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In the present study, halacarid mites inhabiting various macroalgae, barnacles and sand sediments from Tenerife (Canary Islands) were examined and identified for the first time. Among 114 individuals, 11 halacarid species belonging to six genera were detected: Agaue adriatica, Agauopsis brevipalpus, Agauopsis microrhyncha, Agauopsis tricuspis, Copidognathus lamelloides, C. magnipalpus, C. remipes, Halacarus subtilis, H. actenos, Halacaropsis hirsuta and Rhombognathus procerus. Presence of the epibiont suctorian ciliate species "Praethecacineta halacari" on C. magnipalpus is reported for the first time from the Canary Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of intertidal oribatid mites from Tenerife is described and its full ontogenetic development is given in detail. Thalassozetes canariensissp. nov. can easily be distinguished from its congeners by its characteristic notogastral cuticular pattern showing loosely distributed irregular elevations, and its rectangular median sternal cavity. Based on morphology, Thalassozetes canariensissp. nov. is most closely related to the Mediterranean T. riparius; both species share a small transversal band-like notogastral light spot and the longitudinal orientation of lyrifissure iad. The juvenile morphology of T. canariensissp. nov. conforms basically to those of known Thalassozetes juveniles but there are discrepancies in certain aspects that require further research into all known species. This report of T. canariensissp. nov. from Tenerife is the first record of an intertidal mite for the Canaries, and also for the Eastern Atlantic area. Further records of this species within the area may be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reticulitermes flavipes, one of the most harmful subterranean termite pests, is reported for the first time from Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). Cytochrome oxidase II was sequenced from five specimens in order to confirm the identification. To date, this invasive species has been detected in a limited area in the northeast of the island, affecting buildings, crops and native plant species. Another colony with the identical haplotype found in the southwest, 60 km away from the main population, indicates that this invasive insect may be more widespread over the island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]