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.

A newly available database of an important family of phytophagous mites: Tenuipalpidae Database.

This paper announces a database on the taxonomy, distribution and host plants of mites of the family Tenuipalpidae Berlese (Acari: Tetranychoidea), available online at https://www.tenuipalpidae.ibilce.unesp.br/. In the Tenuipalpidae Database the recorded world distribution and range of host plants are provided for each tenuipalpid species, including synonyms, with a list of all relevant publications.

Two new species of Tenuipalpus sensu stricto (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) from Brazil, with a discussion on the ontogeny of leg setae.

The Amazon and the Cerrado are the two largest biomes in Brazil, and combined represent nearly 70% of the natural vegetation in the country. Recent surveys of the mite fauna present in these two biomes have revealed a great number of new species. In this paper, we describe the adult females, deutonymphs, protonymphs, larvae and eggs of two new species of Tenuipalpidae (Trombidiformes: Tetranychoidea), Tenuipalpus protium sp. nov., collected on Protium heptaphyllum (Burseraceae), and Tenuipalpus kitajimai sp. nov., collected on an unidentified plant of the family Sapindaceae, from the Cerrado and the Amazon Rainforest, respectively. Females of these two new species bear two distinct cuticular crests on the dorsal opisthosoma, one transverse crest anteriorly and one longitudinal crest mesally. The ontogenetic changes in the idiosomal and leg chaetotaxy of all stages are presented for both species. Adult males are not known for either species.

A new species of Tenuipalpus sensu stricto (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) from Brazil, with ontogeny and a key to the known species.

The Cerrado is the second largest Brazilian biome, and is considered to be a "hotspot" due the great concentration of endemic species and high rate of deforestation. Surveys of the mite fauna present in this biome have revealed a great number of new species. In this paper, we describe Tenuipalpus spinosaurus sp. nov. (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), a new species of Tenuipalpus sensu stricto, from adult females, deutonymphs, protonymphs, larvae and eggs, collected on Terminalia argentea (Combretaceae), from the Cerrado in Brazil. Females of this new species bear a prominent longitudinal crest on the opisthosoma. The ontogenetic changes in the idiosoma and leg chaetotaxy of all stages are presented. A key to the world species of Tenuipalpus sensu stricto is provided.

New species of Tenuipalpus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) from Semidecidual Forest remnants in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.

Three new species of the genus Tenuipalpus (Acariformes: Tenuipalpidae), T tapiae sp. nov., T. apichai sp. nov., and T. nambii sp. nov. collected in Semidecidual Forest native plants in the northwest of the state of São Paulo, Brazil are described and illustrated. A key of the Brazilian species of Tenuipaipus based on females is presented.

Mites associated to Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae) in urban and rural fragments of semidecidual forest

Mites associated to Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae) in urban and rural fragments of semidecidual forest. Native plants can shelter a great diversity of mites. Notwithstanding, the conservation of the forest fragments where the plants are located can influence the structure of the mites community. Generally, in homogenous environments the diversity is lower due to the dominance of one or a few species. In this work, we studied the mite community on Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae) in two fragments of semidecidual forest: one on rural and other on urban area. Seven individuals of X. aromatica were monthly sampled from April 2007 to March 2008, in each of these fragments. Descriptive indexes of diversity, dominance and evenness were applied to verify the ecological patterns of the mite community, besides the Student's t-test to compare the abundance between the fragments. We collected 27,365 mites of 37 species belonging to 11 families. Calacarus sp. (Eriophyidae) was the most abundant species, representing 73 percent of the total sampled. The abundance was greater in the urban fragment (67.7 percent), with the diversity index reaching only 25 percent of the theoretical maximum expected. Probably, these values might have been influenced by the location of this fragment in the urban area, being more homogeneous and submitted directly to the presence of atmospheric pollution. In this manner, X. aromatica is able to shelter a higher diversity of mites when inserted in preserved ecosystems, since the highest diversity of available resources allows the establishment of richer and most diverse mite community.

Ácaros associados a Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae) em fragmentos urbano e rural de floresta estacional semidecidual. Plantas nativas podem abrigar uma grande diversidade de ácaros, entretanto o estado de conservação dos fragmentos onde estas plantas estão localizadas pode influenciar a estrutura da comunidade. Em ambientes homogêneos a diversidade geralmente é menor devido à dominância de uma ou poucas espécies. O objetivo deste trabalho foi conhecer a acarofauna associada a Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae) em dois fragmentos de floresta estacional semidecidual, sendo um rural e outro urbano. Amostramos mensalmente no período de abril de 2007 a março de 2008, sete indivíduos de X. aromatica em cada um dos dois fragmentos. Índices descritores de diversidade, dominância e de equitabilidade foram aplicados para verificar os padrões ecológicos da comunidade, além do Teste t de Student para comparar a abundância de ácaros entre os fragmentos. Foram coletados 27.365 ácaros de 37 espécies pertencentes a 11 famílias. Calacarus sp. (Eriophyidae) foi a espécie mais abundante, representando 73 por cento do total amostrado. A abundância total foi maior no fragmento urbano (67,7 por cento), com a diversidade atingindo somente 25 por cento da máxima teórica prevista. Provavelmente, estes valores foram influenciados pela localização deste fragmento na área urbana, sendo mais homogêneo e submetido à presença de poluentes atmosféricos. Dessa forma, X. aromatica pode abrigar uma maior diversidade de ácaros quando inserida em um ecossistema conservado, visto que a maior diversidade de recursos disponíveis permite o estabelecimento de uma acarofauna mais rica e diversa.

Ácaros (Arachnida, Acari) de plantas ornamentais na região noroeste do estado de São Paulo, Brasil: inventário e descrição dos sintomas causados pelos fitófagos / Mites (Arachnida, Acari) on ornamental plants in northwestern São Paulo, Brazil: occurrence and injury caused by phytophagous species

No presente trabalho foram estudados os ácaros associados a plantas ornamentais de praças, ruas e jardins residenciais, no município de Ilha Solteira, SP. Foram amostradas folhas de 20 espécies de plantas e alguns representantes das morfoespécies de ácaros encontrados foram montados em lâminas de microscopia com o meio de Hoyer, para posterior identificação sob microscópio óptico com contraste de fases. Foram registradas 23 espécies pertencentes a 15 gêneros de oito famílias. Dessas espécies, 13 são fitófagas, nove predadoras e uma de hábito alimentar não determinado. A família com maior riqueza de ácaros foi Tetranychidae, com nove espécies, sendo uma delas registrada pela primeira vez após a descrição original e outra pela primeira vez no Brasil. Lorryia formosa Cooremann, 1958 (Tydeidae) foi a que ocorreu em maior número de hospedeiros. As plantas com as maiores riquezas de ácaros foram Lagerstroemia indica L., Mussaenda alicia Hort. e Tabebuia sp., com seis espécies registradas em cada uma.

Phytophagous mites living on ornamental plants growing in parks, streets and residential gardens from Ilha Solteira, State of São Paulo, were studied. Leaves of 20 plant species were sampled and some specimens of the different morphospecies found were mounted in microscopy slides with Hoyer's medium for posterior identification under phase contrast microscope. Twenty three species belonging to 15 genera of eight families were recorded. From these, 13 species are phytophagous, nine are predator and one is of unknown feeding habits. The family Tetranychidae presented the highest richness, with nine species registered, being one of these recorded for the first time after the original description and another one being registered for the first time in Brazil. Lorryia formosa Cooremann, 1958 (Tydeidae) occurred on the highest number of hosts. The host plants that harbored the highest number of mite species were Lagerstroemia indica L., Mussaenda alicia Hort. and Tabebuia sp., with six species recorded on each.

[Mites (Acari) from rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg., Euphorbiaceae) and spontaneous euphorbiaceous in rubber trees cultivation]. / Acaros (Acari) de seringueira (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg., Euphorbiaceae) e de euforbiáceas espontâneas no interior dos cultivos.

Quarterly samples were done in 2001 on three rubber tree plantation in the northwest of the state of São Paulo. Three rubber trees of each locality were sampled. Between the rows of rubber tree four species of spontaneous euphorbiaceous were collected: Chamaesyce hirta, C. hyssopifolia, Euphorbia heterophylla and Phyllanthus tenellus. A total of 8.954 mites of 38 species, belonging to 31 genera of 11 families were collected. Tydeidae and Phytoseiidae had the highest diversity of species, 9 and 7, respectively. The most abundant families were Eriophyidae (3.594), Tydeidae (2.825) and Tenuipalpidae (1.027). The most abundant species on the rubber trees were: phytophagous - Calacarus heveae Feres, Tenuipalpus heveae Baker, Lorryia sp.2, Lorryia formosa Cooreman and Lorryia sp.1; predators - Zetzellia quasagistemas Hernandes & Feres, Pronematus sp., Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma and Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma. Among the spontaneous euphorbiaceous, predatory mites were abundantly found on C. hirta and E. heterophylla, mainly Pronematus sp. and E. citrifolius, suggesting that these plants could be important in the maintenance of these predators in the rubber tree cultivation areas. However, plants that can shelter predators and at the same time exert strong competition (nutrients, water etc) to rubber trees, can not be recommended for pest management programs. Studies about competition between rubber trees and spontaneous plants need to be conducted for feasible efficient programs of environmental management, aiming at the control of pest mites of rubber tree.

Ácaros (Acari) de seringueira (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg., Euphorbiaceae) e de euforbiáceas espontâneas no interior dos cultivos / Mites (Acari) from rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg., Euphorbiaceae) and spontaneous euphorbiaceous in rubber trees cultivation

Foram realizadas coletas trimestrais em 2001 em três cultivos de seringueira no Noroeste do estado de São Paulo. Foram amostradas três seringueiras de cada local. Nas entrelinhas das seringueiras foram coletadas quatro espécies de euforbiáceas espontâneas: Chamaesyce hirta, C. hyssopifolia, Euphorbia heterophylla e Phyllanthus tenellus. Foram coletados 8.954 ácaros de 38 espécies, pertencentes a 31 gêneros de 11 famílias. Tydeidae e Phytoseiidae tiveram maior diversidade de espécies, 9 e 7, respectivamente. As famílias mais abundantes foram Eriophyidae (3.594), Tydeidae (2.825) e Tenuipalpidae (1.027). As espécies mais abundantes nas seringueiras foram: fitófagas - Calacarus heveae Feres, Tenuipalpus heveae Baker, Lorryia sp.2, Lorryia formosa Cooreman e Lorryia sp.1; predadoras - Zetzellia quasagistemas Hernandes & Feres, Pronematus sp., Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma e Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma. Entre as euforbiáceas espontâneas, encontrou-se maior abundância de ácaros predadores em C. hirta e E. heterophylla, destacando-se Pronematus sp. e E. citrifolius, sugerindo que estas plantas possam ser importantes na manutenção daqueles predadores nos plantios de seringueira. No entanto, plantas que podem abrigar predadores, mas que também exercem forte competição (nutrientes, água etc.) com a seringueira, não podem ser sugeridas para um programa de manejo de pragas. Estudos sobre competição entre a seringueira e plantas espontâneas precisam ser conduzidos para viabilizar programas eficientes de manejo ambiental, visando o controle dos ácaros-praga da seringueira.

Quarterly samples were done in 2001 on three rubber tree plantation in the northwest of the state of São Paulo. Three rubber trees of each locality were sampled. Between the rows of rubber tree four species of spontaneous euphorbiaceous were collected: Chamaesyce hirta, C. hyssopifolia, Euphorbia heterophylla and Phyllanthus tenellus. A total of 8.954 mites of 38 species, belonging to 31 genera of 11 families were collected. Tydeidae and Phytoseiidae had the highest diversity of species, 9 and 7, respectively. The most abundant families were Eriophyidae (3.594), Tydeidae (2.825) and Tenuipalpidae (1.027). The most abundant species on the rubber trees were: phytophagous - Calacarus heveae Feres, Tenuipalpus heveae Baker, Lorryia sp.2, Lorryia formosa Cooreman and Lorryia sp.1; predators - Zetzellia quasagistemas Hernandes & Feres, Pronematus sp., Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma and Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma. Among the spontaneous euphorbiaceous, predatory mites were abundantly found on C. hirta and E. heterophylla, mainly Pronematus sp. and E. citrifolius, suggesting that these plants could be important in the maintenance of these predators in the rubber tree cultivation areas. However, plants that can shelter predators and at the same time exert strong competition (nutrients, water etc) to rubber trees, can not be recommended for pest management programs. Studies about competition between rubber trees and spontaneous plants need to be conducted for feasible efficient programs of environmental management, aiming at the control of pest mites of rubber tree.

[Influence of cerrado fragments in the distribution of mites in rubber tree crop]. / Influência de fragmentos de cerrado na distribuição de ácaros em seringal.

The aim of this study was to verify whether fragments of cerrado influence the composition of the mite fauna on rubber trees. Five transects distant 50 m, being the first in the edge near the native areas and the last 200 m inside the crop, were established in each rubber tree crop in southern State of Mato Grosso. In each transect five plants were chosen, and seven leaves were collected from each plant. During one year, 25 quantitative samplings were conducted in two rubber tree crops. The lowest number of phytophagous mites occurred in the transect closer to the native vegetation, and the highest number, in the most distant from the native vegetation. The largest diversity was also observed in the transect closer to the neighboring vegetation. Ten species of predatory mites were also registered in neighboring native areas. These data suggest the movement of predatory mites from the native areas to the monoculture. These natural areas can possibly supply alternative food and habitat for natural enemies of phytophagous mites in the period of food scarceness in the rubber tree crop. The presence of native areas close to culture areas should be taken into account in the elaboration of programs of ecological management of pests.

Influência de fragmentos de cerrado na distribuição de ácaros em seringal / Influence of cerrado fragments in the distribution of mites in rubber tree crop

Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar se fragmentos de cerrado influenciam na composição da acarofauna de seringais. Foram estabelecidos cinco transectos, distantes 50 m entre si, em duas áreas de cultivo no sul do Mato Grosso, sendo o primeiro na borda com o limite das áreas nativas e o último a 200 m no interior do seringal. Em cada transecto foram marcadas cinco plantas, sendo coletadas sete folhas de cada planta. Durante um ano foram realizadas 25 coletas quantitativas em dois cultivos de seringueiras. O menor número de fitófagos foi registrado no transecto próximo da vegetação nativa e o maior no mais distante. A maior diversidade também foi observada no transecto mais próximo da vegetação nativa. Dez espécies de ácaros predadores também foram registradas nas áreas nativas vizinhas. Os dados sugerem o deslocamento dos ácaros predadores das áreas naturais para o monocultivo. Essas áreas naturais podem fornecer alimento alternativo e hábitat para inimigos naturais de fitófagos no período de escassez de alimento no seringal. A presença de áreas nativas próximo a áreas de cultivo deve ser considerada na elaboração de programas de manejo ecológico de pragas.

The aim of this study was to verify whether fragments of cerrado influence the composition of the mite fauna on rubber trees. Five transects distant 50 m, being the first in the edge near the native areas and the last 200 m inside the crop, were established in each rubber tree crop in southern State of Mato Grosso. In each transect five plants were chosen, and seven leaves were collected from each plant. During one year, 25 quantitative samplings were conducted in two rubber tree crops. The lowest number of phytophagous mites occurred in the transect closer to the native vegetation, and the highest number, in the most distant from the native vegetation. The largest diversity was also observed in the transect closer to the neighboring vegetation. Ten species of predatory mites were also registered in neighboring native areas. These data suggest the movement of predatory mites from the native areas to the monoculture. These natural areas can possibly supply alternative food and habitat for natural enemies of phytophagous mites in the period of food scarceness in the rubber tree crop. The presence of native areas close to culture areas should be taken into account in the elaboration of programs of ecological management of pests.

[Mites (Acari: Arachnida) associated with Bauhinia variegata L. (Leguminosae) in northeast of State of São Paulo, Brazil]. / Acaros (Arachnida: Acari) associados a Bauhinia variegata L. (Leguminosae) no noroeste do Estado de São Paulo.

The occurrence of mites on Bauhinia variegata L., a species introduced in Brazil as ornamental, was studied. Two plants of this species were sampled monthly from May 2000 to April 2001. A total of 8,482 mites, belonging to 25 species in 11 families were collected. The abundance of phytophagous mites was higher, being Lorryia formosa Cooreman the dominant species. The dominance of L. formosa might be caused by stress conditions of sampled plants and low number of predaceous mites on those plants.

[Occurrence and fluctuation of mite populations associated with rubber tree crop neighbor of fragments of cerrado]. / Ocorrência e flutuação populacional de ácaros associados a seringais vizinhos de fragmentos de cerrado.

The basic knowledge of the seasonal occurrence of mites can supply data for elaboration of programs of ecological management to be implanted with success in the future. The objective of this study was to determine the species richness and the seasonality of mites present in two areas of rubber tree crops neighboring to native areas in Itiquira, MT. Along one year, 25 quantitative samplings were accomplished in rubber tree crop neighboring to two fragments of Cerrado (Cerradão and Mata Ripária). There were registered 199,380 mites, of 48 species, belonging to 15 families. Of those, 13 species are phytophagous, 18 predators and 17 mycophagous or of unknown alimentary habit. Three phytophagous species represented more than 97% of the mites collected: Phyllocoptruta seringueirae Feres (80.8%), Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (12.7%) and Calacarus heveae Feres (3.6%). Among the predators, the most abundant species were Agistemus sp., Scirula sp. and Euseius concordis (Chant). Twenty-eight species were common to both crops. The families that had the largest number of species collected in the neighboring area to Cerradão were Tydeidae (7), Tarsonemidae (6), Eriophyidae and Phytoseiidae (4), and in the area close to Mata Ripária, Tydeidae (9) and Phytoseiidae (8). The presence of vegetation near the crop should explain the great number of species of mites classified as accidental found in this study. The largest abundances and species richness occurred in the end of the rainy season and beginning of the dry season.

Ácaros (Arachnida: Acari) associados a Bauhinia variegata L. (Leguminosae) no noroeste do Estado de São Paulo / Mites (Acari: Arachnida) associated with Bauhinia variegata L. (Leguminosae) in northeast of State of São Paulo, Brazil

Foi estudada a acarofauna associada a Bauhinia variegata L., espécie introduzida no Brasil como ornamental. Dois exemplares dessa planta foram amostrados mensalmente, de maio de 2000 a abril de 2001. Foram registrados 8.482 ácaros, pertencentes a 25 espécies de 11 famílias. Os fitófagos foram os mais abundantes, sendo Lorryia formosa Cooreman a espécie dominante. A dominância de L. formosa foi provavelmente influenciada pela condição de estresse das plantas amostradas e pela baixa quantidade de ácaros predadores sobre estas plantas.

The occurrence of mites on Bauhinia variegata L., a species introduced in Brazil as ornamental, was studied. Two plants of this species were sampled monthly from May 2000 to April 2001. A total of 8,482 mites, belonging to 25 species in 11 families were collected. The abundance of phytophagous mites was higher, being Lorryia formosa Cooreman the dominant species. The dominance of L. formosa might be caused by stress conditions of sampled plants and low number of predaceous mites on those plants.

Ocorrência e flutuação populacional de ácaros associados a seringais vizinhos de fragmentos de cerrado / Occurrence and fluctuation of mite populations associated with rubber tree crop neighbor of fragments of cerrado

O conhecimento básico da ocorrência sazonal dos ácaros pode fornecer dados para elaboração de programas de manejo ecológico a serem implantados com sucesso no futuro. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a riqueza de espécies e a sazonalidade da acarofauna presente em dois campos de seringueira vizinhos de áreas nativas, no município de Itiquira, MT. Ao longo de um ano, foram realizadas 25 coletas quantitativas em seringueiras vizinhas a dois fragmentos de Cerrado (Cerradão e Mata Ripária). Foram registrados 199.380 ácaros, de 48 espécies, pertencentes a 15 famílias. Dessas, 13 espécies são fitófagas, 18 predadoras e 17 micófagas ou de hábito alimentar desconhecido. Três espécies fitófagas representaram mais de 97 por cento dos ácaros coletados: Phyllocoptruta seringueirae Feres (80,8 por cento), Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (12,7 por cento) e Calacarus heveae Feres (3,6 por cento). Entre os predadores, os mais abundantes foram Agistemus sp., Scirula sp. e Euseius concordis (Chant). Vinte e oito espécies foram comuns aos dois cultivos. As famílias que tiveram o maior número de espécies coletadas na área vizinha ao Cerradão foram, Tydeidae (7), Tarsonemidae (6), Eriophyidae e Phytoseiidae (4) e, na área próxima à Mata Ripária, Tydeidae (9) e Phytoseidae (8). A presença de vegetação vizinha aos seringais deve ser a causa do grande número de espécies de ácaros classificadas como acidentais encontradas neste estudo. As maiores abundâncias e riquezas de espécies ocorreram no final do período chuvoso e início da estação seca.

The basic knowledge of the seasonal occurrence of mites can supply data for elaboration of programs of ecological management to be implanted with success in the future. The objective of this study was to determine the species richness and the seasonality of mites present in two areas of rubber tree crops neighboring to native areas in Itiquira, MT. Along one year, 25 quantitative samplings were accomplished in rubber tree crop neighboring to two fragments of Cerrado (Cerradão and Mata Ripária). There were registered 199,380 mites, of 48 species, belonging to 15 families. Of those, 13 species are phytophagous, 18 predators and 17 mycophagous or of unknown alimentary habit. Three phytophagous species represented more than 97 percent of the mites collected: Phyllocoptruta seringueirae Feres (80.8 percent), Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (12.7 percent) and Calacarus heveae Feres (3.6 percent). Among the predators, the most abundant species were Agistemus sp., Scirula sp. and Euseius concordis (Chant). Twenty-eight species were common to both crops. The families that had the largest number of species collected in the neighboring area to Cerradão were Tydeidae (7), Tarsonemidae (6), Eriophyidae and Phytoseiidae (4), and in the area close to Mata Ripária, Tydeidae (9) and Phytoseiidae (8). The presence of vegetation near the crop should explain the great number of species of mites classified as accidental found in this study. The largest abundances and species richness occurred in the end of the rainy season and beginning of the dry season.

[Diversity and seasonal occurrence of mites (Acari) in a rubber tree crop (Hevea brasiliensis, Muell. Arg.) in northwestern São Paulo, Brazil]. / Diversidade e sazonalidade de ácaros (Acari) em seringal (Hevea brasiliensis, Muell. Arg.) no noroeste do estado de São Paulo.

Brazilian southeastern region has soil and climate conditions suitable for the growing of rubber trees, and most part of national yield arises from São Paulo State. The aims proposed for this work were to determine the diversity, the richness and the seasonal occurrence of mites found in a rubber tree crop in a triennial survey with monthly samplings, as well as to estimate the populational density of the major phytophagous species. This study found 74,407 mites from 26 species belonging to 10 families. The phytophagous and predators represented 95.4% and 3.9% of the total abundance, respectively. Twelve species were rare, six accessories and eight constant. The families Phytoseiidae and Tydeidae had the greatest richness (five and four species, respectively). The most numerous species was Calacarus heveae Feres (50,573), with great abundance at the end of rainy season until the beginning of dry season. Among predators, the most abundant were Zetzellia quasagistemas Hernandes & Feres (1,345), Pronematus sp. (455), Zetzellia agistzellia Hernandes & Feres (409) and Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma (243). C. heveae had greatest densities on March and April 2003, and Lorryia formosa Cooreman and Tenuipalpus heveae Baker on March and May 2001, respectively. Many stigmaeids were observed in association with colonies of L. formosa preying their eggs and immatures.

Diversidade e sazonalidade de ácaros (Acari) em seringal (Hevea brasiliensis, Muell. Arg.) no Noroeste do Estado de São Paulo / Diversity and seasonal occurrence of mites (Acari) in a Rubber Tree Crop (Hevea brasiliensis, Muell. Arg.) in Northwestern São Paulo, Brazil

A Região Sudeste do Brasil apresenta aspectos edafo-climáticos favoráveis para o plantio e desenvolvimento da seringueira, sendo o estado de São Paulo o maior produtor nacional de látex. Este trabalho teve como objetivos determinar, através de coletas mensais durante três anos de estudo, a diversidade, a riqueza de espécies e a sua sazonalidade, bem como realizar estimativas de densidade populacional das principais espécies de ácaros presentes nas folhas. Todos os ácaros foram montados em lâminas de microscopia, totalizando 74.407 indivíduos, de 26 espécies pertencentes a 10 famílias. Os fitófagos representaram 95,4 por cento do total de indivíduos coletados e os predadores 3,9 por cento. Doze espécies foram consideradas acidentais, seis foram acessórias e oito constantes. Apresentaram maior número de espécies as famílias Phytoseiidae (cinco) e Tydeidae (quatro). A espécie mais abundante foi Calacarus heveae Feres (50.573), com maior abundância nos meses correspondentes ao término da estação chuvosa e início da estação seca na região. Dentre os predadores, a mais abundante foi Zetzellia quasagistemas Hernandes & Feres (1.345), seguida por Pronematus sp. (455), Zetzellia agistzellia Hernandes & Feres (409) e Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma (243). C. heveae apresentou maior densidade populacional em março e abril de 2003, e Lorryia formosa Cooreman e Tenuipalpus heveae Baker em março e maio de 2001, respectivamente. Muitos estigmeídeos foram observados associados a agrupamentos de L. formosa predando seus ovos e estágios imaturos.

Brazilian southeastern region has soil and climate conditions suitable for the growing of rubber trees, and most part of national yield arises from São Paulo State. The aims proposed for this work were to determine the diversity, the richness and the seasonal occurrence of mites found in a rubber tree crop in a triennial survey with monthly samplings, as well as to estimate the populational density of the major phytophagous species. This study found 74,407 mites from 26 species belonging to 10 families. The phytophagous and predators represented 95.4 percent and 3.9 percent of the total abundance, respectively. Twelve species were rare, six accessories and eight constant. The families Phytoseiidae and Tydeidae had the greatest richness (five and four species, respectively). The most numerous species was Calacarus heveae Feres (50,573), with great abundance at the end of rainy season until the beginning of dry season. Among predators, the most abundant were Zetzellia quasagistemas Hernandes & Feres (1,345), Pronematus sp. (455), Zetzellia agistzellia Hernandes & Feres (409) and Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma (243). C. heveae had greatest densities on March and April 2003, and Lorryia formosa Cooreman and Tenuipalpus heveae Baker on March and May 2001, respectively. Many stigmaeids were observed in association with colonies of L. formosa preying their eggs and immatures.

Influência de vegetação vizinha na distribuição de ácaros em seringal (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg., Euphorbiaceae) em São José do Rio Preto, SP / Influence of neighboring vegetation in the distribution of mites in a rubber tree culture (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg., Euphorbiaceae) in São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil

Existem poucos estudos sobre a influência de vegetação vizinha na ocorrência e distribuição de ácaros em monoculturas. No presente estudo foi analizada a influência de duas áreas diferentes (fragmento de mata e pastagem) sobre a acarofauna de um cultivo de seringueira. Três linhas foram estabelecidas, uma na borda com o fragmento de mata, uma no interior do seringal e uma na borda com a área de pastagem. Cinco plantas foram selecionadas em cada linha e 10 folhas de cada planta foram analisadas. No total foram registrados 159.011 ácaros de 19 espécies, pertencentes a 12 famílias. Todos, com exceção dos exemplares de Calacarus heveae Feres, contados diretamente nos folíolos, foram montados em lâminas de microscopia com o meio de Hoyer. C. heveae foi a espécie mais abundante e freqüente (99,1 por cento), sendo que sua maior distribuição ocorreu na linha central e a menor na linha próxima ao fragmento de mata. Devido à dominância dessa espécie, a diversidade e a uniformidade foram baixas. As espécies predadoras apresentaram maior abundância na linha mais próxima ao fragmento de mata, sugerindo um possível deslocamento dessas espécies entre a mata e o cultivo. Esses dados indicam que a vegetação nativa influenciou a acarofauna no monocultivo e que sua presença deveria ser considerada nos programas de manejo de pragas.

There are few studies about the neighboring vegetation influence on the mites occurrence and distribution in monocultures. In the present study we analyzed the influence of two different areas (forest fragment and pasture) about mite fauna of a rubber tree culture. Three lines were established, one in the edge with the forest fragment, one in the interior of the rubber tree culture and one at the edge with the pasture area. In each line, five plants were selected and 10 leavesfor each plant were analyzed. The total number of mites sampled was 159,011 of 19 species belonging to 12 families. All the mites, except Calacarus heveae Feres, which were direct counted on theleaflets, were mounted in microscopy slides using Hoyer medium. C. heveae was the most abundant and frequent species (99.1%), having its greatest abundance in the central line and its smallest in the line closest to the native forest fragment. Due to dominance of this species, the diversity and uniformityof the mite fauna were low. The predatory species presented higher abundance in the line close to theforest fragment, suggesting a possible dispersion from this vegetation to the culture. These data indicated that native neighboring vegetation have influenced the mite fauna of the monoculture andthat its presence should be considered in pest management programs.

Acaros (Acari) de dois sistemas de cultivo da seringueira no noroeste do estado de São Paulo / Mites ( Acari ) of two cultivation systems adopted in northwestern State São Paulo

A cultura da seringueira (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Agr.) vem se expandindo consideravelmente no noroeste do estado de São Paulo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a fauna de ácaros em dois sistemas comuns de cultivo nessa região, um em monocultivo e outro em consórcio com gariroba (Syagrus oleracea (Mart.) Becc. O estudo foi conduzido entre maio de 2002 e abril de 2003, tomando-se amostras mensais de 150 folíolos de seringueira de cada plantação e 150 folíolos de gariroba. As faunas dos dois sistemas foram semelhantes; os números de espécies, gêneros e famílias, assim como as famílias mais diversas e mais abundantes foram semelhantes entre eles. Dezoito espécies ocorreram exclusivamente em plantas de gariroba. O número de ácaros sobre estas foi consideravelmente menor, mas a riqueza de espécies foi maior que em seringueiras. Dentre as espécies mais freqüentes e abundantes em seringueira, Eutetranychus banksi (McGregor) e Pronematus sp. foram as únicas também freqüentes em gariroba, porém bem menos abundantes. Nenhum dos predadores abundantes em seringueira (Zetzellia aff. yusti, Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma, Pronematus sp. e Spinibdella sp.) foi abundante em gariroba. O fungo Hirsutella thompsonii Fisher foi o único patógeno de ácaros encontrado neste estudo, atacando Calacarus heveae Feres. Aparentemente, na forma como cultivada na região, a gariroba não constitui um reservatório adequado dos ácaros predadores mais importantes em seringueira.

Diversidade e flutuação populacional de ácaros (Acari) em Mabea fistulifera Mart. (Euphorbiaceae) de dois fragmentos de mata estacional semidecídua em São José do Rio Preto, SP / Diversity and fluctuation of mites population (Acari) on Mabea fistulifera Mart. (Euphorbiceae) in two semideciduos forest remnants in São José do Rio Preto, State of São Paulo, Brazil

Amostrou-se mensalmente, durante 2001, ácaros de Mabea fistulifera Mart. em dois fragmentos de mata, um urbano e outro rural. Em cada local e coleta, foram coletadas 20 folhas de cada um de três exemplares de M. fistulifera. As folhas foram examinadas sob estereomicroscópio e todos os ácaros encontrados, montados em lâminas e identificados e contados sob microscópio com contraste de fase. A diversidade e a uniformidade de espécies foram analisadas através dos índices de Shannon-Wiener e Pielou, respectivamente. O índice de similaridade de Morisita-Horn foi utilizado para determinar o grau de semelhança entre as áreas. A diversidade máxima teórica e a constância também foram determinadas. O índice de correlação de Pearson foi utilizado para verificar possíveis relações entre a abundância de ácaros com a pluviosidade. No fragmento urbano foram coletados 6326 ácaros pertencentes a 31 espécies, e no rural, 2330 ácaros de 25 espécies. Nos dois fragmentos, a diversidade excedeu 50 por cento da diversidade máxima teórica, entretanto, no rural verificou-se maior diversidade. Registrou-se também, grande abundância de fitófagos, que foi maior no urbano, provavelmente como resultado do estresse das plantas favorecendo o desenvolvimento dos fitófagos. Alguns predadores apresentaram grande abundância durante a floração de M. fistulifera, provavelmente por utilizarem o pólen como alimento. A maior abundância de Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma, na estação seca, pode estar correlacionada com a maior disponibilidade de pólen, e não com a menor pluviosidade do período.

The mites on Mabea fistulifera Mart. in two forest fragments, urban and rural, were sampled monthly during 2001. For each site and each sampling date, 20 leaves were taken from each one of three trees. The leaves were inspected under dissecting microscope and all mites collected were mounted on slides, identified and counted by using a phase contrast microscope. Diversity and eveness were analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener and Pielou index, respectively. The Morisita-Horn index described similarities between the two sites. The Maximum Theoretical Diversity and Constancy index were also determined. Possible relationships between mite abundance and rainfall were investigated by Pearson correlation. The urban area had 6326 mites belonging to 31 species, while the rural area had 2330 individuals of 25 species. In both sites, the diversity exceeded 50 percent of the maximum theoretical diversity, but, the rural area showed higher diversity. Both sites had abundant phytophagous mites, however the abundance was higher in the urban fragment, as a result of plant stress that created more favorable conditions for phyphagous to develop. Some predaceous showed high abundance when the trees flowered. This occurs because some phytoseiids can use pollen as food. The only significant (negative) correlation was observed between rainfall and the population of Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma. However, the higher population of E. citrifolius on M. fistulifera in the dry season could be mostly due to the larger abundance of pollen in that period.