticity, and the absence of any clue pointing at a role of natural selection, we suggest that the interspecific difference in male body size plasticity is sexually selected. Our study provides an indication of sexual selection constraining plasticity of male phenotypes, suggesting that the level of polyandry may be an important co-determinant of the level of phenotypic plasticity of male body size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oribatulid mites inhabiting in a southwestern region of Amanos Mountains were evaluated based on samples collected in 2012. Seven taxa belonging to the family Oribatulidae Thor, 1929 were determined. Of these, Oribatula (Zygoribatula) exarata Berlese, 1916, Oribatula (Zygoribatula) excavata Berlese, 1916, Oribatula (Zygoribatula) propinqua (Oudemans, 1900), Oribatula (Oribatula) tibialis amblyptera Berlese, 1916 and Oribatula (Oribatula) interrupta interrupta (Willmann, 1939) are new records for the Turkish fauna; Oribatula (Zygoribatula) longisensilla (Djaparidze, 1985) and Oribatula (Zygoribatula) undulata Berlese, 1916 have already been determined in Turkey. Their distribution and diagnostic morphological characteristics were also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overwintering strategies in herbivorous mites (Acariformes: Eriophyoidea) are poorly understood. A study of two Abacarus spp. was conducted to compare body size parameters of adult females in different seasons. Mites of Abacarus n. sp. (under description) and A. lolli were sampled from Bromopsis inermis and Lolium perenne, respectively, in April, September and December of 2001 in Poznań, Poland; 21 morphological traits were measured for each specimen. A principal component analysis revealed significant differences in body size parameters between collection dates, with larger females collected in December in both species. Larger body size in winter is consistent with the hypothesis that mites of these species, for which deutogyny has not been observed, undergo physiological changes such as accumulation of nutritional reserves, that enable them to withstand adverse environmental conditions. Larger body size has also been shown in other invertebrates to reduce heat loss in cold conditions. Filling gaps in the current knowledge of eriophyoid overwintering strategies, whether in the presence or absence of deutogyny, will contribute to both basic and applied future studies of this important arthropod group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Diagnosis and immunotherapy of allergy against mites is based on complex extracts from large-scale cultures. However, the analysis of their composition using specific antibodies is limited. By taking advantage of the prevailing enzymatic nature of mite allergens, we have developed a broad-spectrum biochemical method for the standardization of native mite products. Methods Microplate-based assays have been implemented for thirteen Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus enzymatic activities, associated with Der p 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 15 and 20 allergens. The dynamics of these activities along culture growth, and their profile in purified fractions (bodies and faeces) and international reference standards ( WHO/ IUIS, two CBER/ FDA), have been characterized. The stability of enzymatic activities and major allergens under stress conditions (40°C) has been assessed in the presence/absence of specific protease inhibitors. Results The analysis of enzymatic activities revealed distinct profiles along culture growth and between fractions (bodies and faeces). Remarkable differences were found when comparing international reference standards, being consistent with their source material (purified bodies or whole cultures). After 72 h at 40°C, only trypsin and alpha-amylase maintained high activity. Notably, the prominent role of trypsins in the hydrolytic degradation of major allergens is demonstrated by the use of inhibitors. Conclusions Our method offers a robust approach to assess the complexity of mite extracts and highlights the critical importance of source materials for the composition and stability of finished products. The implementation of this approach in industry-based quality control procedures would contribute to the standardization of allergenic extracts used for diagnosis and immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the water balance, body fl uid osmolality and survival of the oribatid mite, Pergalumna nervosa, when exposed to drought in fi eld and laboratory experiments. In a replicated fi eld experiment we artifi cially lowered the soil water content by putting roofs over selected plots, which reduced soil water potential to levels well below the permanent wilting percentage for plants (i.e. below -1.5 MPa). Even though a slight decrease in the abundance of P. nervosa (only found in the 0-5 cm soil layer) was recorded during the most severe drought stress (ca. -3.5 MPa), the majority of adult mites clearly survived these conditions for 3 weeks in the fi eld without migrating to deeper soil layers. Exposing fi eld collected adults in laboratory experiments simulating even more severe drought conditions revealed that P. nervosa can survive several weeks of gradually increasing drought stress (down to -7 MPa) with moderate water loss. The osmolality of body fl uids increased as dehydration progressed, but apparently as a result of simple up-concentration of solutes and not the de novo synthesis of protective osmolytes. We compare and discuss these results in the light of what is known about other arthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous reports point to Demodex mites as the aetiology of certain eye and skin conditions, hence it is highly probable that infestation with these mites may also play a role in the aetiology and pathogenesis of pterygium. Therefore here we present a hypothesis: whether the presence of Demodex mites in eyelash hair follicles significantly correlates with the presence of pterygia, which could point to a potential role of these mites in the development of such lesions. We present preliminary data for supporting this hypothesis. These results were collected from a group of 69 subjects, including 39 with pterygium. Subjects were studied for the presence of Demodex folliculorum and/or D. brevis within eyelash follicles. The sample was defined as positive if at least one parasite, larva or egg were present. Preliminary statistical analyses were performed, and indicated a significant relationship between Demodex mite infestation and the presence of pterygium (p<0.05). This suggests that demodicosis could be one of the factors causing pterygium and significantly contribute to its development. Subjects who had both pterygium and Demodex infestation formed a dominant group. The proportion of subjects with both pterygia and Demodex presence is high at 93.33%, while the proportion of subjects without pterygia who have mites is low at 20.51%. Aforementioned results support our working hypothesis that infestation with Demodex mites may result in pterygium development and therefore patients diagnosed with pterygium should be assessed for the presence of Demodex to verify our preliminary results. In the present paper, we discuss potential influence of Demodex on conjunctiva and propose a hypothetical pathological mechanism linking the development of pterygia with demodicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to compare the effect of pure oxygen to that of ambient air on gamma irradiation of Brevipalpus yothersi (Baker) (Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae). Flasks containing the mites were irradiated in a Gammacell-220 irradiator with Cobalt-60 emitting gamma radiation at a rate of 381 Gy/h. Seventy mites per flask replicated 4 times were irradiated in either pure oxygen or air with 0 (control), 200, 230, 270, or 300 Gy as the intended doses. All eggs, deutonymphs and adults were counted each day and the parameters of egg production, egg hatch, development and mortality were recorded. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and means were separated with Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at 5% probability. Generally, irradiation of females with progressively larger doses—whether in oxygen or in air—resulted in progressively greater negative biological effects, and these effects were greater when females were irradiated in oxygen than in air. Non-irradiated gravid females exposed to pure oxygen deposited 79.3 ± 0.3 eggs per female compared to 73.0 ± 0.3 per female in ambient air. The numbers of eggs oviposited by females irradiated with the largest dose (300 Gy) were 29.1 ± 0.2 in air and 18.1 ± 0.3 in oxygen. In the ambient air + 270 Gy treatment egg hatch was 3.8 ± 0.1%, but in the oxygen + 270 Gy treatment it was 0%. When females were irradiated in air with 300 Gy, egg hatch was totally prevented. The number of F1 deutonymphs per P generation female irradiated with 270 Gy in ambient air was 4.0 ± 0.1, but the corresponding number that descended from females irradiated in pure oxygen was significantly reduced to zero. Percentage survival of females at 22 d post treatment was 13.0 ± 0.1 d when females were irradiated in oxygen with 270 Gy compared to 16 ± 0.2 d when irradiated in air with 300 Gy. Therefore, 300 Gy is recommended as an appropriate candidate for phytosanitary irradiation of B. yothersi in air, and 270 Gy is recommended as an appropriate candidate for phytosanitary irradiation of B. yothersi in oxygen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anatomy and fine structure of the osmoregulatory coxal glands have been investigated in the parasitic quill mites, Syringophylopsis fringilla (Fritsch) and Torotrogla cardueli Bochkov & Mironov (Syringophilidae). In both species, tubular coxal organs are the only pair of propodosomal glands, whereas in most Prostigmata, several acinous (salivary) glands are also present entering a pair of podocephalic canals, which are continuations of the coxal glands' excretory ducts. In the adults and tritonymphs of the quill mites, the coxal glands show the same basic morphology with slight differences in their packing mode between the studied species. A filtering sacculus is absent. Each gland consists of a long tubular gland body comprising 4 to 6 longitudinal trunks and a cuticle-lined excretory duct continuous into the podocephalic canal. The gland body is composed of 4 morphologically distinct regions: proximal and distal tubes followed by the two granule-containing regions denoted as the “violet” and “green” gland portions. Electron microscopy showed the epithelium of the proximal and distal tubes to be rich in deep apical membrane invaginations associated with branched pinocytotic canals or vacuoles, especially extensive in the distal tube. A number of large mitochondria are concentrated basally to maintain ionic and water transport. The enlarged penultimate “violet” portion is composed of high epithelial cells that show certain endocytotic activity and also produce a large amount of uniform secretory granules derived from numerous small Golgi bodies. The terminal “green” portion produces dense protein-like inclusions and might functionally substitute lost salivary glands. The fine structure of the podocephalic canal is also thoroughly described and compared to the information available in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new Uropodina mite species are described from Singapore. Hutufeideria singaporensis sp. nov. differs from the other Hutufeideria Hirschmann & Hiramatsu, 1977 species by the shape of the pygidial and genital shields and by the shape of sternal and dorsal setae. Phymatodiscus insolitus sp. nov. has a very specific character within the genus Phymatodiscus Berlese, 1917: the dorsal eye-like depressions are very small and hidden. The position and shape of ventral setae in the third species [Rotundabaloghia (Circohaloghia) singaporica sp. nov.] are unique within the subgenus Circohaloghia Kontschan, 2010b. New keys are given to all species of the genera Hutufeideria and Phymatodiscus, and a new key to the South-East Asian members of the subgenus Rotundabaloghia (Circohaloghia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Chelaseius Muma & Denmark represented by C. valliculosus Kolodochka, the genus Typhloseiulus Chant & McMurtry represented by T. carmone (Chant & Yoshida-Shaul) and T. peculiaris (Kolodochka), Amblyseius adjaricus Wainstein & Vartapetov, A. meridionalis Berlese, Kampimodromus ericinus Ragusa & Tsolakis, Neoseiulus alustoni (Livshitz & Kuznetsov), N. karandinosi Papadoulis, Emmanouel & Kapaxidi, Proprioseiopsis ovatus (Garman), Typhlodromus ( Anthoseius) kerkirae Swirski & Ragusa, Typhlodromus ( Typhlodromus) exhilaratus Ragusa and T. ( T.) pritchardi Arutunjan are recorded for the first time for Turkish fauna. Amblyseius adjaricus, C. valliculosus, K. ericinus and N. alustoni are re-described and illustrated. The measurements of the other eight species were provided to access intraspecific variations and to secure future diagnosis. A revised key for the identification of Turkish phytoseiids is also included here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New records of water mites (Acari, Hydrachnidia) from bromeliad phytotelmata in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest are presented. One species, Protolimnesia goldschmidti (Limnesiidae) is described as new for science. It differs from all other species of the genus by the sixth segment of fourth legs having two subterminal setae extending beyond tip of segment. A first description of the female, deutonymph and larva is given for Xystonotus phytotelmaticola Pešić, 2015 (Mideopsidae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paurotyndareus Darbemamieh & Kazmierski n. gen. (Acari: Iolinidae: Tydaeolinae) is described and illustrated. The new genus can be separated from Tyndareus and near genera by reduced chaetotaxy of legs and genital region. This genus is characterized by double tip eupathidium at the end of palp, femur I with five setae, genu III with one seta, three pairs of genital and two pairs of aggenital setae. Paurotyndareus persicus Darbemamieh and Kaźmierski n. sp. collected from soil in Kermanshah, Iran is described as the type-species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work deals with the oribatid mites of the family Brachychthoniidae found in Iran. One new species of this family, Eobrachychthonius iranicus sp. nov., is described from Fars province, southern Iran. Identification keys for the known species of Eobrachychthonius and also for the known species of Brachychthoniidae of Iran are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new genus and species Apediculaster carpelimus Rahiminejad and Hajiqanbar gen. nov., sp. nov. (Acari: Prostigmata: Pygmephoridae) are described and illustrated from Oak forests in northern Iran, based on phoretic females associated with Carpelimus ( Paratrogophloeus) rivularis (Motschulsky, 1860) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae). The new genus is close to the genera Pediculaster Vitzthum, 1931, Pediculitopsis Mahunka, 1970 and Brasilopsis Mahunka, 1975 but can be distinguished by one pair of setae h on tergite H, two pairs of simple setae ( v1, sc2) on prodorsum and one pair of pseudanal setae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The juvenile stages of oribatid mites of the family Licnodamaeidae sensu lato are poorly known, and little information is available on the morphology of ontogenetic stages. Herein, the nymphs and exuvial scalps of two species, Pedrocortesella fusca (Rjabinin, 1986) and P. inaequalis (Balogh & Mahunka, 1965) are described and illustrated. The nymphs are generally similar in their habitus. Basic characteristics of nymphs are: the lightly sclerotized and unpigmented body, slightly stockier than adults with tuberculate cerotegument; lateral sides of body as well as epimeral and anogenital regions are distinctly folded; nine ( c1- c3, lp, h1, h2, p1- p3) or eight pairs of gastronotic setae (setae c2 absent in P. inaequalis); conspicuously concaved or nearly rounded posterior end of gastronotum; exuvial scalps with slightly folded reticulate sculpture, without adherent materials, lightly fastened to gastronotum of nymphs, but their adults do not carry exuvial scalps. Both are Palaearctic species, currently known from Eastern Europe, Central and Eastern Asia, and appear to be primarily inhabitants of soil and litter; they prefer xeric habitats, such as forest-steppe, steppe, semi-desert and dwarf semi-shrub desert. Additionally, comparative analyses of juvenile stages of species belonging to Licnodamaeidae sensu lato as well as Licnobelbidae are given based on our own data and available literature sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An annotated checklist of the Cuban Oripodoidea (Acari, Oribatida) is provided. It includes 16 species from 10 genera and four families. Of these, eight species, three genera and one family are recorded for the first time in Cuba. Two new species of the genus Protoribates (Haplozetidae) are described and illustrated on the basis of adult specimens. Protoribates tetrasetosus sp. nov. is morphologically most similar to P. mollicoma (Hammer, 1973), but differs from the latter by the short interlamellar, notogastral and ventral setae. Protoribates paramadagascarensis sp. nov. is morphologically most similar to P. madagascarensis (Balogh, 1960), but differs from the latter by the smaller body size, position of rostral and lamellar setae and notogastral setae lp, the absence of microgranulate cerotegument on the notogaster and anogenital region and the absence of a transverse ridge in the basal part of the prodorsum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In some biological programs, multiple predator species are released to control a single prey species. While in some cases release of multiple species may provide a better control, in other cases species may interact with each other with possible negative outcome on biological control program. In this study, intraguild predation was assessed among three phytoseiid species, Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot), Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot under laboratory conditions in either absence or presence of Tetranychus urticae Koch and/or pollen. Adult females of all three predator species exhibited higher predation rate on larvae than on the other immature stages. Phytoseiulus persimilis did not feed on the nymphal stages of the other two phytoseiid species, while A. swirskii and N. barkeri fed on all juvenile stages of the two others. Females of A. swirskii consumed more phytoseiid larvae than did the other two species. However, the predation of females of the three species on immature stages decreased significantly when prey/food was added to experimental units. Our results suggest that the three species, A. swirskii, N. barkeri and P. persimilis are potentially prone to intraguild interactions with each other, and A. swirskii is the strongest intraguild predator. The results of this study may be helpful in selecting effective biological control strategies against spider mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study analyzes the fatty acid ( FA) profile of lipids isolated from Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman, a parasitic mite of the honey bee ( Apis mellifera L.), uninfected and infected worker prepupae of the Carnolian subspecies Apis mellifera carnica Pollmann, and bee bread fed to the worker brood. Significant differences are observed in the FA profiles of lipids isolated from parasites, hosts and bee bread. Parasitism by V. destructor (henceforth, varroosis) induces visible changes in the lipid profile of worker prepupae. In infected prepupae, the percentage of total saturated FAs is lower and the percentage of unsaturated FAs is higher than in uninfected insects. These differences result from significant changes in the percentages of FAs that are most abundant in the evaluated groups (i.e. C16:0, C18:1 9c, C18:2 n-6 and C18:3 n-3 FAs). In mites and in uninfected and infected prepupae, the predominant FAs are oleic acid (41.07 ± 2.26%, 42.79 ± 1.21% and 45 ± 0.20%, respectively) and palmitic acid (22.62 ± 0.87%, 39.48 ± 0.43% and 36.84 ± 0.22%, respectively). Highly significant differences in FA composition are noted between bee bread and worker brood. The results suggest specific mechanisms of FA uptake, accumulation and metabolism in the food chain of this parasitic association, beginning from the food processed by nurse bees for larval feeding, through host organisms (worker brood) to V. destructor mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organismal functions are size-dependent whenever body surfaces supply body volumes. Larger organisms can develop strongly folded internal surfaces for enhanced diffusion, but in many cases areas cannot be folded so that their enlargement is constrained by anatomy, presenting a problem for larger animals. Here, we study the allometry of adhesive pad area in 225 climbing animal species, covering more than seven orders of magnitude in weight. Across all taxa, adhesive pad area showed extreme positive allometry and scaled with weight, implying a 200-fold increase of relative pad area from mites to geckos. However, allometric scaling coefficients for pad area systematically decreased with taxonomic level and were close to isometry when evolutionary history was accounted for, indicating that the substantial anatomical changes required to achieve this increase in relative pad area are limited by phylogenetic constraints. Using a comparative phylogenetic approach, we found that the departure from isometry is almost exclusively caused by large differences in size-corrected pad area between arthropods and vertebrates. To mitigate the expected decrease of weight-specific adhesion within closely related taxa where pad area scaled close to isometry, data for several taxa suggest that the pads' adhesive strength increased for larger animals. The combination of adjustments in relative pad area for distantly related taxa and changes in adhesive strength for closely related groups helps explain how climbing with adhesive pads has evolved in animals varying over seven orders of magnitude in body weight. Our results illustrate the size limits of adhesion-based climbing, with profound implications for large-scale bio-inspired adhesives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An annotated checklist of identified oribatid mites of the superfamily Galumnoidea collected from Cuba, including ten species from four genera and two families, is provided. Galumna flabellifera Hammer, 1958, Pergalumna bifissurata Hammer, 1972, P. bryani (Jacot, 1934), P. decorata Balogh & Mahunka, 1977 and Galumnopsis secunda Sellnick, 1923 are recorded for the first time in the Cuban fauna. A new species of Pergalumna, P. cubaensis sp. n., is described; it is morphologically similar to P. decorata Balogh & Mahunka, 1977, but differs from the latter by the larger body size, heavily granulated prodorsum and well-developed interlamellar setae. The adult of Allogalumna cubana Balogh & Mahunka, 1979 is redescribed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new genus Pseudopenthaleus gen. nov. is erected and a new species Pseudopenthaleus tauricus sp. nov. is described from moss in Crimea. Pseudopenthaleus ciliatus (Shiba, 1978) comb. nov. is transferred from Penthaleus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND A key component for spray decision-making in IPM programmes is the establishment of economic injury levels ( EILs) and economic thresholds ( ETs). We aimed to establish an EIL for the redlegged earth mite ( Halotydeus destructor Tucker) on canola. RESULTS Complex interactions between mite numbers, feeding damage and plant recovery were found, highlighting the challenges in linking H. destructor numbers to yield. A guide of 10 mites plant−1 was established at the first-true-leaf stage; however, simple relationships were not evident at other crop development stages, making it difficult to establish reliable EILs based on mite number. Yield was, however, strongly associated with plant damage and plant densities, reflecting the impact of mite feeding damage and indicating a plant-based alternative for establishing thresholds for H. destructor. Drawing on data from multiple field trials, we show that plant densities below 30-40 plants m−2 could be used as a proxy for mite damage when reliable estimates of mite densities are not possible. CONCLUSION This plant-based threshold provides a practical tool that avoids the difficulties of accurately estimating mite densities. The approach may be applicable to other situations where production conditions are unpredictable and interactions between pests and plant hosts are complex. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a new species of zerconid mite, Zercon istanbulensis sp. nov., is described from İstanbul Province, Turkey. Description of the species is based on adults of both sexes and deutonymphs. Illustrations of the female, male, and deutonymph stage are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reedbeds can be characterized as forming a transition between the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They have distinctive animals adapted to living in aqueous conditions. Because of the lack of data on the mite fauna in marsh habitats of Turkey, this faunistic study was conducted in the Ekşisu Marshes, which resulted in collecting and determining 58 species and 36 genera belonging to 29 families. Of these, Stigmaeus sphagneti (Hull), Neothrombium neglectum (Bruyant), Podothrombium macrocarpum Berlese, Johnstoniana eximia (Berlese), Calyptostomata velutinus (Müller), Heminothrus humicola (Forsslund), Astegistes pilosus (Koch), Achipteria coleoptrata (Linnaeus), and Lauritzenia elegans (Kunst) are new records for the Turkish fauna. The diagnostic features and distributions throughout the world of the species that were determined as newly recorded for Turkey are given. This is also the first report of the families Calyptostomatidae and Neothrombidiidae from Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative study of eriophyoid mite gnathosomata using different microscopic techniques shows presence of new dorsoproximal structures (here described as 'interlocking apparatus'), which could consolidate mouthparts in rest (non-feeding) position and during feeding actions. Four types of the interlocking apparatus are described. Differences in the interlocking mechanisms coincide with the results of recent molecular phylogenetic studies of Eriophyoidea and provide additional support for the major clades revealed in those studies. Comparative analysis on the morphology of the frontal lobe of the prodorsal shield shows that mechanical protection of the motivator surrounding area and interlocking apparatus are possibly the primary function of the frontal lobe. Unusual shapes of the frontal lobe in selected eriophyoids (elongated, broadened, notched lobes) might result from additional functions that the frontal lobe can perform, e.g. providing additional guide for palps and stylets, or hermeticity of the space between dorsoproximal palpcoxae during feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new oribatid mite species of the family Oppiidae, Multioppia (Multioppia) biciliata sp. n. is described from Arak, Markazi province, central-western Iran. The new species is characterized by the rounded rostrum; strongly elbowed rostral setae; long sensilli with oblong head, dilated unilaterally, ciliated bilaterally with 15-16 long cilia on outer and 8 short cilia on inner edge; long, thick and bilaterally ciliate noto- gastral setae; smooth genital and ciliate epimeral, aggenital, anal and adanal setae. An identification key to Iranian species of Multioppia is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproductive biology of the house dust mite, Euroglyphus maynei, is not well studied. This mite is usually less common in homes than Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus. When it is present, it usually co-inhabits with the Dermatophagoides spp. and is more restricted in geographical distribution. In this study, the duration of the life cycle (egg to adult) at 23 and 30 °C at 75 % relative humidity (RH) and fecundity at 23 °C and 75 % RH were determined for E. maynei and the data were compared to similar data for D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus. Adults hatched from eggs after 28 days at 23 °C and 20 days at 30 °C. Females produced 1.4 eggs/day during a reproductive period of 24 days at 23 °C. Euroglyphus maynei has a shorter life cycle than D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus at 23 °C but a longer life cycle at 30 °C. Euroglyphus maynei has a shorter reproductive period and produces fewer eggs than both D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between July 2008 and May 2010, we conducted a trophic study on 12 Brazilian wild carnivore species through their faecal analysis in a silvicultural landscape at Angatuba municipality, southern São Paulo state. Predator faeces was identified by morphology, predator hair, and surrounding tracks; prey remnants within faeces were used for morphological identification of the prey. Among the recovered ectoparasites, there were 89 specimens of six tick species in 21 (4.0 %) out of 523 analysed samples. Ticks were identified to species level, based on external morphological characters, as following: adults of Amblyomma ovale and Amblyomma sculptum; nymphs of Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma dubitatum, A. ovale, and Ixodes schulzei; and larvae of Amblyomma sp. and Ixodes sp. Generally, the recovered immature ticks were associated with consumed prey (small birds or small mammals), whereas adults were associated with the predator itself, ingested during its self-grooming. Our data show that faeces is an additional information source on ticks in Brazil and which may provide information on ectoparasite-predator-prey interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermoscopy is well recognised as being more accurate in the diagnosis of melanoma than the naked eye if undertaken by appropriately trained staff (Kittler et al, 2002; Vesterfaard et al, 2008). This has resulted in dermatoscopes becoming commonplace in skin tumour clinics to aid diagnosis and reduce the number of unnecessarily excised melanocytic lesions (Tromme et al, 2012). However, it is not only clinicians assessing and treating skin tumours who can benefit from dermoscopy; it can be helpful in general dermatology clinics such as in the diagnosis of scabies (Walter et al, 2011), differentiating scalp psoriasis from seborrhoeic dermatitis (Kim et al, 2011), assisting in the diagnosis of alopecia areata (Inui et al, 2008) and help with diagnosis of discoid lupus (Lallas et al, 2012). This article will provide an introduction to dermoscopy and some of the features used in assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of oribatid mite from New Zealand,Atropacarus(Atropacarus)niedbalaisp. nov.(Phthiracaridae), shows extreme neotrichy of the prodorsum, notogaster, genitoaggenital and anoadanal plates. The combination of these features is unique and is reported for the first time for a species of oribatid mite. This new species is the most hairy known ptyctimous mite and maybe the most neotrichous case in Oribatida (109–115 pairs of notogastral setae). Meanwhile, this species is the second example of neotrichy on the prodorsum in ptyctimous mites, and the second example of neotrichy on the genitoaggenital plates in Phthiracaridae. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:509952FF-5722-4094-A343-F9B03658CDF3 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ethanol extracts obtained from the leaf of the thorn apple (Datura stramoniumL.) (Solanaceae) were examined for lethal and repellent properties against adults of the European red mitePanonychus ulmi(Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae) and its predatorStethorus gilvifrons(Muls.) (Col.: Coccinellidae) under laboratory conditions. The Petri leaf disc-spray tower method was used. The results showed thatD. stramoniumleaf extracts were lethal to both the mite and its predator. Furthermore, an increase in the dose of leaf extract caused a significant increase in the death rates of bothP. ulmiandS. gilvifronsadults. Probit analysis and parameter estimation showed that the LC50values of leaf extract were 7097.5 and 1853.9 mg/l at 24 h residual activity for spider mite and ladybird adults, respectively. The mite and ladybird mortality rates associated with the extract were higher at 48 h than at 24 h, with LC50values of 2013 and 1030 mg/l, respectively. However, the LC90values of the extract were lower for ladybirds than for spider mites at both 24 and 48 h. According to Pearson’s chi-squared test, both spider mite and ladybird adults showed strong aversions to apple leaf surfaces sprayed with sub-lethal doses of the extract (from 13.72 to 1058.0 mg/l). Moreover, an odour test using a two-choice olfactometer demonstrated that ladybird adults prefer fresh air to the extract odour. These results suggest thatD. stramoniumextract can be used effectively as a safer phytopesticidal product for the management ofP. ulmiin both organic and inorganic apple production, but it is not suitable for use in integrated pest management strategies due to its toxic and repellent effects againstS. gilvifrons. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The morphology of juvenile stages ofEremaeus cordiformisGrandjean, 1934 is redescribed and illustrated, and those ofEueremaeus laticostulatusBayartogtokh, 2003 andProteremaeus punctulatusBayartogtokh, 2000 are described and illustrated for the first time. The juveniles of these species differ from each other mainly by the presence of distinct prodorsal ridges in the central part of the prodorsum, shape and distribution of some setae, and number of adanal and anal setae. The larva ofEr.cordiformishas these ridges, whereas other species lack them.Eueremaeus laticostulatushas relatively long and barbed prodorsal setainin the larva and most gastronotal setae similarly ornamented in all juveniles, whereas other species have these setae short and smooth. The nymphs ofEr.cordiformisandEu.laticostulatushave three pairs of posterior gastronotal setae (p1,h1,h2), which are inserted close to each other in transverse row, whereas those ofP.punctulatushave only two pairs (p1,h1) there, and setah2is inserted far from setah1and closer to setap2. The nymphs of all species lose dorsal gastronotal setae ofd-series and carry the exuvial scalps of previous instars directly on the glabrous gastronotum mainly due to lateral folds. The nymphs and adult ofP.punctulatushave three pairs of adanal setae and two pairs of anal setae, whereas those of other species have at least five pairs of each series. The adult ofEr.cordiformishas 11 pairs of notogastral setae, whereas other species investigated here have 10 pairs. The adults of all species have lamellar costulae on the prodorsum, but inP.punctulatusthey are more widely separated than in other species. At present the systematic position ofProteremaeusis controversial in the literature, but the morphology of juveniles and adult ofP.punctulatusinvestigated here confirms the membership of this genus in the Eremaeidae. A number of morphological characters support the separation ofEr.hepaticusandEr.cordiformisand we provisionally reject their synonymy, until the type or topotypic material is compared. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The pedicel is a structure that connects the phoretic deutonymph of Uropodina mites with its carrier and enables dispersal. The shapes, lengths and diameters of pedicels formed by Uropoda orbicularis, Trichouropoda ovalis, Uroobovella pulchella and Uroobovella nova were studied by scanning and light microscopy. Pedicels of U. orbicularis and T. ovalis have the shape of a straight stalk. In U. pulchella, the pedicel is extremely short, irregularly shaped and composed of homogeneous material. The longest pedicel is found in U. nova and it may be helically coiled in this species. The length of the pedicel is positively correlated with deutonymph body size between species, but not within species. Pedicels of U. orbicularis and U. pulchella have the largest diameter. The pedicel diameter in U. orbicularis and T. ovalis is inversely proportional to its length, but not in U. nova and U. pulchella. The constituent of pedicel stems in U. pulchella is homogeneous, whereas in U. orbicularis and T. ovalis it contains a bundle of tightly packed fibres. In U. nova coiled pedicels are comprised of two layered materials of different electron density, one of which is electron lucid and located peripherally. Hypotheses on the origin of the pedicel are proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The juvenile stages of oribatid mites of the family Gymnodamaeidae are insufficiently known, and little information is available on the morphology of ontogenetic stages. Comparative characteristics of juvenile stages of species belonging to family Gymnodamaeidae are given based on our own data and available literature sources. Herein, the morphology of ontogenetic instars ofGymnodamaeus irregularisBayartogtokh & Schatz, 2009 is investigated. The larva and nymphs are generally similar in their habitus. Basic characteristics in juveniles are the less sclerotized and unpigmented body with granulate surface of gastronotum, larva with 11 pairs of gastronotal setae (h3absent) and nymphs with 10 pairs of gastronotal setae (setaela,lmandd-series absent, but setaelpandp-series present). Nymphs with ridge-like structure on prodorsum, and large excrescence on posterior end of gastronotum, bearing one pair of long (h1) and another pair of medium-long (p1) setae. All prodorsal, notogastral and adanal setae of larva and nymphs are densely barbed throughout. Conspicuous characters in the larval stage are the very long interlamellar setae, which are reduced in nymphs and adults to minute setae and the subequal lengths of gastronotal setae. All stages of nymphs carry gastronotic exuviae with reticulate granular sculpture of the previous instars. Adults are coated with thick cerotegument on the idiosoma, legs and most body setae. The sensillus is dilated in its distal part and covered with cerotegument. The notogaster has two pairs of irregular longitudinal ridge-like structures (procuticle); five pairs of notogastral setae; and a pair of strongly developed tuberclesSpon epimeral region III.Gymnodamaeus irregularisis a Western Palaearctic species, currently known from Central (East Tyrol, Austria) and Eastern Europe (Nizhny Novgorod region, Russia) and appears to be primarily an inhabitant of mosses and litter, and it prefers the xeric habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Amblyomma cajennense F. is one of the best known and studied ticks in the New World because of its very wide distribution, its economical importance as pest of domestic ungulates, and its association with a variety of animal and human pathogens. Recent observations, however, have challenged the taxonomic status of this tick and indicated that intraspecific cryptic speciation might be occurring. In the present study, we investigate the evolutionary and demographic history of this tick and examine its genetic structure based on the analyses of three mitochondrial (12SrDNA, d-loop, and COII) and one nuclear (ITS2) genes. Because A. cajennense is characterized by a typical trans-Amazonian distribution, lineage divergence dating is also performed to establish whether genetic diversity can be linked to dated vicariant events which shaped the topology of the Neotropics. Results Total evidence analyses of the concatenated mtDNA and nuclear + mtDNA datasets resulted in well-resolved and fully congruent reconstructions of the relationships within A. cajennense. The phylogenetic analyses consistently found A. cajennense to be monophyletic and to be separated into six genetic units defined by mutually exclusive haplotype compositions and habitat associations. Also, genetic divergence values showed that these lineages are as distinct from each other as recognized separate species of the same genus. The six clades are deeply split and node dating indicates that they started diverging in the middle-late Miocene. Conclusions Behavioral differences and the results of laboratory cross-breeding experiments had already indicated that A. cajennense might be a complex of distinct taxonomic units. The combined and congruent mitochondrial and nuclear genetic evidence from this study reveals that A. cajennense is an assembly of six distinct species which have evolved separately from each other since at least 13.2 million years ago (Mya) in the earliest and 3.3 Mya in the latest lineages. The temporal and spatial diversification modes of the six lineages overlap the phylogeographical history of other organisms with similar extant trans-Amazonian distributions and are consistent with the present prevailing hypothesis that Neotropical diversity often finds its origins in the Miocene, after the Andean uplift changed the topology and consequently the climate and ecology of the Neotropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical methods for delimiting species with morphological data remain woefully understudied. The present study presents statistical approaches to study the intraspecific variations of continuous characters used in species diagnosis. For this, the data set comprised 14 species of the mite family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) and 23 continuous characters (seta lengths). The statistical approaches aim to determine (i) how intraspecific variations differ depending on the characters and species considered, and (ii) how to choose the number of specimens to be considered for characterizing intraspecific boundaries. The means of the related confident limits at 95% (rCL95) of the 14 species and the 23 setae are around 20%, suggesting that 95% of the specimens of a same species are included in the interval μ ± 0.2μ. No relationship was found between seta variations and the number of specimens considered for each species, nor for seta variations and their position on the mite body. However, a correlation between seta lengths and rCL95 means was observed. An abacus was proposed to determine the coefficient that must be applied to mean seta length to calculate the lower and upper limits of the interval that will include 95% of the specimens of a same species. The higher the precision around the mean, the higher the number of specimens considered. Furthermore, this number varies considerably depending on the characters and species considered for high precisions. However, for a priori error around the mean of 15%, the number of specimens needed to characterize the intraspecific variation is quite homogeneous and ten specimens would be required. I discuss the utility of such results to resolve some persistent problems in the alpha-taxonomy of the family Phytoseiidae but also of other taxa. © The Willi Hennig Society 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Archegozetes longisetosus is a parthenogenetic oribatid mite and a chelicerate model organism. We examined the localisation of processes between vitellogenesis and embryogenesis as well as the anatomy and histology of involved structures by means of light- and electron microscopy. The proximal oviduct is differentiated into an oviductal bulb, exhibiting a strong secretory epithelium. Here, solidification of the egg shell instantaneously occurs upon passing of the egg from the perivitelline space into the oviductal lumen. This is interpreted as an internalised oviposition with the generation boundary being effectively located at the ovary–oviduct transition, rendering the oviducts into functional brood chambers. The parity mode combines elements of oviparity and ovolarviparity with facultative egg retention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mites are a diverse and important component in the soils of the Southern Ocean islands, but for many groups, their taxonomy and biogeography is little studied. This paper reports the Algophagidae, a poorly known family, from the New Zealand region for the first time. The study used soil samples from seabird burrows, brackish algal wrack samples and a museum collection to recover specimens. Terraphagus antipodus gen. n., sp. n. is described from grey petrel Procellaria cinerea burrow soil on the Antipodes Islands, New Zealand. The axillary organ is confined to the dorsum; the epigynal apodeme ends are fused with the ends of coxal apodeme II; seta 2a and ω2 are absent, and the famulus is bilobed. Males have the sternum fused to coxal apodemes II; the tarsal setae of legs I, III and IV of the male are modified for mate guarding. The short stout legs I and II end in huge spines in females as e, d, q, s, wa and hT. From brackish algal wrack, Lake Forsyth/Wairewa, Canterbury, New Zealand, another algophagid Neohyadesia minor sp. n. is described and illustrated. The new species is the smallest known algophagid. A neohyadesid collected in 1961 is newly reported here from Eudyptes sp. penguin rookery mud from North Head, Macquarie Island. These records further extend the known microhabitats of the family to the allochthonous marine seabird nutrient flow into islands in the New Zealand region and make Neohyadesia Hughes and Goodman, present in all Southern Ocean provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Julolaelaps tritosternalis, of the family Laelapidae is described based on adult females and males of one new species from Northern Iran. These mites live associated with Ommatoiulus caspius (Lohmander) (Diplopoda, Julidae). Several morphological characteristics are noted, including the presence of a ventral disc-like structure on the tritosternal base, sternal shield with anteromedial convex protuberance, lack of setae z1, z3, z6, S1 and all deutonymphal setae r, convex alveolar protuberances for setae st1–st5, lack of setae v-2 on genu I and male with hypertrophied dentate movable cheliceral digit. A key to species of Julolaelaps is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine species of Rhagidiidae, that is, Foveacheles brevichelae Zacharda, 1980; Foveacheles sp.; Brevipalpia minima Zacharda, 1980; Coccorhagidia clavifrons Canestrini, 1886; Coccorhagidia pittardi Strandtmann, 1971; Rhagidia sp.; Rhagidia cf. breviseta Zacharda, 1995; Robustocheles mucronata (Willmann, 1936); Robustocheles hamedanensis sp. nov., were identified in litter and soil in the sprayed commercial fruit orchards in the Iranian Hamedan and Ardabil provinces. All these species, except R. hamedanensis sp. nov. that is presently known only from Iran, have Holarctic or even worldwide distribution. A new species R. hamedanensis sp. nov. is described. This new taxon is authored by M. Zacharda only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species, Angulobaloghia tamilica and Angulobaloghia indica spp. nov. belonging to the family Rotundabaloghiidae are recorded from India. The new species differ from the previously described congeners in the shape of the females' genital shield and shape and position of sternal and ventral setae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on two species of the trombidiform mite family Labidostommatidae from the Bükk Mountains, Hungary. One, Labidostomma (Cornutella) cornuta (G. Canestrini & Fanzago, 1877) is a new species for the fauna of Hungary, the other, L. (Nicoletiella) denticulata (Schrank, 1776) has recently been recorded by Ujvári & Kontschán (2010). A brief description of the family and the species are given, with data on morphology and known occurrences in Europe. The species are illustrated. A key to genera and subgenera of European labidostommatids is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]