A New Species of Ultratenuipalpus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) from Brazil and Re-Description of Ultratenuipalpus meekeri (De Leon), the Type Species of the Genus, with DNA Barcodes.

Species of the genus Ultratenuipalpus bear a broad subquadrate propodosoma with many large, flattened, lanceolate to ovate dorsal setae. They also bear some plesiomorphic character states, such as the presence of three pairs of ventral ps setae. Here, we describe Ultratenuipalpus parameekeri Castro, Ochoa & Feres sp. nov. based on adult females, males, and immatures, collected on ferns from Brazil. We also re-describe Ultratenuipalpus meekeri (De Leon), the type species of the genus, based on types and newly collected material from Mexico, and include additional novel data (e.g., dorsal and ventral ornamentation, leg chaetotaxy, and setal measurements) in a standardized form. We include highly detailed images obtained using LT-SEM, accompanied by DNA barcodes, for both species. The ontogenetic additions of leg chaetotaxy are presented and discussed.

Population dynamics of Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum, a neglected mite pest in coconut fruits (Cocos nucifera).

The meristematic region of Cocos nucifera fruits can be colonized by various species of mites, including Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum, Steneotarsonemus furcatus, and Aceria guerreronis. The consequence of this colonization is the development of necrotic lesions on the fruit, and sometimes its abortion. Losses are commonly attributed to A. guerreronis alone, owing to the similarities in the injuries caused and its predominance in coconut plantations. However, S. concavuscutum may be the predominant pest species in some crops. Despite the possible impact of S. concavuscutum, little is known about its bioecological aspects, such as the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on its population dynamics. Our objective was to document macroclimatic abiotic factors (temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation) and biotic factors (interspecific competition and predation) interfere in the population dynamics of S. concavuscutum. We evaluated the diversity and abundance of mites in the perianth of coconut fruit naturally infested by S. concavuscutum for 1 year. The species found in the fruits of bunch 6 of the plant, which is the fruit age at which the mites commonly reach the highest abundance, were counted every 2 weeks. We found mites from nine families and S. concavuscutum was the predominant species, representing about 92% of the individuals collected. Predators represented approximately 2% of the total collection, with Neoseiulus baraki as the predominant species. Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum population density ranged from 60 to 397 mites/fruit. The highest population densities of S. concavuscutum were observed in the hottest and driest periods of the year. The population densities of S. concavuscutum were negatively associated with the presence of N. baraki, suggesting that this predator may have a role in the biological control of this pest.

Tarsonemid mites (Acari: Tarsonemidae) on myrtaceous plants of the Atlantic Forest, Brazil, with description of a new species of Tarsonemus Canestrini amp; Fanzago.

A survey of tarsonemid mites associated with plants of the family Myrtaceae was conducted in seven areas of the Atlantic Forest biome. Fourteen known species were registered; other 21 morphospecies was identified up to genus level. Additionally, a new species, Tarsonemus conduru Lofego Cavalcante sp. nov. is described based on specimens collected in the Atlantic Forest of Bahia state.

A rotatory funnel-shaped collector for trapping airborne mites in a glycerin-based adhesive surface.

Many mite species disperse via the air. However, most methods described for the study of aerial dispersal have some limitations in the collection and/or recovery of mites that could be improved. The aim of this study was to describe a rotatory funnel-shaped collector that directs the wind to adhesive surfaces covered with a glycerin-based solution. Tests were conducted on a soccer field at UESC, Ilhéus, Brazil, in four 8-day periods. In total, 330 mites of 52 species of Eriophyidae, Tarsonemidae, Diptilomiopidae, Iolinidae, Triophtydeidae, Astigmata, Tydeidae, Phytoseiidae, Scutacaridae, Oribatida, Ascidae, Dolichocybidae, Eupodidae, Pygmephoridae and Tenuipalpidae were collected. Of the mites captured in the first three periods, 67% were Aceria sp. (Eriophyidae), and in the fourth period 46% were Coccotydaeolus aff. bakeri and Paurotyndareus sp. (Iolinidae). Comparisons between the funnel-shaped collector with the tube-shaped rotatable model of Duffner et al. (J Pest Sci 74:1-6, 2001, adapted from Schliesske 1977) showed that the former captured >3× the number of mites and 2× the number of species. In conclusion, it is expected that the method described here could help in future pest management, and help solve ecological and behavioral problems involving airborne mite dispersal, offering a tool for monitoring, counting and identifying mites, or even other small arthropods, pollen and fungal spores, in experimental and applied studies.

Phytoseiid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) from Mato Grosso State, Central-Western Brazil.

The aim of the present study was to conduct a survey of mites of the family Phytoseiidae associated with plants of the natural vegetation and cultivated forests in sites of three biomes (Amazon Forest, Cerrado and Pantanal) in the Mato Grosso State. Twenty-one species of 11 genera, of the three phytoseiid subfamilies were registered. Amblyseius Berlese was the most diverse genus, with five species. Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma was the most common species, collected from 12 plant species in five collection sites. Eleven phytoseiid species were reported for the first time in the Mato Grosso State.

Three new species of Xenotarsonemus (Acari: Tarsonemidae) from the northwestern region of São Paulo State, Brazil.

Three new species of Xenotarsonemus Beer (Acari, Tarsonemidae), X. demitei n. sp., X. kaingang n. sp. and X. luziae n. sp., are described based on specimens collected from plants in native vegetation in the northwestern region of the São Paulo State, Brazil.

A new genus and species of Tarsonemidae (Acari: Heterostigmata) from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil.

Kaliszewskia ochoai gen. nov., sp. nov. (Tarsonemidae: Tarsoneminae: Tarsonemini) is described from adult females, collected on Blepharocalix salicifolius (Kunth) O.Berg and Plinia sp. (Myrtaceae), from the Atlantic Forest in Brazil.

Two new species of tarsonemid mites (Acari: Tarsonemidae) from northeastern Brazil.

Two new species of tarsonemid mites, Daidalotarsonemus annonae sp. nov. and Fungitarsonemus setillus sp. nov. found on Annonaceae leaves collected in northeastern Brazil are described and illustrated. Females of D. annonae are similar to those of D. serissae, but differ by having setae c2 setiform, and seta 1a distant from apodeme 1. F. setillus is similar to F. pereregrinus, but females can be distinguished by having the prodorsal shield fused to tergite C, dorsal setae h and d short, and setae c1 longer than c2.

A new species of Galendromimus Muma from Brazil (Acari: Phytoseiidae), with a review of the tribe Galendromimini Chant & McMurtry.

The genus Galendromimus Muma and the tribe Galendromimini Chant & McMurtry are redefined to accommodate a new species, Galendromimus (Galendromimus) roraimensis sp. n., described in this paper based on specimens collected in the state of Roraima, northern Brazil. The new species differs from other Galendromimus mainly by having dorsal shield seta z3 present. A dichotomous key to separate the species of Galendromimini is presented.

Mites from Cerrado fragments and adjacent soybean crops: does the native vegetation help or harm the plantation?

Aiming to recognize the distribution patterns of the mite fauna in soybean crops and to determine the existence of similarity in the composition of species between Cerrado fragments and these plantations, samplings were carried out in 10 areas located in Brazilian Mid-Western and Southeastern regions. Each area was comprised of one fragment of Cerrado sensu stricto and one adjacent soybean crop plantation, with simultaneous samplings carried out on both of them. From the total sampled species, 111 were recorded in the Cerrado and 25 in soybean crops. About 68 % were common in both environments and only eight were exclusively found in soybean. All the species of Phytoseiidae recorded in soybean were also found in the Cerrado. The tetranychid mite Mononychellus planki (McGregor) was the most abundant species (96.3 % of the total individuals) and the only one recorded in every sampled crop. The main occurrence of M. planki was verified in soybean crops using the transgenic cultivar ANTA 82. In general terms, it has been observed that Cerrado fragments do not shelter pest species that may attack soybean and can contribute to the increase of possible predator species in this agroecosystem.

[Biology of Tetranychus mexicanus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) on three species of Annonaceae]. / Biologia de Tetranychus mexicanus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) em três espécies de Annonaceae.

The mite Tetranychus mexicanus (McGregor) is considered a pest of a variety of plant species in the Americas. Although this mite apparently causes economic damage to Annonaceae, little is known about its biology. Here we studied the biology of T. mexicanus on soursop (Annona muricata), sweetsop (Annona squamosa) and araticum (Annona coriaceae). The first two species are the most important economical Annonaceae species in northeast Brazil; araticum is commonly found in the region, but not commercially explored. The mites were collected in the field from leaves of A. muricata and maintained in the laboratory for six months on detached leaves of A. muricata, A. squamosa and A. coriaceae, respectively, before observations started. Tetranychus mexicanus developed more slowly on A. squamosa than on the two other hosts, but oviposition was considerably lower on A. coriaceae. As indicated by the calculated life table parameters, biotic potential was higher on A. muricata than on the other hosts. Despite the observed differences in the T. mexicanus biology on the different evaluated hosts, development and reproduction were satisfactory in all of the hosts used.

Biologia de Tetranychus mexicanus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) em três espécies de Annonaceae / Biology of Tetranychus mexicanus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Three Species of Annonaceae

The mite Tetranychus mexicanus (McGregor) is considered a pest of a variety of plant species in the Americas. Although this mite apparently causes economic damage to Annonaceae, little is known about its biology. Here we studied the biology of T. mexicanus on soursop (Annona muricata), sweetsop (Annona squamosa) and araticum (Annona coriaceae). The first two species are the most important economical Annonaceae species in northeast Brazil; araticum is commonly found in the region, but not commercially explored. The mites were collected in the field from leaves of A. muricata and maintained in the laboratory for six months on detached leaves of A. muricata, A. squamosa and A. coriaceae, respectively, before observations started. Tetranychus mexicanus developed more slowly on A. squamosa than on the two other hosts, but oviposition was considerably lower on A. coriaceae. As indicated by the calculated life table parameters, biotic potential was higher on A. muricata than on the other hosts. Despite the observed differences in the T. mexicanus biology on the different evaluated hosts, development and reproduction were satisfactory in all of the hosts used.

[Mites associated with soybean crop in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil]. / Acaros associados à cultura da soja no Rio Grande do Sul.

During the last growing seasons, high infestations of phytophagous mites were observed in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, becoming necessary to apply pesticides for their control. The objective of this study was to identify phytophagous and predatory mite species associated with soybean in ten counties of that state, during the 2002/03 and 2003/04 growing seasons, in five soybean cultivars (A 6001 RG, A 7001 RG, A 8000 RG, A 8100 RG, Anta 82), all genetically modified. In samples of soybean leaves four phytophagous mite species (Mononychellus planki (McGregor), Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), Tetranychus desertorum Banks and Tetranychus gigas Pritchard & Baker) and two predatory mite species (Phytoseiulus fragariae Denmark & Schicha and Typhlodromalus aripo De Leon) were found. T. desertorum was found for the first time associated with soybean in the country. Phytoseiulus fragariae and T. aripo are reported for the first time on soybean. The potential of phytoseid mites as biological control agents in soybean crop was discussed. Among the hypotheses to explain the increasing infestation of soybean fields with phytophagous mites area are the progressively larger cultivated area, the dry spells observed in the last few years in the growing season, changes in soybean cropping system that led to increased use of pesticides and utilization of new soybean cultivars with morphological or biochemicals characteristics that favour the development of these mite populations.

Ácaros associados à cultura da soja no Rio Grande do Sul / Mites associated with soybean crop in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Nas últimas safras agrícolas, foram observadas severas infestações de ácaros fitófagos em diversos municípios do Rio Grande do Sul, demandando a utilização de pesticidas para seu controle. Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar as espécies de ácaros fitófagos e predadores associados à soja em dez municípios daquele estado, nas safras de 2002/03 e 2003/04, em cinco cultivares de soja (A 6001 RG, A 7001 RG, A 8000 RG, A 8100 RG, Anta 82), todas geneticamente modificadas. Em amostras de folhas foram encontradas quatro espécies de ácaros fitófagos (Mononychellus planki (McGregor), Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), Tetranychus desertorum Banks e Tetranychus gigas Pritchard & Baker) e duas espécies de ácaros predadores (Phytoseiulus fragariae Denmark & Schicha e Typhlodromalus aripo De Leon). Tetranychus desertorum foi registrada pela primeira vez, associada à soja, no país. P. fragariae e T. aripo foram registradas pela primeira vez em soja. O potencial dos ácaros fitoseídeos como agentes de controle biológico na cultura da soja foi discutido. Dentre as hipóteses para o crescimento das infestações de culturas de soja com ácaros fitófagos estão a expansão progressiva da área cultivada, os veranicos observados nos últimos anos durante a estação de plantio, as modificações no sistema de cultivo da soja que levaram ao aumento no uso de pesticidas e a utilização de novas cultivares com características morfológicas ou bioquímicas que favorecem o desenvolvimento de populações desses ácaros.

During the last growing seasons, high infestations of phytophagous mites were observed in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, becoming necessary to apply pesticides for their control. The objective of this study was to identify phytophagous and predatory mite species associated with soybean in ten counties of that state, during the 2002/03 and 2003/04 growing seasons, in five soybean cultivars (A 6001 RG, A 7001 RG, A 8000 RG, A 8100 RG, Anta 82), all genetically modified. In samples of soybean leaves four phytophagous mite species (Mononychellus planki (McGregor), Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), Tetranychus desertorum Banks and Tetranychus gigas Pritchard & Baker) and two predatory mite species (Phytoseiulus fragariae Denmark & Schicha and Typhlodromalus aripo De Leon) were found. T. desertorum was found for the first time associated with soybean in the country. Phytoseiulus fragariae and T. aripo are reported for the first time on soybean. The potential of phytoseid mites as biological control agents in soybean crop was discussed. Among the hypotheses to explain the increasing infestation of soybean fields with phytophagous mites area are the progressively larger cultivated area, the dry spells observed in the last few years in the growing season, changes in soybean cropping system that led to increased use of pesticides and utilization of new soybean cultivars with morphological or biochemicals characteristics that favour the development of these mite populations.

Acaros (Acari) associados a mirtáceas (Myrtaceae) em áreas de cerrado no estado de São Paulo com análise faunística das famílias Phytoseiidae e Tarsonemidae / Mites (Acari) associated to Myrtaceae in areas of Cerrado in the State of São Paulo with faunistic analysis of families Tarsonemidae and Phytoseiidae

O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar e analisar a diversidade dos ácaros que ocorrem em Myrtaceae nativas no Cerrado paulista, com atenção especial às famílias Phytoseiidae e Tarsonemidae. Durante o ano 2000, foram coletados ácaros em oito espécies de mirtáceas em três áreas de Cerrado no estado de São Paulo. Em cada coleta foram amostradas folhas, flores e frutos de três plantas de cada espécie em cada sítio. Foram encontrados 49 gêneros de ácaros pertencentes a 14 famílias. Foram encontradas 14 espécies de Phytoseiidae e 19 espécies de Tarsonemidae. Os fitoseídeos mais abundantes foram Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma, Transeius bellottii (Moraes & Mesa) e Amblyseius acalyphus Denmark & Muma. As espécies mais abundantes de Tarsonemidae foram Daidalotarsonemus tesselatus DeLeon, Daidalotarsonemus folisetae Lofego & Ochoa e Metatarsonemus megasolenidii Lofego & Ochoa. Os maiores índices de diversidade de fitoseídeos e tarsonemídeos foram registrados no outono; os menores índices foram registrados no inverno para fitoseídeos e na primavera para os tarsonemídeos. Considerando-se conjuntamente todas as coletas realizadas, os índices de diversidade (Shannon) de fitoseídeos e tarsonemídeos foram bastante semelhantes, próximos de 2,0. A aparente ausência de danos causados pelos ácaros fitófagos às plantas amostradas pode estar relacionada à atuação dos ácaros predadores associados. Espécies de predadores diferentes prevaleceram em espécies de plantas distintas, indicando a complementaridade destas como reservatórios daquelas.

The objective of this study was to determine and to analyse the diversity of mites on native Myrtaceae of the "Cerrado" vegetation type of the State of São Paulo, with particular attention to the families Phytoseiidae and Tarsonemidae. In the year 2000, mites were collected from Myrtaceae species in three "Cerrado" areas in the State of São Paulo. Samples of leaves, flowers and fruits were taken from three plant of each species in each site. Mites of 49 genera belonging to 14 families were found. Fourteen phytoseiid species of nine genera and 19 tarsonemid species of six genera were collected. The most abundant phytoseiids were Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma, Transeius bellottii (Moraes & Mesa) and Amblyseius acalyphus Denmark & Muma. The most abundant tarsonemids were Daidalotarsonemus tesselatus DeLeon, Daidalotarsonemus folisetae Lofego & Ochoa and Metatarsonemus megasolenidii Lofego & Ochoa. The highest indexes of diversity of phytoseiids and tarsonemids were observed in the fall; the lowest indexes were found in the winter for phytoseiids and in the spring for tarsonemids. Taking into consideration the total number of phytoseiids and tarsonemids collected in this work, the corresponding indexes of diversity (Shannon) were similar and close to 2.0. Different predatory mite species prevailed on distinct plant species, indicating the complementariness of the latter as reservoirs of the former.

[Mites (Acari) associated to Myrtaceae in areas of Cerrado in the State of São Paulo with faunistic analysis of families Tarsonemidae and Phytoseiidae]. / Acaros (Acari) associados a mirtáceas (Myrtaceae) em áreas de cerrado no estado de São Paulo com análise faunística das famílias Phytoseiidae e Tarsonemidae.

The objective of this study was to determine and to analyse the diversity of mites on native Myrtaceae of the "Cerrado" vegetation type of the State of São Paulo, with particular attention to the families Phytoseiidae and Tarsonemidae. In the year 2000, mites were collected from Myrtaceae species in three "Cerrado" areas in the State of São Paulo. Samples of leaves, flowers and fruits were taken from three plant of each species in each site. Mites of 49 genera belonging to 14 families were found. Fourteen phytoseiid species of nine genera and 19 tarsonemid species of six genera were collected. The most abundant phytoseiids were Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma, Transeius bellottii (Moraes & Mesa) and Amblyseius acalyphus Denmark & Muma. The most abundant tarsonemids were Daidalotarsonemus tesselatus DeLeon, Daidalotarsonemus folisetae Lofego & Ochoa and Metatarsonemus megasolenidii Lofego & Ochoa. The highest indexes of diversity of phytoseiids and tarsonemids were observed in the fall; the lowest indexes were found in the winter for phytoseiids and in the spring for tarsonemids. Taking into consideration the total number of phytoseiids and tarsonemids collected in this work, the corresponding indexes of diversity (Shannon) were similar and close to 2.0. Different predatory mite species prevailed on distinct plant species, indicating the complementariness of the latter as reservoirs of the former.

Acarofauna associada a frutos de coqueiro (Cocos nucifera L) de algumas localidades das Américas / Acarofauna associated with coconut fruits (Cocos nucifera L) from some localities in America

Neste trabalho foram identificados ácaros fitófagos e predadores associados a frutos de coqueiro de localidades do Brasil, Colômbia, Cuba, EUA, México e Venezuela. Foram encontradas três espécies de ácaros fitófagos (duas Eriophyidae, uma Tarsonemidae), quatro espécies de ácaros predadores (duas Ascidae, duas Phytoseiidae), e duas espécies de hábito alimentar pouco conhecido (uma Eupodidae, uma Tydeidae). Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Eriophyidae) foi encontrada nas amostras de Alagoas, Bahia, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Sergipe e São Paulo, Brasil; e também de Cuba, EUA, México e Venezuela. Amrineus cocofolius Flechtmann (Eriophyidae) foi encontrada em amostras do Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo e Sergipe, Brasil; da Colômbia e do México. O tarsonemídeo Steneotarsonemus furcatus De Leon foi coletado em frutos provenientes de Alagoas, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro e Sergipe. Os sintomas observados em frutos infestados por esses ácaros fitófagos foram descritos. As espécies de Ascidae encontradas foram Proctolaelaps longipilis Chant e Proctolaelaps sp.; e as de Phytoseiidae foram Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) ornatus (Denmark & Muma) e Typhlodromalus manihoti (Moraes). Provavelmente essas espécies de ácaros predadores foram registradas, pela primeira vez, em frutos de coqueiro, no mundo.

Phytophagous and predatory mites associated with fruits of coconut from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, USA and Venezuela were identified in this study. Three species of phytophagous mites (two Eriophyidae, one Tarsonemidae), four species of predatory mites (two Ascidae, two Phytoseiidae), and two species with unknown feeding habit (one Eupodidae, one Tydeidae) were found. Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Eriophyidae) were found in samples from Alagoas, Bahia, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Sergipe and São Paulo, Brazil; and also from Cuba, Mexico, USA and Venezuela. Amrineus cocofolius Flechtmann (Eriophyidae) was found in samples from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Sergipe, Brazil, from Colombia and from Mexico. The tarsonemid Steneotarsonemus furcatus De Leon was found on fruits from Alagoas, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Sergipe, Brazil. Symptoms observed on fruits infested by these phytophagous mites were described. The Ascidae species found were Proctolaelaps longipilis Chant and Proctolaelaps sp.; and the Phytoseiidae species were Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) ornatus (Denmark & Muma) and Typhlodromalus manihoti (Moraes). For our knowledge, these predator species were registered for the first time from coconut fruits around the world.