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The members of the genus Cicaditrombium Saboori & Lazarboni originally described from Iran, are known as parasites of Hemiptera (Cicadidae) and Lepidoptera (Noctuidae). Larvae of Cicaditrombium lorestanensis Noei were collected at South Khorasan Province ectoparasitic on Chrysolina sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Monosteria sp. (Hemiptera: Tingidae), which represent the first known hosts for this species. Larvae of Achaemenothrombium saboorii were collected at South Khorasan Province, Iran ectoparasitic on Erebidae, Noctuidae, Nymphalidae (Lepidoptera); the family Nymphalidae is recorded as a new host. A hitherto undescribed larva belonging to the family Neothrombiidae was found parasitizing Rhipicephalus sanguineus. This is the first record of a member of the family Ixodidae (Acari: Parasitiformes: Ixodida) serving as host for a parasitengone larva. Additional metric and meristic data are provided for C. lorestanensis and A. saboorii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruiting bodies of bracket fungi are a specific microhabitat colonized by various invertebrates of which mites (Acari) are rarely studied, and if they are, the study is usually faunistic. The aim of the research was to determine whether the diversification of mite assemblages (Mesostigmata, Oribatida) inhabiting the fruiting bodies of Fomitopsis pinicola (Sw.) P. Karst. (Polyporales) are connected with the character of the forests and/or the degree of decay (DD) of the fruiting bodies. The research was conducted at Białowieża National Park (BNP), in forests close to natural ones and in Karkonosze National Park (KNP) which was affected by a large-scale forest dieback in the 1980s. Eighty fruiting bodies (40 at each study site) of F. pinicola belonging to four DD categories were collected. In total, 4,345 individuals of 120 mite species were recorded at BNP, and 13,912 individuals of 96 species were recorded at KNP. Analyses revealed that the sample dispersion at each study site was comparable, nevertheless the samples from each study site were clearly grouped into slightly overlapping sets which allow observation of the differences between them. In the less decayed fungi (DD 1 and 2) there were fewer mite species and individual mites than in the more decayed samples (DD 3 and 4). There were also significant differences between the fauna of the fungi in each particular DD: the fauna of DD 1 differed from all others, whereas the fauna of heavily decayed fungi (DD 3 and 4) was more comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A regular survey was conducted in diff erent places of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR) region of West Bengal on 32 diff erent medicinal and aromatic plants. A total of 41 species of predatory mites belonging to 19 genera, 7 families, under 2 orders were observed during this study. Collection data, distribution and keys are given for all taxonomic categories. Many of the species and habitats reported here are new records. Ecological and behavioral remarks on all the predatory mite species reported from Sundarban Biosphere Reserve are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide the first description of the female of Dendrolaelaps sinodendronis Wiśniewski and Hirschmann (Acari: Mesostigmata: Digamasellidae) associated with Sinodendron cylindricum (L.) (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) from Tyumen Province, Western Siberia, Russia. We also redescribe Proctolaelaps epuraeae Hirschmann (Acari: Mesostigmata: Melicharidae) from the adult female, collected on Cucujus sp. (Coleoptera: Cucujidae) in Tyumen Province, Western Siberia, Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we present new geographic and host records of spinturnicid mites collected from alcohol-preserved bats at the Zoological Museum of Moscow State University, Russia. The new host records are Eyndhovenia euryalis cornuti on the eastern long-fingered bat Myotis macrodactylus and Spinturnix myoti on Rickett's big-footed bat Myotis pilosus. Spinturnix tylonycterisi, known previously from Malaysia, is recorded from Vietnam for the first time. We provide an illustrated description of the protonymphal stage of Spinturnix tylonycterisi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Metagynella, M. pangoolisp. nov. is described based on female and male specimens collected from decaying baobab trees (Adansonia digitata) in Senegal. The new species differs from congeners by the sculptural pattern of the dorsal shield and the shape of the sternal shield. A list and a new key to the known Metagynella species are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between April 2019 and January 2020, field surveys were carried out in Kazdağı National Park (Turkey) and its vicinity to reveal the species diversity of zerconid mites. Different mite species, including zerconids, were collected from the research area and transferred to the “Pamukkale University Acarology Laboratory” for their identifications. As a result, 11 zerconid species, belonging to the genera Prozercon and Zercon, were found in the research area and its vicinity. All species are new records from the research area and Balıkesir Province. In addition, distribution of the zerconid species were presented both in Turkey and the world. Also, altitude and habitat preferences of the species were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oligonychus punicae (Hirst) (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) is a common pest in Mexican avocado orchards. Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) is frequently found associated with avocado orchards in Mexico and may be an important aid for controlling O. punicae. Given the lack of information in the scientific literature, this study evaluated the predation and oviposition of N. californicus when fed O. punicae at different developmental stages in a no-choice experiment. We also assessed fluctuations in the population size of O. punicae and N. californicus in commercial avocado orchards; correlations among mite density and air temperature, humidity, and precipitation in commercial avocado orchards; and the correlations between prey and predator populations. The no-choice test revealed that N. californicus adult females fed on O. punicae of all developmental stages, with higher levels of predation being recorded for eggs, followed by larvae. The highest oviposition values of N. californicus females were observed when females were fed O. punicae eggs. In orchards, the populations of both mites increased between February and June. The populations peaked during the warmest months of the year, with O. punicae populations peaking between June and July and N. californicus peaking in August. In addition, the population size of N. californicus was significantly and positively correlated with rainfall, air temperature, and the population densities of O. punicae. Meanwhile, O. punicae population size was positively correlated with air temperature, and the population of its predator N. californicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six species of mesostigmatid mites, Asca nesoica Athias-Henriot (Ascidae), Blattisocius tarsalis (Berlese) and Lasioseius aff. dentatus (Fox) (Blattisociidae), Onchodellus calcaratus (Koroleva) (Pachylaelapidae), Proctolaelaps bickleyi (Bram) (Melicharidae), and Zygoseius furciger (Berlese) (Rhodacaroidea) are recorded for the first time in Syria. Mites were collected from three localities at Latakia and Hama governorates during the period from 2013 to 2020. These new records increase the number of the Syrian species of Mesostigmata to 48 species, but many more species are yet to be discovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian mite dermatitis: an Italian case indicating the establishment and spread of Ornithonyssus bursa (Acari: Gamasida: Macronyssidae) (Berlese, 1888) in Europe. Dear Editor, The tropical fowl mite I Ornithonyssus bursa i (Berlese, 1888) (Acarina: Macronyssidae) is an obligate hematophagous ectoparasite of wild and domestic birds.1 This mite is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas, although it has been occasionally detected in temperate ones.1 In Europe, this mite has been rarely reported as responsible for the avian mite dermatitis, commonly named gamasoidosis, also related to ectoparasitic mesostigmatic mites such as I Dermanyssus i spp. and other I Ornithonyssus i spp.2 A 55-year-old man from Sardinia (Italy) was admitted to our outpatient clinic for itchy papular eruption, with some lesions centered by tiny vesicles or hematic crusts, which started in late spring and relapsed several times in summer. [Extracted from the article]

An inventory of arachnids was conducted in three tropical greenhouses of Rotterdam Zoo, the Netherlands. This was part of a survey in which pitfall traps, banana baits, litter samples, hand searching and beating were used to map arthropod diversity. A total of twenty spider species, one mite taxon and one pseudoscorpion species were collected. Fourteen specimens were used for COI-barcoding, which yielded two of the listed species. Four spider species were recorded for the first time for the Netherlands: Belisana ambengan Huber, 2005, Heteroonops spinimanus (Simon, 1892), Nesticella mogera (Yaginuma, 1972) and Triaeris stenaspis Simon, 1891, the first of which is also a new record for Europe and appears to be an extremely rare pholcid species. From the species found, thirteen are nonnative to the Netherlands and four of these are considered as expansive, since they have outdoor populations as well. Hand searching yielded the highest number of species, compared to the other four sampling techniques. A species saturation curve shows that in all likelihood not all species present in the surveyed greenhouses have been found during this survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman (Mesostigmata: Varroidae), causes tremendous damage to the beekeeping and pollination industries. These industries rely upon the naïve European honey bee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), to which the mite has spread from its native host, the Asian honey bee, Apis cerana Fabricius. Researchers around the globe have been building our understanding of the ecology of V. destructor. However, the research has not been regularly reviewed in Japanese, and researchers and beekeepers in Japan have not had access to the most update reports over the past two decades. Here, I review recent developments in the study of the biology and ecology of V. destructor and the resistance of honey bees to the mite in Japanese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoaceus gen. nov., a new genus of the family Laelapidae Berlese, is erected and described to accommodate Hypoaceus eugenitalis (Karg) comb. nov. and Hypoaceus pycnosis (Karg) comb. nov. that have been collected from Chile and Argentina. Important morphological characters of the above-mentioned species are presented and redescribed based on the type species. Some of the important morphological characters of the new genus are as follows: setae st4 absent; genitiventral shield well expanded posterior to coxae IV with two-three pairs of setae including st5 and bears numerous pore-like structures on the surface; interior appendages of internal malae elongate and scarcely barbed; epistome with fair denticles anteriorly; supralabral process long and style like; straight spermadactyl is about of twice of movable digit length; apotele two tined; male holoventral shield bearing numerous pore-like structures on the surface. Tarsus II both in male and female bearing strong spur or spine-like setae (av1 and pv1); male with strong spur-like seta (pv1) on femur II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alloeuzercon seemani Sun, Jin & Yi gen. & sp. nov. (Acari: Mesostigmata: Celaenopsoidea: Euzerconidae) associated with passalid beetles (Coleoptera: Passalidae) is described, representing the first record of the family Euzerconidae from China. The new genus bears a close resemblance to the genera Euzerconoides and Paraeuzercon, prompting us to update the key to genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) is a well-known mite family, and more than 2,700 species have been recorded worldwide. Prior this study, 64 phytoseiid species had been recorded in main island of Taiwan and its neighboring islands. Nevertheless, many areas are still unexplored and need further investigation, such as the Penghu Islands. The present study was based on phytoseiid mite materials collected from the Penghu Islands in 1989 and 2020. A list of identified phytoseiid mites is provided herein, 16 species, eight genera, and three subfamilies. Proprioseiopsis penghuensissp. nov. and Neoseiulus xiaomenensissp. nov. are new to science, and Amblyseius cinctus Corpuz-Raros & Rimando, A. fletcheri Schicha, Phytoseius rachelae Swirski & Shechter are new records for the country. The further comprehensive phytoseiid investigation in Penghu Islands is needed for exploring the relationships among environmental and agricultural changes, and phytoseiid mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The necessity of monitoring changes occurring in soil compels us to look for new methods that will allow easy and precise evaluation of the soil quality in a given area. One proposed method is the maturity index (MI) – an index that is based on the distribution of species along the r-to-K continuum in examined populations. In this study, mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata) were examined for their appropriateness in MI-based assessments of soil quality. The first aim of the study was to establish the criteria on the basis of which the evaluation of the r-to-K reproductive strategies was conducted for Uropodina in the examined communities. The second aim was to evaluate the performance of the maturity index of communities of Uropodina as indicator of human-caused disturbance in five areas that are legally protected in Poland. The selected areas were: Białowieża Primeval Forest, Gorce National Park, and three nature reserves: Jakubowo, Las Grądowy nad Mogilnicą, and Cisy Staropolskie im. Leona Wyczółkowskiego. We found that as many as 68 out of the 96 analyzed Uropodina species in Poland are K-stategists. The highest values of the maturity index were recorded for the nature reserves Cisy Staropolskie im. Leona Wyczółkowskiego and the Białowieża Primeval Forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropilaelaps mite (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) is an ectoparasite of bees present, to date, only on the Asian continent. In the context of the threat of Tropilaelaps 's introduction into new regions, accurate, rapid, and sensitive detection of the Tropilaelaps spp. is essential. In the present study, we developed a novel molecular method for bee mite's identification, which consists of a new real-time PCR method. A high-resolution melting analysis (HRM) was then performed on the amplified products to differentiate the species. PCR amplification was applied on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (580 bp). Short fragments from the most variable regions of this gene were identified in silico to amplify and discriminate among the four Tropilaelaps species. Four reference plasmids were synthesized to characterize species by well-distinguished melting curves. The method was then validated in terms of its specificity and sensitivity using a panel of 12 specimens. The results showed that an HRM method can be applied for the intended objective: for rapid and simultaneous identification of Tropilaelaps species. To our knowledge, this study reports the first direct HRM assay developed for the genome of a bee mite, specific for Tropilaelaps species. This COI barcode-HRM technique could be a promising tool for mite species identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new phytoseiids species, Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) uhoneae sp.n. is described from plants with domatia. In addition, 8 known phytoseiid species also associated with plants with domatia are discussed. A key to all the South African species of the subgenus Anthoseius is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman (Parasitiformes: Varroidae) is an ectoparasitic pest of the western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.; Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies. The ability to study all life stages of the mite in a laboratory setting requires one to rear the mite in vitro. This is a crucial step for the advancement in research studies, and the development of management protocols for Varroa. Current practices require that Varroa be collected from field colonies for use in lab-based studies. Traditional collection techniques for obtaining mites from adult bees include using carbon dioxide or a method in which a combination of powdered sugar and shaking dislodges the mites from a group of adult bees (i.e., a "sugar shake"). Herein, we compared 2 mite collection techniques and measured mortality of the mites after collection using the Varroa maintenance system, a tool for maintaining in vitro populations of Varroa on their host. Our results indicate that mites collected using the sugar shake method lived significantly longer (> 6 d, with 20% mortality at 6 d) than did those collected using carbon dioxide (3.9 d, with 66% mortality at 6 d). Carbon dioxide exposure was detrimental to the recovery of Varroa. These data provide critical information on how to collect Varroa properly for use in in vitro survival studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil concentrates the largest number of primate species in the world. In the present study, an extensive literature review of ticks on New World wild monkeys has been carried out, demonstrating that between the years 1912 to 2018, 182 larvae, 137 nymphs and 31 adult ticks (10 males and 21 females) were collected on 78 primates (from 12 different species) in 28 distinct localities in the Brazilian territory. Additionally, examination of allotments of 11 tick collections of Brazil revealed that from 1919 to 2019, 93 larvae, 91 nymphs and 175 adult ticks (62 males and 113 females) were collected from 100 monkeys (among 20 different species) from 43 localities in distinct Brazilian biomes. Overall, 19 tick species were identified on wild primates in the country: Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas, 1772), Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) sensu stricto, Amblyomma coelebs Neumann, 1899, Amblyomma dubitatum Neumann, 1899, Amblyomma geayi Neumann, 1899, Amblyomma incisum Neumann, 1906, Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844), Amblyomma naponense (Packard, 1869), Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, 1899, Amblyomma ovale Koch, 1844, Amblyomma parkeri Fonseca & Aragão, 1952, Amblyomma romarioi Martins, Luz & Labruna, 2019, Amblyomma rotundatum Koch, 1844, Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, 1888, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, 1946, Ixodes fuscipes Koch, 1844, Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini, 1888), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) sensu lato,and Ornithodoros rostratus Aragão, 1911. The presence of A. incisum, A. naponense, A. nodosum, A. rotundatum and I. fuscipes on monkeys is recorded for the first time. Thisresearch is therefore a significant contribution to the knowledge of tick speciesassociated with non-human primates in the Neotropical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata), Neoseiulus cunhaensis Döker & Ueckermann sp. nov. is described from female specimens. In addition, a key to the species of the paspalivorus species group in the genus Neoseiulus Hughes is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fauna of eviphidoid mites was investigated during 2018–2019 in Damavand County, Tehran Province. Soil samples were collected randomly from different sites and the edaphic mites were extracted using Berlese-Tullgren funnels. The specimens were observed under a phasecontrast microscope. Twenty species belong to 14 genera, and four families (Eviphididae, Macrochelidae, Pachylaelapidae, and Parholaspididae) were identified. All species are recorded for the first time from Damavand County and six species are new for mite fauna of Tehran Province.

The mite Pellonyssus gorgasi Yunker & Radovsky is recorded for the first time in Cuba, based on several specimens collected on a young Cuban Emerald, Riccordia ricordii ricordii (Gervais) (Apodiformes: Trochilidae) and in its nest from San Antonio de los Baños, Artemisa Province. In this study, R. r. ricordii represents a new host-association for P. gorgasi, whereas the genus Pellonyssus is also recorded for the first time in Cuba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid roving survey was conducted during March 2019 to explore the phytoseiid mites from Sundarban, part of the coastal southern district of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Our survey, which focused on plants of economic importance in the region, revealed 13 phytoseiid species, of which three were new to science. These new species, namely Euseius sajnekhalicussp. nov., Proprioseiopsis indicussp. nov. and Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) gosabaensissp. nov., are described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil mesostigmatid mites include predator species with potential as biological control agents. Their use for that purpose in rose crops in Colombia is highly desirable, to complement pest management strategies. The first step for their use in a program is to know their identity. The objectives of this study were: to determine the species of non-Uropodina Mesostigmata present in rose fields and the surrounding secondary vegetation of fields in the Bogotá plateau, relating their occurrence to soil characteristics; and to determine the fluctuation of the density of those mites and of thrips in selected areas of that plateau. The study was conducted between August 2015 and December 2016 in four rose fields in greenhouses at Nemocon, Tocancipa, Cogua and Guasca, and patches of secondary vegetation next to the latter two localities. Twenty soil samples were taken every two months from each area. Complementary samplings were conducted at irregular frequencies in a rose field and a patch of secondary vegetation of other region (Facatativa) and in two patches of high Andean vegetation (La Calera, Soacha). Ninety-six species were found. In both rose cultivation and natural vegetation, Parasitidae and Laelapidae were the dominant families throughout the study, but high proportions of Veigaiidae and Blattisociidae were also observed in secondary vegetation. Twenty-five thrips species were found, distributed in six genera (Thripidae). Mite species composition was compatible with that of temperate areas of other parts of the world, given the high elevation of study sites (2460–2777 m), despite its location close to the equator. Three of the species collected have been commercialized as biological control agents in other countries. A significant and positive correlation was found between mite density and organic matter content and pH level. The study showed a great diversity of Mesostigmata in the Bogota plateau (altogether, 96 species), at least eight of which new to science and several in need of better taxonomic characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of non-protein-coding transcripts that are involved in a diverse spectrum of regulatory mechanisms across a broad range of biological processes. To date, however, few studies on circRNAs have investigated their role in the biology of invertebrate parasites. The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is perceived as the principal biotic threat towards global honey bee health. This parasite cannot be sustainably controlled partially due to the lack of knowledge about its basic molecular biology. In this paper, we unveil the circRNA profile of V. destructor for the first time and report the sources, distribution, and features of the identified circRNAs. Exonic, intronic, exon-intron, and intergenic circRNAs were discovered and exon-intron circRNAs were the most abundant within the largest spliced length. Three hundred and eighty-six (8.3%) circRNAs were predicted to possess translational potential. Eleven circRNAs, derived from six parental genes, exhibited strong bonds with miRNAs as sponges, suggesting an efficient post-transcriptional regulation. GO term and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of the parental genes of the identified circRNAs showed that these non-coding RNAs were mainly engaged in protein processing, signal transduction, and various metabolism processes. To our knowledge, this is the first catalog of a circRNA profile of parasitiformes species, which reveals the prevalence of circRNAs in the parasite and provides biological insights for future genetic studies on this ubiquitous parasitic mite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dinogamasus saengdaoae Attasopa & Ferrari sp. nov. is described based on adult females from the abdominal pouch of females of Xylocopa tenuiscapa (Westwood) in Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand. The new species belongs to the D. perkinsi (Oudemans) group (sensu LeVeque) and can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: (1) dorsal shield covering opisthosoma neither laterally nor posteriorly; (2) opisthonotal soft cuticle with a pair of relatively long setae posteriorly; (3) setae pd1, pd2 on genu I and ad3, pd3, pl1, pl2 on both genu and tibia I conical. Maximum likelihood-based analysis of newly-generated DNA barcodes shows that the sequenced specimens of D. saengdaoaesp. nov. form a monophyletic cluster, and parsimony analysis of a previously available morphological dataset indicates that the species comprises a strongly-supported clade with D. perkinsi and D. piperi LeVeque. We provide an additional couplet for Lundqvist's key for the species of Dinogamasus Kramer to facilitate identification of D. saengdaoaesp. nov.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Varroa mite, Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman (Parasitiformes: Varroidae), is an ectoparasitic mite of the honey bee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), with a great economic importance. It is the major deadlock of apiculture development all over the world. Results: This work aimed to assess the effect of bee house and dark bee house on numbers of Varroa mite on white card board sheets, worker broods, and alive bees during spring and autumn of 2018 and 2019. Two types of card board for sticking the fallen Varroa mite were evaluated through winter of 2019. Keeping honey bee hives in a dark room during March and September of 2018 and 2019 for a successive 3 days resulted in a great reduction in the number of Varroa inner bee hive, i.e., on the white card board sheets, area of broods, and alive honey bee. Highest number of fallen Varroa mite on the white card board sheets was obtained in the case of using the dark bee house during March and September in 2018 and 2019, followed by keeping in a normal bee house then those fallen in the case of the open apiary. Conclusion: The dark bee house grooming behaviour increased through 3 days of dark. Environmental management of bee house and dark bee house can be promising in colony collapse disorder. Modified adhesive sheets were more efficient in this regard than the normal ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we investigated morphological and molecular variation within the predatory mite Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) recki , and their relationships to ecological features. In total, 42 morphological characters were measured on 87 specimens from seven populations in the south of France and Sicily living on plants of four families. DNA sequences (two mitochondrial markers) and the amino acid sequences of the CytB protein were assessed. A relationship between morphological variation and plant families was observed. The 12S rRNA gene showed differentiation that appeared to be related to feeding habit, in agreement with the findings for two other Phytoseiidae species. CytB mitochondrial DNA showed variation related to geographical location. Four amino acid mutations separated the Sicilian and the French populations. CytB amino acid sequences were analysed for three other Phytoseiidae species, and again diagnostic mutations associated with geographical location were observed, as already shown for Phytoseiulus macropilis. The population differentiation observed for each marker (morphological, DNA fragments) appeared to be related to ecological/biological features, revealing new perspectives for forecasting functional characteristics based on morphotypes and genotypes. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these observations and to explain such functional relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some specific features of the fauna of ticks Ixodidae Murr 1890, their landscape distribution and ecology. Total found 18 species ticks belonging to 6 genera: Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Boophilus, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, families - Ixodidae. Determined the habitat distribution of ticks community and seasonal reproductive dynamics in domestic, wild, game animals and birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mites belonging to the order Mesostigmata have different types of life, those which populate soil habitats and litter being generally free living predators. Predatory mites play a leading role in biological control, but they are considered useful in bioindication, also. This study explored in a comparative way the edaphic gamasid communities from a series of forest ecosystems, meadows and agroecosystems in order to evaluate the impact of natural and anthropic factors and to highlight the bioindicator value of these mites. Both a quantitative and a qualitative analysis were performed. The degree of anthropization could be evidenced at the level of all analyzed ecosystems. A reduction of the number of species and individuals in the ecosystems marked by human interventions was observed. Generally, the phenomenon was more pronounced in forest ecosystems than in the praticolous ones. From the point of view of the ecological peculiarities of the species, a differentiation was noticed that in natural forests the silvicolous species are dominating while in plantations, meadows and agroecosystems the praticolous ones are the majority. In the case of natural forests the best represented family is Zerconidae with 2 genera and 8 species. In the rest of the studied ecosystems on the first place is Hypoaspididae with 1, 2 or 3 genera and 5 species or even more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geogamasus lasaroi Barros, Azevedo & Castilho sp. nov. is described based on the morphology of adult females collected from soil-litter of a well preserved fragment of the natural vegetation of the Caatinga biome, in Alagoas state, northeastern Brazil. In addition, key information on the morphology of the world Geogamasus species is presented in a tabular format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamasellodes unalpalmi Mesa, Abo-Shnaf & Rueda-Ramirez sp. nov. and Zerconopsis zumbambicae Mesa, Abo-Shnaf & Rueda-Ramirez sp. nov. are described based on the morphology of adults obtained from litter and soil samples collected at Valle del Cauca province, Colombia. A complement to a recently published key to the world species of Gamasellodes and a key for the separation of females of the 18 recognizable world species of Zerconopsis are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emphasis has been given in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso to the implementation of more sustainable production practices, including what has been termed agrosilvopastoral production system (ASPS), which involves the integration of different types of land use in a same area along time, seeking increased ecological stability. The Gamasina mite group (order Mesostigmata) is usually diverse and abundant in non-cultivated soils, where they can prey on arthropods and nematodes; some are commercialized for biological pest control. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity and abundance of edaphic Gamasina in plots of grain production managed under conventional (alternating cultivation) system and under ASPS, both with the adoption of no-tillage cultivation, in the municipality of Sinop, Mato Grosso state. In samples of soil and litter taken biweekly from August 2015 to May 2016, 762 Gamasina representing 32 species of 21 genera and nine families were collected. Considering both systems together, the dominant Gamasina were quite different from those of other parts of Brazil. Calculated ecological indexes showed no major differences between the two systems, possibly because of the relatively short time since the implementation of ASPS. In both systems, Rhodacaridae was one of the dominant families (37.5% of the Gamasina), followed by Macrochelidae (20.9%) and Laelapidae (18.8%). The most abundant species were Multidentirhodacarus squamosus Karg (Rhodacaridae), a new species of Holostaspella (Macrochelidae) and Cosmolaelaps barbatus Moreira, Klompen and Moraes (Laelapidae). Future studies are warranted, allowing more time for the adoption of ASPS to produce possible ecological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laelapidae mites are distributed throughout the world and include many species that are common parasites of cricetid rodents. Although knowledge of the host associations of laelapids is well recorded for the Oligoryzomys species in Buenos Aires province in Argentina, this information is scarce or null for other regions of the country and for some species of this genus. Here we report new records of laelapid mites associated with Oligoryzomys flavescens, O. fornesi and O. nigripes, obtained during collections carried out for more than a decade in north-eastern and central Argentina, covering a wide geographic range that includes sympatric sites for these rodents. Herein, laelapids associated with these rodents are reported for the first time in the provinces of Chaco and Formosa; and also for the first time records of laelapids in O. fornesi. All three rodent species are associated with the laelapids Androlaelaps fahrenholzi, Gigantolaelaps wolffsohni, Mysolaelaps microspinosus and Mysolaelaps parvispinosus. Laelaps schatzi is reported only for O. flavescens and O. fornesi, while Laelaps paulistanensis was exclusive to O. nigripes, regardless of locality. The results support the view that species reflect the distribution of each host, with the exception of M. parvispinosus. Information on the distribution of ectoparasites and their hosts is relevant to many biological questions, especially when the host and / or the ectoparasite play an important role in the transmission of pathogens of public health importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The features of the composition and structure of soil microarthropod communities that are formed at ash dumps of a combined heat and power plant (CHPP) at the initial stages of their self-restoration at different degrees of conservation are studied. The research was carried out in 2017 in Novosibirsk (55°00′ N, 83°04′ E) at the ash dump of CHPP no. 5 consisting of two sections: the nonreclaimed section (S1) and the section reclaimed by covering ash and slag with potentially fertile soil (S2). A plot in a birch forest adjacent to the ash dump was used as a control. The material was collected in ash-dump zones differing in degrees of moisture (three plots in both S1 and S2) and in the control (in total, seven plots). Microarthropod communities included mites (Mesostigmata, Oribatida, and Prostigmata) and springtails (Collembola). The microarthropod abundance was significantly lower at both sections of the ash dump than in the control, while no significant differences were found between the ash-dump sections. The effect of reclamation was revealed only for mites. Among them, representatives of Oribatida proved to be most sensitive. There were no significant differences in the proportion of different groups of the community at S1. In turn, Oribatida were dominant at S2 and in the control. Based on the example of Oribatida and Mesostigmata model groups, it is shown that mite communities formed at the ash dump were species-poor and consisted of widespread species with a high degree of dominance of some of them. Oribatida can serve as a good bioindicator for assessing the soil state during restoration successions at ash dumps of CHP plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Laelaspis from Russia – Laelaspis formicaphilus sp. nov. – is described from the nest of the ant Formica cunicularia Latreille (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from European Russia. Adult female and male specimens are described, compared with similar species, and the nature of Laelaspis-ant associations briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian nasal mites are obligate endoparasites that spend their entire life in the respiratory system of birds. In North America, bird nasal mites are represented by several unrelated families in three orders of mites: Rhinonyssidae (Mesostigmata), Ereynetidae (Trombidiformes), and Cytoditidae and Turbinoptidae (Sarcoptiformes). The most-diverse and commonly encountered family of nasal mites is Rhinonyssidae, in which mite species may have different levels of specificity to host orders, families, or even to species. In this study, birds from Arkansas and Illinois in the United States were surveyed for nasal mites. Of 430 birds examined, 58 individuals (13.4%) and 30 of 106 bird species (28%) were infested with nasal mites. Levels of mite prevalence were similar to results reported from previous studies (25-45% of species). The 58 infested birds with nasal mites belonged to 4 orders, 11 families, 24 genera, and 30 species. Rhinonyssidae was the most commonly found family and was represented by 15 species. Nineteen new North American host records are added, the majority being found within the bird families Parulidae and Emberizidae. Three new host records are added in Turdidae and Accipitridae with nasal mites from the families Ereynetidae and Turbinoptidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoseiulus bicaudus (Wainstein) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a native predatory mite species in Xinjiang, China, and a biological control agent for some small pests, such as Tetranychus turkestani (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in greenhouse. However, little is known whether N. bicaudus could be an effective natural enemy of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). A series of laboratory and greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of N. bicaudus on B. tabaci. The present data showed that each stage of N. bicaudus demonstrated type II functional response when fed on B. tabaci. The adult females showed the highest consumption rate and attack rate, and the shortest handling times were obtained when they preyed on eggs and 1st instar nymphs. The 1st instar of B. tabaci was preferred for the feeding of N. bicaudus adult females than eggs, followed by 2nd instar nymphs of B. tabaci. Under greenhouse conditions, this predator effectively suppressed the population growth of B. tabaci throughout the experimental period. Accordingly, N. bicaudus could be an efficient predator for B. tabaci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species (Rotundabaloghia (Circobaloghia)nagyi sp. nov.) of the rotundabaloghid mites is described based on females and male collected in bamboo leaf litter in Cameroon. The new species differs from the other Afrotropical rotundabaloghid mites in following character combination: female genital shield with long apical process, the setae v7 and v8 long and pilose, v6 long and smooth, v2 short and needle-like, female genital, dorsal and ventral shields are ornamented by irregular pits, sternal setae short and needle-like. This character combination is unknown within the African rotundabaloghids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mite species (Acari: Parasitiformes, Acariformes) living on foliage of brambles (Rubus sp.) were collected in Hungary, Austria and Slovakia. Four eriophyoid mite species (Acariformes: Eriophyoidea) associated with 14 Rubus taxa were identified. Female of Anthocoptes rubicolens Roivainen, 1953 is re-described, the male is described and illustrated from Rubus praecox Bertol., and recorded for the first time from R.bifrons Vest, R.clusii Borbás, R.grabowskii Weihe, R.praecocifrons Király et Trávn., Rubus ser. Rhamnifolii (Bab.) Focke, R.slavonicus Király, Trávn. et Žila, and R. solvensis W. Maurer. Anthocoptes rubicolens is a new species for the fauna of Hungary. Female of Epitrimerus rubi (Domes, 1960) is re-described, male and nymph are described and illustrated from R.bertramii G. Braun. Morphological differences distinguishing these species from the similar Anthocoptes rubi Domes and Epitrimerus gibbosus (Nalepa) are discussed. Out of the four identified phytoseiid species, Phytoseius juvenis Wainstein et Arutunjan (Parasitiformes: Phytoseiidae) was the most frequent predatory mite on the leaves of studied Rubus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The responses of arthropods to thermal stress are vital in ecological studies in order to understand survival, development, and reproduction. However, this subject is poorly addressed. In the order Mesostigmata, an abundance of species lives in the soil. Among these species, Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley) is a predator used in the control of pest organisms that live in the soil. Mites of this species are commercialized in several countries, including Brazil, presenting efficiency in pest control in several crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermal shock on S. scimitus females, as well as to monitor the temperature variation in the environment. For each temperature, 80 experimental units were assembled for different periods (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h). Experimental units were maintained at 25 °C, after exposure of the mites. Mortality and oviposition were evaluated. The results showed a 40% reduction in the survival of mites exposed to 37 °C for 4 h, compared to the control treatment (25 °C). Oviposition was less affected at 1 h exposure to temperatures of 19 and 12 °C and thermic fluctuation was observed in the greenhouse, especially inside the slabs. Understanding temperature effects in mites and the thermic fluctuation in the environment is essential to achieve satisfactory results in biological control. It is important to observe the scenario in which predatory mites will be released as these aspects are decisive in predatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Badgers can gather huge quantities of organic material to build their nests for winter time and to rear their cubs. Moreover, badger burrows (setts) are characterized by specific microclimate with quite stable temperature and humidity. Their fauna is poorly studied, especially in respect of saprobiontic Uropodina mites. In 2018–2019, we monitored 94 badger setts to search for nest material that had been thrown away during cleaning of the chambers after mating and winter sleep. In the collected material from 32 badger nests, we found 413 Uropodina mites of 16 species, in various stages of development (adults, protonymphs, and deutonymphs). The community was dominated by three mite species: Trematura patavina (22.5%, n = 93), Oodinychus ovalis (17.2%, n = 71), and Olodiscus minima (15.5%, n = 64). Other nidicolous—i.e., nest-dwelling—species included: Nenteria oudemansi (14.8%, n = 61), Phaulodiaspis borealis (7.0%, n = 29), Phaulodiaspis rackei (4.6%, n = 19), Uroseius hunzikeri (1.7%, n = 7), Uropoda orbicularis (1.5%, n = 6), and Apionoseius infirmus (1.0%, n = 4). The most frequent species were: Oodinychus ovalis (62.5%, 20 nests), N. oudemansi (46.9%, 15 nests), and Olodiscus minima (40.6%, 13 nests). Detrended correspondence analysis indicated that the Uropodina community from badger nests differed from that of mole nests, studied earlier. In setts, the Uropodina community included T. patavina and N. oudemansi, which were for the first time recorded from underground badger nests. This is the first record of N. oudemansi from Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we update the diagnosis and description of the genus Krantzolaspina Datta & Bhattacharjee and provide a list of the three valid species including new combinations and synonyms, as follows: 1) Krantzolaspina angustatus (Ishikawa, 1987) comb. nov. (= Indutolaelaps jiroftensis Hajizadeh et al., 2017 syn. nov.), 2) K. rebatii Datta & Bhattacharjee, 1989 and 3) K. solimani (Metwali, 1983) comb. nov. Finally, we re-describe K. angustatus (Ishikawa, 1987) comb. nov. based on the holotype from Japan, voucher specimens from Iran and additional females that we found in soil samples from oil palm plantations in Sumatra, Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Neocarus is described from adult female and male specimens collected from an epigean and hypogean ferruginous geosystem located in southeast Brazil. The new species, Neocarus simmonsi sp. nov., possesses 15-17 ch-type palp setae, nude female pregenital region, cylindrical ovipositor without setae, and a peculiar variation of setae in the genital and pregenital region of the male, with smooth and tapering setae and/or barbed and tapering setae and/or stout and ribbed setae. Female genital setae are barbed, tapering and with a thin tip. Aspects of the ecology and life history of these mites are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new rhodacarid mite of the genus Dendroseius Karg, 1965, D. reductus sp. nov., was described based on females found in wood detritus and under bark of dead and dying poplar trees in a flood-plain forest in South Slovakia. The new species is unusual among the known congeners in the specifically formed triramous epistome of which the central projection is reduced in length, truncate, and markedly shorter than lateral ones. In other congeneric species, the anterior margin of the epistome possesses three pointed projections of similar size. A dichotomous key for identification of females of the world species classified in the genus Dendroseius is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Arrhenoseius Walter & Lindquist, 2000 is recorded for the first time from the Oriental Realm on the basis of two new species. Arrhenoseius hallidayisp. nov. can be distinguished from other species of the genus by the ventrianal shield bearing five pairs of ventral setae and unsclerotised ventro-lateral cuticle without setae in the adult female, and Arrhenoseius granulatussp. nov. can be distinguished by the ventrianal shield bearing eight pairs of ventral setae and unsclerotised lateral cuticle with six pairs of setae. A key to species of Arrhenoseius is given based on the adult females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]