Acari community in association with delayed pig carrion decomposition.

Acari community structure and function associated with delayed pig carrion decomposition has not been examined. In this study, 18 swine carcasses were studied in central Texas, USA, during two consecutive summers (2013 and 2014). Samples of ca. 400 g soil were collected from beneath, aside, and 5 m away from each pig carcass over 180 days. Mites from soil samples were extracted using Berlese funnels and identified to order and family levels and classified according to ecological function. In total 1565 and 1740 mites were identified from the 2013 and 2014 soil samples, respectively. Significant differences were determined for mite community structure at order and family levels temporally on carrion (e.g., day 0 × day 14) regardless of treatments and between soil regions where mites were collected (e.g., soil beneath vs. soil 5 m away from carrion). However, no significant differences were found in mite community structure at the order level between pig carrion with and without delayed Diptera colonization (i.e., treatments). Analysis at the family level determined a significant difference across treatments for both summers. Ecological function of mites did not change significantly following the delayed decomposition of pig carcasses. However, detritivores and fungivores were significant indicator groups during the pig carrion decomposition process. Furthermore, 13 phoretic mite species associated with eight forensically important beetle species were documented. Data from this study indicated that the rate of nutrient flow into the soil impacted associated arthropod communities; however, detecting such shifts depends on the taxonomic resolution being applied.

No One Saw This Coming: Endoparasitic Mites Behind the Eyes of a Double-Crested Cormorant.

We found hundreds of mites behind the eyes of a Double-crested Cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus (Suliformes: Phalacrocoracidae). The mites were Neottialges evansi (Acari: Hypoderatidae), representing the first report of this parasite in P. auritus from western North America. Deutonymphs of N. evansi are endoparasites, typically reported infecting fat deposits over the pectoral muscles, axillary areas, and vent of cormorants. Here mites infected only orbital tissues, a new infection site for hypoderatid mites. We suggest a lack of reports of this infection site could be explained by limited scrutiny of orbits, and deutonymphs mites infecting orbits may be more common than expected.

Association of Myianoetus muscarum (Acari: Histiostomatidae) With Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Wulp) (Diptera: Muscidae) on Human Remains.

Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Wulp) (Diptera: Muscidae) was identified during the course of three indoor medicolegal forensic entomology investigations in the state of Texas, one in 2011 from Hayes County, TX, and two in 2015 from Harris County, TX. In all cases, mites were found in association with the sample and subsequently identified as Myianoetus muscarum (L., 1758) (Acariformes: Histiostomatidae). This report represents the first records of a mite associated with S. nudiseta in the continental United States. In particular, this association is believed to be of potential future value in forensic investigations, as it lends new insight into the community structure of colonizers on human remains in indoor environments.

A method for both mass and individual rearing of fungivorous astigmatid mites (Acari).

Several species of common fungi were assessed as food for fungivorous astigmatid mites. Hypocrea nigricans, Botrytis cinerea and Flammulina velutipes were generally good food sources for most mites examined. Fungal mycelia growing on PDA (potato dextrose agar) medium were not only nutritionally adequate but the system also maintained high humidity through the water-based agar medium. Among acarid mites, most species of Rhizoglyphinae could be reared easily with the method. Although filter-feeding histiostomatid mites do not feed directly on hyphae, some species were successfully maintained with the same method through multiple generations. Presumably, these mites obtained sufficient nutrition from the agar medium and fungal metabolites leaching into it. Most species ultimately produced dispersing heteromorphic deutonymphs on these media. Individual mites were also maintained in isolation within glass rings on fungal colonies. Using this technique, we were able to compare developmental periods, fecundity and survival periods of mites reared under different conditions.

Biology, ecology, and management of the bulb mites of the genus Rhizoglyphus (Acari: Acaridae).

Bulb mites of the genus Rhizoglyphus (Claparède) (Acari: Acaridae) have been identified as pests of many crops and ornamentals in storage, in the greenhouse, and in the field. The most important hosts are species in the family Liliaceae (e.g. Allium spp.), but bulb mites will often attack other important crops such as potatoes (Solanum sp.) and carrots (Daucus carota). Despite their economic importance and broad distribution, the systematics of the genus remains in a state of confusion and is in need of a comprehensive revision. In addition, the field biology and ecology of these mites is not well understood, and methods for sampling, monitoring, and loss assessment are limited. Management of bulb mites is complicated by their short generation time, high reproductive potential, broad food niche, interactions with other pests and pathogens, and unique adaptations for dispersal. Historically, control of these acarine pests has relied on the use of synthetic miticides and insecticides, but this option is now limited due to documented resistance and withdrawal of registration of some products. Alternative control strategies, including cultural and biological control, have shown limited success, but need to be further developed and implemented.

Systematics and evolution of the genus Paraceroglyphus and related taxa (Acari: Acaridae) associated with fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera).

Collections of fleas from terrestrial Sciuridae from New Mexico and Montana yielded 2 species of acarid mites: Acarus monopsyllus from Ceratophyllus ciliatus and Paraceroglyphus cynomydis n. sp. from 4 species of Oropsylla. The genera Acarus, Paraceroglyphus, and Trichopsyllopus form a clade distinct from other genera of flea-associated mites, with Paraceroglyphus the sister group of the other 2 genera. Paraceroglyphus cynomydis is the sister group of a clade comprising P. xenopsylla and possibly P. californicus, with P. meles as the nearest outgroup.

Trombiculosis in a cat.

Trombiculosis (dermatitis caused by trombiculid mites) in a Domestic Shorthair cat was characterized by diffuse thickening and crusting of the skin of the abdomen and limbs and by multiple papules on the face, ears, and sides of the trunk. Skin biopsy revealed acanthosis and hyperkeratosis involving the epidermis and hair follicles, mites in epidermal tunnels, and edema of the dermis, with infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells. Mites from skin scrapings were identified as Walchia americana. The cat was treated systemically with a broad-spectrum antibiotic and topically with a carbaryl and pyrethrin powder preparation. The lesions were resolved within 2 months.