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Background: The paper presents the results of studies on the distribution of the parasitic quill mite species Bubophilus aluconis (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) in the feather quills of the Western Palaearctic owls of the genus Strix, that is, tawny owl S. aluco, collected in Poland and Sweden, the Ural owl S. uralensis, from Poland, Sweden, and Finland, and the great grey owl S. nebulosa, from Sweden and Finland. The two latter species are new hosts for B. aluconis. Methods: Feather samples of the tawny owl, Ural owl, and great grey owl used in this study come from Prof. Marian Cieślak's private collection, which contains feathers of Western Palearctic birds of prey and owls. Each of the 77 tawny owl, 75 Ural owl, and 55 great grey owl specimens are represented either by whole dry wings or a full complement of flight feathers (primaries (P) and secondaries (S)) and tails (rectrices (R)). Particular types of feathers were coded as follows: Ps, Ss, R, primary greater upperwing coverts (PGUppC), secondary greater upperwing coverts (SGUppC), primary greater underwing coverts (PGUndrC), secondary greater underwing coverts (SGUndrC), uppertail coverts (UppTC), and undertail coverts (UndrTC). Results: The prevalence was relatively low for all of the examined birds, that is, 12% for S. uralensis (N = 79), 2.6% for S. aluco (N = 77), and 3.6% for S. nebulosa (N = 55). In total, we examined 37,260 flight feathers and coverts. The mite B. aluconis occupied only the inner S of the tawny owl, secondary greater under and upperwing coverts of the great grey owl, and inner Ss, primary and secondary upperwing coverts, UndrTC, and coverts from the scapulars of the Ural owl. Conclusion: We hypothesise that the absence of these parasites in the examined P, S, and R suggests that these feather types might be unsuitable for the mites due to their thick quill walls, preventing successful feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Zelkova abelicea is an endemic tree growing only on eight mountain stands on the Greek island of Crete. The aim of this study was to determine the structure of the assemblages and analyze the diversity of the arachnid assemblages (spiders, pseudoscorpions, mites) living on these trees. Samples for the analyses were collected from tree trunks, oftentimes covered by bryophytes or lichens. In the examined material, 85 taxa were recorded. The most numerous represented group was mites (1134 specimens, 69 species), and the highest numbers of specimens were in the order Oribatida, namely Zygoribatula exilis (284 specimens) and Eremaeus tuberosus (210). Additionally, in order Mesostigmata, Hypoaspisella sp. was found, which is probably a species new to science. Among the eight sampled localities, Gerakari (646 specimens, 50 species) and Omalos (409, 43) had by far the richest assemblages. Our statistical analyses confirmed the highly diverse character of the arachnid assemblages at the individual sites, which is a consequence not only of the varied numbers of arachnids found, but also of the presence of very rare species, such as Androlaelaps shealsi, Cosmolaelaps lutegiensis or Hoploseius oblongus in the order Mesostigmata. These results highlight the high species diversity of arachnids found on Z. abelicea but also suggest the lack of connectivity between the isolated and fragmented forest stands on Crete. Zelkova abelicea is an endemic tree growing only on eight mountain stands on the Greek island of Crete. The aim of this study was to determine the structure of the assemblages and analyze the diversity of the arachnid assemblages living on Zelkova abelicea, an endemic tree species in Crete. Material for the analyses was collected from tree trunks, oftentimes covered by bryophytes or lichens. In the examined material, 85 taxa were recorded. The most numerous groups represented in the analyzed material were Acari, including representatives of the orders Mesostigmata (78 ind. of 18 spp.) and Oribatida (1056 ind. of 51 spp.). In the order Mesostigmata the species represented by the highest numbers of specimens were Onchodellus karawaiewi (15 individuals) and Hypoaspisella sp. (13), which is probably a species new to science. In turn, representatives of the order Oribatida were much more numerous, with Zygoribatula exilis (284) and Eremaeus tuberosus (210) being identified in the largest numbers. Among the eight sampled localities, Gerakari (646 ind. and 50 spp.) and Omalos (409 ind. and 43 spp., respectively) had by far the richest assemblages. Statistical analyses confirmed the highly diverse character of the arachnid assemblages at the individual sites, which is a consequence not only of the varied numbers of arachnids found, but also of the presence of very rare species, such as Androlaelaps shealsi, Cosmolaelaps lutegiensis or Hoploseius oblongus. These results highlight the high species diversity of the arachnids found on Z. abelicea but also suggest the lack of connectivity between the isolated and fragmented forest stands on Crete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Syringophilidae family is one of the most diverse groups of prostigmatic mites (Acari: Prostigmata) parasitising birds. In this paper, we describe a new genus and species, Corvisyringophilus krummi, which parasitises the Common Raven (Corvus corax) in Iceland. This new genus belongs to a group of primitive genera that retain a complete set of idiosomal and leg setae. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that Corvisyringophilus is morphologically closely related to the genera Blaszakia Skoracki & Sikora, 2008 and Charadriphilus Bochkov & Mironov, 1998, which are associated with birds of different and phylogenetically unrelated orders: Musophagiformes and Charadriiformes, respectively. This research highlights the importance of examining the genus Corvus in order to better understand the specialised host–parasite relationships. Furthermore, the study emphasises the significance of using museum collections to study parasitic interactions. Syringophilidae is one of the most species-rich families in the superfamily Cheyletoidea, comprising approximately 420 species across 62 genera and two subfamilies. In this paper, we propose a new genus, Corvisyringophilus, and a new species, C. krummi gen. n. et sp. n., found in the wing covert quills of the Common Raven, Corvus corax Linnaeus, in Iceland. Corvisyringophilus is placed among the primitive genera of syringophilid mites, which possess the full complement of idiosomal and leg setae. Phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters suggests that this genus forms a sister clade to Blaszakia Skoracki & Sikora, 2008, and Charadriphilus Bochkov & Mironov, 1998, which inhabit birds of the orders Musophagiformes and Charadriiformes, respectively. The study proposes that the current distribution patterns of quill mites, based on their morphological characteristics, may result from multiple host switching followed by co-speciation events, highlighting the complex evolutionary dynamics within this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial and temporal distribution of food resources influences predatory insects' foraging and dispersal behavior. Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) is a good biological control agent of western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), in the strawberry crop and consumes two‐spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), and pollen as well. Augmentative biological control programs may fail if, following release, predators disperse from the crop. We studied the dispersal of O. insidiosus as a function of pollen availability, density of their main prey WFT, and the presence of the alternative prey TSSM, within and between strawberry plants. We found that O. insidiosus remained on the flowers during the 24 h of the assay. The dispersal of predators to a neighboring flower with thrips was approximately six times greater from a flower without pollen than from a flower with pollen. When TSSM was the only prey available, O. insidiosus colonized the leaves, and its dispersal within the plant was greater. At the plot scale, the predator dispersal from the release plant to other plants also depended on the presence of flowering plants and prey. Our results highlight the importance of flowering plants and pollen availability in enhancing the persistence of O. insidiosus in strawberry plants. Releases of this predator in the strawberry crop should be after the beginning of flowering, even at low WFT densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptus (Leptus) mahtabaesp. nov. (Acari: Erythraeidae), collected as an ectoparasite of Mesobuthus rakhshanii (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Sistan and Baluchestan province, southeast Iran, is described and illustrated based on the morphological characteristics of the larvae. The position of solenidia on Ti II of Charletonia damavandica Karimi Irvanlou, Kamali & Talebi, 2002, is corrected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reclamation of agricultural soil and forest succession after afforestation proceeds slowly and at many levels. Therefore, the history of land use is recorded in the soil's physical, chemical and ecological parameters for many decades. This process depends on time and the form of afforestation, which primarily includes tree species. In our study, we analyzed differences in the physical and chemical characteristics of pine and oak stands on forest and post‐agricultural land at 22, 42 and 62 y/o. Our study revealed that 14 of 24 examined parameters (litter pH, soil pH, litter thickness, soil organic matter, Corg, bulk density, C/N ratio, soil moisture, soil K, Mg and Mn content, N and Ca litter content, Mg litter content) differed significantly among examined habitats (land use, stand age and tree species). We calculated the abundance, species richness and diversity of the mite communities (Acari, Mesostigmata) for each habitat type. In total, 6730 mites were classified into 72 taxa (60 species, 11 genera and one taxon as family). The highest abundance was recorded in 42 y/o. oak stands on post‐agricultural land, while the lowest is in 22 y/o. pine and oak stands on post‐agricultural land. The highest species richness and diversity were recorded in the oldest oak stand on post‐agricultural land. In contrast, the lowest diversity was recorded in the youngest oak and pine stands on post‐agricultural land. Our results demonstrate that the negative impact of the agricultural history of land use weakens over time and provides a better understanding of land use history on the relations between the soil environment and soil fauna, including mesostigmatid mite assemblages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaves of large‐leaved lime, Tilia platyphyllos Scop. (Malvaceae), harbor colonies of Eriophyes tiliae (Pagenstecher) (Acari: Eriophyidae), capable of modifying the leaf structure (inducer of nail‐galls) and physiology. The aerial organs of T. platyphyllos have traditionally been consumed for their high antioxidant capacity, related to the rich polyphenol profile. Here, we investigated the polyphenol profiles and antioxidant activity of T. platyphyllos non‐galled leaves and galls to determine the changes induced by the mite in a Chilean environment with high ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Phenolic compound identification in the methanol extracts of non‐galled leaves and galls was carried out through HPLC. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was quantified through spectrophotometry, and it was compared with the standards of the three major phenolic compounds of both organs. Nine phenolic compounds were detected in non‐galled leaves and galls, with no differences between the two organs, except for the absence of gallic acid in galls. The concentration of phenolic compounds did differ significantly between the two conditions. In leaf galls, epicatechin and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside concentrations and antioxidant capacity increased significantly compared to non‐galled leaves. As chlorogenic acid and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside are active phenols responding to UV radiation stress, their concentration in T. platyphyllos leaves could be a response to the high UV radiation occurring in Chile during spring and summer. The phenolic compounds detected here have been reported to be potent antioxidants, that are probably potentiated by E. tiliae for its own protection against UV‐B radiation, as the two most abundant compounds in the galls exhibited the highest capacity to reduce ABTS and DPPH radicals. However, we do not rule out the participation of phenolics in protection against natural enemies of the gall mite, as chlorogenic acid and epicatechin are powerful antifeedants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine birds and pinnipeds which come to land to breed, rest and moult are widely known to fertilize adjacent terrestrial ecosystems, with cascading effects on vegetation and other trophic levels. We provide a synthesis of the consequences of allochthonous nutrient enrichment for terrestrial invertebrate communities within and around marine vertebrate aggregation sites and nutrient sources in the High Arctic and Continental and Maritime Antarctic, the most nutrient-poor and environmentally extreme parts of the polar regions. Using a combination of literature review (identifying 19 articles from the Arctic Svalbard archipelago and 12 from different Antarctic locations) and new analyses of available datasets of springtail, mite and tardigrade community composition, we confirmed that terrestrial invertebrate abundance and species richness tended to increase, and their community compositions changed, as a result of marine vertebrate fertilisation in both polar regions. These changes were significantly greater on talus slopes enriched by kittiwakes, guillemots and little auks in the Arctic, as compared to the edges of penguin colonies in the Antarctic. Both these habitat areas were typically abundantly vegetated and provided the most favourable microhabitat conditions for terrestrial invertebrates. The most heavily disturbed and manured areas within Antarctic penguin rookeries and seal wallows, generally on flat or gently sloping ground, were typically characterised by extremely low invertebrate diversity. In the Arctic, only sites directly beneath densely-occupied bird cliffs were to some extent comparably barren. Invertebrate responses are dependent on a combination of vertebrate activity, local topography and vegetation development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quill mites are obligatory parasites of birds, widely distributed among their hosts. For the first time, we examined birds from two small, phylogenetically closely related piciform families, Megalaimidae (New World Barbets) and Capitonidae (Asian Barbets), for infestation by parasitic mites of the subfamily Picobiinae (Acariformes: Syringophilidae). Birds of the family Megalaimidae were infested by two new species of the genus Picobia: Picobia insolita Skoracki, Sikora & Unsoeld n. sp. collected from Caloramphus hayii in Indonesia, and Picobia paraheeri Skoracki, Sikora & Unsoeld n. sp. found on nine bird species of the genus Psilopogon, including P. zeylanicus in Sri Lanka, P. asiaticus in India, P. virens in China, P. franklini and P. lineatus both in Nepal, and P. corvinus, P. rafflesii, P. chrysopogon, P. pyrolophus, all in Indonesia. Within the Capitonidae family, a single quill mite species, Rafapicobia olszanowskii Skoracki et al. 2020, was found infesting two species of the genus Capito, i.e. C. maculicoronatus in Panama and C. niger in Surinam and Guyana, and these two Asian Barbet species are new hosts for this quill mite species. Our further analysis of picobiine mite records associated with the entire order of Piciformes revealed a correlation between the mites’ distribution patterns and the phylogeny of piciform birds. This significant congruence suggests a close evolutionary relationship between picobiine mites and their avian hosts.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F9DEB980-6481-4229-A071-52AC9FF69879http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:6B4F98EB-D166-4DBF-B26F-49F4B22903A8http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:98140DAC-5C53-438B-85A6-1FBA52D178D0

Simple Summary: This study provides detailed information on six previously described species of syringophilines associated with starlings and records new host and locality data. Additionally, three new species are described: Aulonastus indonesianus sp. n., Aulonastus anais sp. n., and Syringophiloidus poeopterus sp. n., from various starling hosts across Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Tanzania. The study reveals that species from the genera Syringophiloidus and Syringophilopsis exhibit a broad host range among passerine birds, suggesting a long-established symbiotic relationship before the global dispersal of starlings. In Europe, the Eurasian Starling hosts Krantziaulonastus, while in Africa, related niches are occupied by Picobiinae mites. The research highlights the intricate coevolutionary dynamics between quill mites and their avian hosts. Quill mites of the family Syringophilidae are widely distributed parasites of birds inhabiting the interior of feather quills. In this paper, we provide detailed information on the host spectrum and distribution for six previously described species of syringophilines associated with starlings with new host and locality records. Additionally, we describe three new species: Aulonastus indonesianus Marcisova, Skoracki, and Patan sp. n. from the Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa Linnaeus in Indonesia (Java) and the White-necked Myna Streptocitta albicollis (Vieillot) in Indonesia (Celebes); Aulonastus anais Skoracki and Patan sp. n. from the Golden Myna Mino anais (Lesson) in Papua New Guinea; and Syringophiloidus poeopterus Skoracki and Patan sp. n. from the Abbott's Starling Poeoptera femoralis (Richmond) in Tanzania. Finally, we explore the host–parasite interactions within the system comprising starlings and syringophiline mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct and indirect ecological interactions, environmental factors, and the phenology of host plants can shape the way mites interact. These relationships interfere with species occurrence and consequently alter the structure and stability of the intraplant community. As predatory mites act as regulators of herbivorous mites, we hypothesized that these mites may occupy a central position in a network of interactions among mite species associated with mango trees, and the occurrence of these species is mediated by environmental variables and the phenological stage of the host plant. We evaluated the global structure of the interaction network of mites associated with individual Mangifera indica plants and analyzed the interspecific relationships of the species using an undirected Bayesian network approach. Additionally, we observed a correlation between mite population density and plant phenological stage. Environmental variables, such as average monthly temperature, monthly precipitation, and average monthly relative humidity at different sampling date were used in the correlation analysis. The modularity at the mite-plant network level showed a low specialization index H2 = 0.073 (generalist) and high robustness (R = 0.93). Network analysis revealed that Amblyseius largoensis, Bdella ueckermanni, Parapronematus acaciae, and Tuckerella ornata occupied central positions in the assembly of mites occurring on mango trees. Environmental variables, average monthly temperature, and monthly precipitation were correlated with the occurrence of Brachytydeus formosa, Cisaberoptus kenyae, Oligonychus punicae, T. ornata, and Vilaia pamithus. We also observed a correlation between the plant phenological stage and population densities of Neoseiulus houstoni, O. punicae, P. acaciae, and V. pamithus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The geographic distribution of Rhipicephalus linnaei is much wider than previously known. • Rhipicephalus linnaei was recorded on a dingo. • The record of R. linnaei on a dingo suggest that dingoes might aid the spread of Ehrlichia canis in Australia. • We discuss possible incursion routes and how E. canis has apparently spread rapidly in Australia. The tropical brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus linnaei , is a tick of much medical, veterinary, and zoonotic importance. This tick has a nearly world-wide distribution due to its ability to survive and propagate in kennels and houses. Rhipicephalus linnaei is the vector of Ehrlichia canis , the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, an often debilitating disease of canids and, occasionally, humans. To prevent incursion of E. canis into Australia, dogs entering Australia have been required to have a negative immunofluorescence antibody test for E. canis. In May 2020 however, E. canis was detected in Western Australia. The detection of E. canis in Australia prompted disease investigation and concerted surveillance for R. linnaei and E. canis in regions across Australia. These investigations revealed that R. linnaei was established far beyond the previously recognised geographic range limits of this tick. In the present paper, using records from various collections, published data, and data from our network of veterinarian collaborators and colleagues, we update the current geographic range of R. linnaei in Australia. Our analyses revealed that the geographic range of R. linnaei in Australia is much wider than was previously supposed, particularly in Western Australia, and in South Australia. We also map, for the first time, where E. canis has been detected in Australia. Last, we discuss the possible routes of incursion and subsequently the factors which may have aided the spread of E. canis in Australia which led to the establishment of this pathogen in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasion is one of the major challenges to changing ecosystems worldwide. Red fire ants are a prime example of invasive soil animals. However, the impacts of their invasion on the native soil animal communities are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated how the biomass and diversity of soil microarthropods (incl., Collembola and Acari) vary between areas affected by red fire ants at different degrees (i.e., OA, occurrence area, 0–20 m from the nest; PCA, prevention and control area, 20–50 m; POA, potential occurrence area, 50–100 m). We also tested whether the potential effects of ant invasion on other animals are associated with changes in soil properties in the invaded areas. Our results showed a decline of 64% in species richness, 74% in density, and 72% in biomass of microarthropods in OA in comparison with POA. This reduction was mainly driven by the decrease of Acari, while no reduction in Collembola biomass was observed. Despite soil properties being significantly different between ant‐impacted areas, structural equation models indicated that the direct association of invasion with microarthropod communities is stronger than the indirect association mediated by soil properties. Therefore, we consider that direct biological interaction is more likely the major mechanism behind the observed changes in microarthropod communities. The effects of red fire ants were different among taxonomic and functional groups, with litter‐dwelling Collembola, Oribatida, and Mesostigmata (Acari) affected more negatively than soil‐dwelling and surface‐dwelling Collembola. Further, red fire ants affected the turnover component of beta‐diversity (i.e., replacement of species) for both Collembola and Acari. However, the impact on the nestedness component, which is related to species local extinction and population decline, was only detected for Acari. Our study shows that red fire ant invasion is associated with the depletion of soil microarthropod community, and especially highlights that Acari are more vulnerable to this invasion compared to Collembola. The divergent response between different taxonomic and functional groups of microarthropods and the consequent shift in microarthropod communities may have important significance to soil ecological functioning in the impacted areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new chigger species, belonging to genera Leeuwenhoekia Oudemans, 1911 (Leeuwenhoekiidae), Colicus Brennan 1970, and Herpetacarus (Vercammen-Grandjean 1960) (Trombiculidae), are described, based on specimens deposited in the Acarological collection at Centro de Coleções Taxonômicas da UFMG, including voucher material for which sequences from multiple genes are available, sampled from Minas Gerais and Amazonas states, Brazil. Leeuwenhoekia berthalutzaesp. nov. was found in association with the rodent Calomys sp. and Oligoryzomys sp., Colicus helenagrecaesp. nov. with the rodent Cerradomys cf. subflavus, Colicus carolinaesp. nov. in cave soil, off-host, and Herpetacarus mariellaesp. nov. in leaf litter, off-host. Additionally, we report a new record for Quadraseta brasiliensisGoff & Gettinger, 1989 associated with rodents from Parque Nacional Serra do Itajaí, Santa Catarina state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used entire mitochondrial (mt) genome sequences (14.5–15 kbp) to resolve the phylogeny of the four main lineages of the Haematobothrion ticks: Alloceraea, Archaeocroton, Bothriocroton and Haemaphysalis. In our phylogenetic trees, Alloceraea was the sister to Archaeocroton sphenodonti, a tick of an archetypal reptile, the tuatara, from New Zealand, to the exclusion of the rest of the species of Haemaphysalis. The mt genomes of all four of the Alloceraea species that have been sequenced so far had a substantial insert, 132–312 bp, between the tRNA‐Glu (E) gene and the nad1 gene in their mt genomes. This insert was not found in any of the other eight subgenera of Haemaphysalis. The mt genomes of 13 species of Haemaphysalis from NCBI GenBank were added to the most recent data set on Haemaphysalis and its close relatives to help resolve the phylogeny of Haemaphysalis, including five new subgenera of Haemaphysalis not previously considered by other authors: Allophysalis (structurally primitive), Aboimisalis (structurally primitive), Herpetobia (structurally intermediate), Ornithophysalis (structurally advanced) and Segalia (structurally advanced). We elevated Alloceraea Schulze, 1919 to the status of genus because Alloceraea Schulze, 1919 is phylogenetically distinct from the other subgenera of Haemaphysalis. Moreover, we propose that the subgenus Allophysalis is the sister to the rest of the Haemaphysalis (14 subgenera) and that the 'structurally primitive' subgenera Hoogstraal and Kim comprise early diverging lineages. Our matrices of the pairwise genetic difference (percent) of mt genomes and partial 16S rRNA sequences indicated that the mt genome sequence of Al. kitaokai (gb# OM368280) may not be Al. kitaokai Hoogstraal, 1969 but rather another species of Alloceraea. In a similar way, the mt genome sequence of H. (Herpetobia) nepalensis Hoogstraal, 1962 (gb# NC_064124) was only 2% genetically different to that of H. (Allophysalis) tibetensis Hoogstraal, 1965 (gb# OM368293): this indicates to us that they are the same species. Alloceraea cretacea may be better placed in a genus other than Alloceraea Schulze, 1919. Reptiles may have been the host to the most recent common ancestor of Archaeocroton and Alloceraea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Leptus, L. (L.) brevitarsus sp. n., is described and illustrated from ectoparasitic larvae collected from grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in Australia. The new species belongs to the phalangii species group and torresianus species subgroup. An updated key to species of torresianus species subgroup is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the report of Psoralges libertus mite infestations in Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) after a 127-year gap in the literature, detailing clinical conditions, histopathological findings, and mite identification via morphology. The research broadens our understanding of mite habitats, highlighting challenges in managing parasitic health in free-ranging and captive animals. It underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance for conservation and public health, including potential zoonotic concerns. A P. libertus report in T. tetradactyla after over a century highlights the scarcity of publications on mite-induced mange in this mammalian species. Investigating potential P. libertus' impacts on tamanduas' well-being necessitates further research, particularly regarding pathogenicity, agent epidemiology, and host interaction. This study enhances our comprehension of parasite-host interactions and their relevance to wildlife conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil mesofauna play pertinent roles in soil processes. For example, microarthropods strongly influence rates of microbial decomposition. The relationship between mesofauna and their environment are understudied in low Arctic ecosystems compared to other regions. A more detailed grasp of these soil assemblages is necessary for understanding the current functioning of these ecosystems. We characterized the soil mesofauna community across different low Arctic habitats to determine which soil properties commonly correlated with soil fauna would best explain their distribution, abundance, and diversity. Samples were taken near five different lakes in northern Finland, in both alpine meadows and sub-alpine birch forests, across a span of available soil habitats (measured by pH, salinity, organic and nitrogen content, soil moisture). Total abundance of the mesofauna community was influenced by a combination of soil factors, but most individual taxa, as well as measures of diversity were best explained by models of one or two influential soil parameters. Poduromorpha springtails and Oribatid mites were best modeled by measures of resource availability, although only Oribatids were significantly, positively related to these resources. All mites and Entomobryomorphid springtails were positively influenced by physicochemical soil moisture and/or salinity. Salinity, in particular, had a strong influence on overall mesofauna community composition. Our results provide further insight into soil fauna assemblages in Northern Finland and further, more extensive research would contribute to a more comprehensive foundation. This will allow for better monitoring of community changes and responses in the face of climate change in the low Arctic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: South Downs National Park (SDNP) is UK's most visited National Park, and a focus of tick-borne Lyme disease. The first presumed UK autochthonous cases of tick-borne encephalitis and babesiosis were recorded in 2019–20. SDNP aims to conserve wildlife and encourage recreation, so interventions are needed that reduce hazard without negatively affecting ecosystem health. To be successful these require knowledge of site hazards. Methods: British Deer Society members submitted ticks removed from deer. Key potential intervention sites were selected and six 50 m2 transects drag-sampled per site (mostly twice yearly for 2 years). Ticks were identified in-lab (sex, life stage, species), hazard measured as tick presence, density of ticks (all life stages, DOT), and density of nymphs (DON). Sites and habitat types were analysed for association with hazard. Distribution was mapped by combining our results with records from five other sources. Results: A total of 87 Ixodes ricinus (all but one adults, 82% F) were removed from 14 deer (10 Dama dama; three Capreolus capreolus; one not recorded; tick burden, 1–35) at 12 locations (commonly woodland). Five key potential intervention sites were identified and drag-sampled 2015–16, collecting 623 ticks (238 on-transects): 53.8% nymphs, 42.5% larvae, 3.7% adults (13 M, 10 F). Ticks were present on-transects at all sites: I. ricinus at three (The Mens (TM); Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP); Cowdray Estate (CE)), Haemaphysalis punctata at two (Seven Sisters Country Park (SSCP); Ditchling Beacon Nature Reserve (DBNR)). TM had the highest DOT at 30/300 m2 (DON = 30/300 m2), followed by QECP 22/300 m2 (12/300 m2), CE 8/300 m2 (6/300 m2), and SSCP 1/300 m2 (1/300 m2). For I. ricinus, nymphs predominated in spring, larvae in the second half of summer and early autumn. The overall ranking of site hazard held for DON and DOT from both seasonal sampling periods. DBNR was sampled 2016 only (one adult H. punctata collected). Woodland had significantly greater hazard than downland, but ticks were present at all downland sites. I. ricinus has been identified in 33/37 of SDNPs 10 km2 grid squares, Ixodes hexagonus 10/37, H. punctata 7/37, Dermacentor reticulatus 1/37. Conclusions: Mapping shows tick hazard broadly distributed across SDNP. I. ricinus was most common, but H. punctata's seeming range expansion is concerning. Recommendations: management of small heavily visited high hazard plots (QECP); post-visit precaution signage (all sites); repellent impregnated clothing for deerstalkers; flock trials to control H. punctata (SSCP, DBNR). Further research at TM may contribute to knowledge on ecological dynamics underlying infection density and predator re-introduction/protection as public health interventions. Ecological research on H. punctata would aid control. SDNP Authority is ideally placed to link and champion policies to reduce hazard, whilst avoiding or reducing conflict between public health and ecosystem health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All described Uropodina species (351) are listed from the last 30 years with the original occurrences. On continent level, the most of the described species are from Asia (121), from Central and South America (87) and from Africa (79). On country level, the most species were described from Ecuador (21), Vietnam (21), Kenya (18), Thailand (16), Costa Rica (15), China (14), Slovakia (14), Malaysia (14), Madagascar (14), Brazil (13), Indonesia (11), India (10) and Peru (10) and nine or fewer species were described from the other countries in the last 30 years. Trichouropoda pocsi Kontschán, 2004 (Comoro Islands) is a junior homonymous name of Trichouropoda pocsi Hirschmann & Wisniewski, 1987. The new replacement name for the T. pocsi Kontschán, 2004 is Trichouropoda pocstamasi nom. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations of the parasites associated with extinct avian species provide unique insights into the ecology and evolution of both hosts and their parasitic counterparts. In the present paper, a new quill mite species, Peristerophila conuropsis sp. n., belonging to the family Syringophilidae (Prostigmata: Cheyletoidea) is described from the Carolina parakeet Conuropsis carolinensis Linnaeus (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae). This new species was collected from museum dry skin of the Carolina parakeet, the only native representative of the Psittacidae in the United States, which was an abundant resident of the southeastern and midwestern states and has been extinct in the beginning of the 20th century. Comment on the current taxonomic state and host associations of the genus Peristerophila are provided. Based on the host associations and habitats occupied by Peristerophila and related genera on parrots, it is hypothesized with the high probability that P. conuropsis has been extinct along with its host.

Aquatic mites show a great morphological variability and inhabit a great diversity of freshwater habitats, especially taking advantage of the complexity of resources provided by South American aquatic plants. The relevance of aquatic mites in a microhabitat not studied so far about Amazonian macrophyte plants and Andean filamentous algae is analyzed. A new species of aquatic mite is described, and with it, the genus Piona and Arrenurus amazonicus are recorded for the first time in Colombian rivers; new records of Sperchon neotropicus associated with Cladophora sp. in the Andean subtropical zone of Argentina and Bolivia are reported. The functional classification proposed by Fernández and Fossati-Gaschignard for aquatic mites with their lifestyle and habitat preferences is contrasted and geographically expanded. Contributions such as this one to the knowledge of new species, biological data, and new localities of aquatic organisms are the basis of the urgent agenda of world biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest soils are a critical component of terrestrial ecosystems and host a large number of animal decomposer species. One diverse and abundant decomposer taxon is oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida), whose species composition varies with forest type and tree species composition. We used functional traits that indicate different niche dimensions, to infer assembly processes of oribatid mite communities in monocultures and mixed forests of native and introduced tree species. We found that coexisting species differed more in the resource‐related niche dimension, i.e., reproductive mode and trophic guild, than in the morphological dimension, e.g., body length and width, sclerotization and concealability. These results suggest that both filtering and partitioning processes structure oribatid mite communities. In native European beech forests, but not in non‐native Douglas fir forests, oribatid mites were mainly structured by filtering processes acting via traits related both to environmental tolerance and to resources. Furthermore, oribatid mite trait diversity, but not phylogenetic diversity, differed significantly between monocultures and mixed forests, demonstrating that multidimensional diversity indices provide additional information on soil biodiversity. Overall, the study provides evidence that traits representing different niche dimensions need to be considered for understanding assembly processes in soil animal communities and thereby soil biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New material of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) from the Uttarakhand State of India is reported. Ten species are identified, among which Sperchon (Hispidosperchon)rostratus Lundblad, 1969 is reported for the first time for India and two species, i.e. Monatractides smiti (Torrenticolidae) and Atractides uttarakhandensis (Hygrobatidae) are described as new to science. One sample collected in standing water in Uttar Pradesh State revealed the presence of three Arrenurus species, of which A. (Truncaturus) indicus Smit & Pešić, 2008 was reported for the first time after the original description. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinniped respiratory mites of the species Orthohalarachne attenuata have been recorded from various locations around the world but not from continental Argentina. In the present work, we document for the first time the presence of O. attenuata on Arctocephalus australis on the Argentine mainland. A total of 23 adult and 381 immature mites were collected from the nose and nasopharyngeal cavity during a necropsy. The mite ambulacrum is described in adults and larvae. This structure consists of a pretarsus, an extensible pulvillum, a pair of claws and paradactyli (pretarsus opercula). The ambulacral structures also have some peculiarities, such as the presence of longitudinal furrows in the claws, straight claws in legs II and III (as opposed to curved in legs I and IV), and the fin-shaped paradactyli. The morphology of the ambulacrum of this mite is interpreted as an adaptation for anchoring to different surfaces of the host, and the protective structures present in the larvae as an adaptation for the dispersal phase in the external environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Tenuipalpidae includes agricultural pests that have garnered extensive attention from the global research community. Despite the economic importance of tenuipalpids, due to their ecology and global trade of the infested plants, there has not been any corresponding and comprehensive research on these mites in Italy in recent decades. This study aimed to determine the species composition of tenuipalpid mites in Italy, update the Italian checklist for the taxon, and include new records and host plant associations of the genera Brevipalpus Donnadieu and Cenopalpus Pritchard and Baker worldwide. The study found several new records of tenuipalpid species in Italy, including four Cenopalpus and two Brevipalpus species. Additionally, one new species Cenopalpus ulmifolius De Giosa, Ochoa et de Lillo was added to the list. The research also incorporated new records of Cenopalpus species in different countries and several new host plant associations and the description of novel taxonomic characters were present for the Cenopalpus species studied during this work, since they were the most abundant tenuipalpid collected in the sampled areas. The study's findings are crucial for developing effective management for tenuipalpid mites, understanding the fauna composition, and constructing preparedness strategies for quarantine purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and burden of Demodex mites in patients with rosacea, and to investigate their potential contribution to the aetiology of rosacea. The study included 82 patients (44 with papulopustular rosacea and 38 with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea) diagnosed with rosacea by clinical examination and 82 healthy controls without dermatologic disease. Samples were obtained from each participant from the cheek, nasolabial, and chin regions using standardised skin surface biopsy (SSSB). Samples were examined under a light microscope, and Demodex species were identified and counted. Demodex positivity (≥5 mites) was detected in 91% of patients and 20% of controls in the study (p< 0.01). Only D. folliculorum (total 1328, mean 44.27/cm2) was detected in 37% of patients and D. folliculorum + D. brevis coinfection (total 6071, mean 134.91/cm2) in 55% of patients. Only D. folliculorum (total 97, mean 6.06/cm2) was detected in 20% of healthy controls, while D. folliculorum + D. brevis co-infection was not detected. The study showed that Demodex burden in patients with rosacea was approximately 30 times higher than in healthy controls and was caused by coinfection of D. folliculorum and D. brevis (mean Demodex burden: 179.18/cm2 in patients, 6.06/ cm2 in healthy controls). It was concluded that Demodex infestation, especially co-infection with D. folliculorum and D. brevis, may be a potential factor in the aetiology of rosacea that should not be ignored in the clinic, and that it may be appropriate to initiate antiparasitic treatment when the parasite is detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are the economically and ecologically most important blood-sucking arthropod vectors that can transmit disease agents under temperate climate. In this group, the highest number of species (currently nearing 270) belongs to the genus Ixodes. For this review, more than 400 papers related to this genus in the context of Russia were checked for data on the host records, locations of collection, as well as ecology of assigned tick species. This monograph compensates for the lack of a similarly comprehensive English-language overview of Ixodes species in the region of Russia for nearly half century, and also makes a large set of data easily available for international readers, which is especially important if the original source is difficult to access from outside this country. In addition, the data from a significant number of papers on this topic available only in the Russian language are made accessible through this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoseiulus californicus is a key natural predator of spider mites and small arthropod pests. Although vitellogenin (Vg) and vitellogenin receptor (VgR) genes are important regulators of oocyte maturation, egg formation, and embryonic development in spider mites and ticks, their role in phytoseiid mites is less understood. Investigating the reproductive mechanism of predatory mites is crucial for understanding their reproduction and evolution. In this study, three Vg genes and one VgR gene were identified, cloned, and characterized in N. californicus. Vg1, Vg2, Vg3, and VgR mRNAs were 6066, 5728, 4515, and 5331 bp long, encoding proteins comprising 1851, 1849, 1471, and 1722 amino acids, respectively. Temporal expression analysis revealed elevated Vg1, Vg2, and VgR levels in fertilized female adult mites, whereas Vg3 exhibited peak expression during the developmental stage. RNA interference–mediated suppression of Vg1 and Vg2 resulted in 14.66% and 11.59% decreases in fecundity, respectively. Vg1 silencing notably reduced egg hatching rate and female offspring ratio. In contrast, Vg3 and VgR silencing had no significant impact on fecundity and egg hatching rate. These findings provide insights into the regulatory roles of Vg and VgR in predatory mite reproduction, offering a theoretical foundation for understanding their evolution and reproductive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decades of agriculture in a former—type of ecosystem, for example, deciduous forests—result in severe habitat degradation. The planted tree species encounter harsh conditions due to physically and chemically transformed soil environments. In addition, afforestation itself significantly modifies the upper soil horizons. It may impact the soil fauna communities, including mites from the Mesostigmata order (Mesostigmata = Gamasida). Due to their sensitivity, mesostigmatid mites are good bioindicators of changes in the soil. A decrease in the density, species richness, and diversity of mites indicates disturbances in the soil environment and may confirm the impact of agricultural practice on the soil environment. Our research aim was to examine the impact of soil properties and land use history on the mesostigmatid mite communities in stands growing on forest and post‐agricultural lands. These sites were afforested with different tree species (Betula pendula Roth., Fagus sylvatica L., Pinus sylvestris L., and Quercus robur L.). Thus, 21 research plots were established on forest and post‐agricultural land, each on rusty soils considered to be one of the most common in Central European forests. We collected a total of 567 soil samples during three sampling sessions in spring and autumn for soil Mesostigmata investigation. We also described the soil profile on each plot and collected soil and litter samples to measure pH, litter thickness, soil organic matter, bulk density, soil moisture, soil organic carbon, and elements content. Our study revealed that 16 out of 30 environmental parameters differed between habitat types. A total of 1355 mites were classified into 58 taxa (50 species and 8 genera). The most numerous species were Veigaia nemorensis (165 ind.; 12.2% of all mesostigmatid mites), Zercon peltatus (156; 11.5%), and Paragamasus conus (141; 10.4%). The highest abundance was recorded in birch stands on forest land, whereas the lowest abundance for oak stands growing on post‐agricultural land. Interestingly, in oak stands we recorded both the highest diversity of mite communities (forest land) and the lowest on post‐agricultural land. Furthermore, our study showed that post‐agricultural land and Na content in forest litter affected the abundance, species richness, and diversity of mesostigmatid mite communities. Species richness was additionally affected by tree species, that is, pine and oak. Our research indicated that long‐term agricultural practice negatively affected the density, species richness, and diversity of Mesostigmata communities 20 years after afforestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity loss and its potential threat on ecosystem functions call for a critical evaluation of human impacts on forest ecosystems. Management practices based on stand diversification offer a possible solution to biodiversity loss due to monoculture plantations, and these practices often involve planting introduced tree species. Although introduced non-native tree species may provide high economic returns, they may also form novel ecosystems and threaten local biodiversity, but this has been little studied. Here, we combined a taxonomic and trait-based approach and investigated communities of oribatid mites (Oribatida, Acari) across forest types of both native and introduced tree species in Northern Germany. Both trophic and life-history traits of oribatid mites were evaluated using native European beech (Fagus sylvatica) as reference, compared to native Norway spruce (Picea abies), introduced Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and beech-conifer mixtures. The abundance and diversity of oribatid mites were generally similar among monocultures of European beech, Norway spruce and Douglas fir. By contrast, species and trait compositions of oribatid mite communities were shifted to include more primary decomposers and more surface-living oribatid mites in Douglas fir, resulting in a trophic reorganization with less predators than in European beech forests. These results suggest that oribatid mites maintain a similar level of trait diversity regardless of forest type, but the changes in trophic guild composition and vertical distribution indicate greater availability of litter-based resources in Douglas fir than in European beech forests. The similar abundance and diversity of oribatid mite communities in Douglas fir mixed stands as in native European beech forests points to mixed forests as a promising management option for future forestry. Overall, our trait-based analyses provided insights into the changes of soil biota composition, revealing the impact of introduced tree species on the structure and functions of soil animal communities.

Soil arthropod diversity contributes to a high proportion of the total biodiversity on Earth. However, most soil arthropods are still undescribed, hindering our understanding of soil functioning and global biodiversity estimations. Inventorying soil arthropods using conventional taxonomical approaches is particularly difficult and costly due to the great species richness, abundance and local-scale heterogeneity of mesofauna communities and the poor taxonomic background knowledge of most lineages. To alleviate this situation, we have designed and implemented a molecular barcoding framework adapted to soil fauna. This pipeline includes different steps, starting with a morphology-based selection of specimens which are imaged. Then, DNA is extracted non-destructively. Both images and voucher specimens are used to assign a taxonomic identification, based on morphology that is further checked for consistency with molecular information. Using this procedure, we studied 239 specimens of mites from the Canary Islands including representatives of Mesostigmata, Sarcoptiformes and Trombidiformes, of which we recovered barcode sequences for 168 specimens that were morphologically identified to 49 species, with nine specimens that could only be identified at the genus or family levels. Multiple species delimitation analyses were run to compare molecular delimitations with morphological identifications, including ASAP, mlPTP, BINs and 3% and 8% genetic distance thresholds. Additionally, a species-level search was carried out at the Biodiversity Databank of the Canary Islands (BIOTA) to evaluate the number of species in our dataset that were not previously recorded in the archipelago. In parallel, a sequence-level search of our sequences was performed against BOLD Systems. Our results reveal that multiple morphologically identified species correspond to different molecular lineages, which points to significant levels of unknown cryptic diversity within the archipelago. In addition, we evidenced that multiple species in our dataset constituted new records for the Canary Islands fauna and that the information for these lineages within online genetic repositories is very incomplete. Our study represents the first systematic effort to catalogue the soil arthropod mesofauna of the Canary Islands and establishes the basis for the Canary Islands Soil Biodiversity barcode database. This resource will constitute a step forward in the knowledge of these arthropods in a region of special interest.

Soil-dwelling organisms populate the spaces—referred to as interstices—between the litter on the soil surface and the pores in the soil's organo-mineral matrix. These organisms have pivotal roles in soil ecosystem functions, such as the breakdown and decomposition of organic matter, the dispersal of bacterial and fungal spores and biological habitat transformation. These functions, in turn, contribute to broader ecosystem services like carbon and nutrient cycling, soil organic matter regulation and both chemical and physical soil fertility.This study provides morphological data pertaining to a range of soil organism sizes, specifically in Argiudol soils subjected to varying levels of agricultural activity in the Rolling Pampas Region, one of the world's most extensive and fertile plains.The primary focus is on soil microarthropods—namely, Acari (mites) and Collembola (springtails)—with a body width of less than 2 mm. These organisms constitute the majority of life in the intricate soil pore network. Additionally, the study documents species of earthworms (Oligochaeta, Crassiclitelata), recognised as ecosystem engineers for their ability to create physical channels in the soil matrix and to distribute organic matter. Moreover, the study includes measurements of morphological traits of soil-dwelling "macrofauna" (organisms with a body width greater than 2 mm), which are also implicated in various soil ecosystem functions. These include population regulation by apex predators, organic matter decomposition, biogenic structure formation, nutrient mobilisation and herbivory.In this paper, we report both the geographical locations and individual measurements of key morphological traits for over 7,000 specimens, covering a range of soil-dwelling organisms. These include springtails (Entognatha, Collembola), mites (Arachnida, Acari), earthworms (Oligochaeta, Crassiclitellata) and additional soil macrofauna. All specimens were collected from typical Argiudol soils located in three distinct agricultural systems characterised by varying levels of land-use intensity. To our knowledge, no other dataset exists providing this information for the Argentinian Pampas.

Zelkova abelicea is an endemic tree growing only on eight mountain stands on the Greek island of Crete. The aim of this study was to determine the structure of the assemblages and analyze the diversity of the arachnid assemblages living on Zelkova abelicea, an endemic tree species in Crete. Material for the analyses was collected from tree trunks, oftentimes covered by bryophytes or lichens. In the examined material, 85 taxa were recorded. The most numerous groups represented in the analyzed material were Acari, including representatives of the orders Mesostigmata (78 ind. of 18 spp.) and Oribatida (1056 ind. of 51 spp.). In the order Mesostigmata the species represented by the highest numbers of specimens were Onchodellus karawaiewi (15 individuals) and Hypoaspisella sp. (13), which is probably a species new to science. In turn, representatives of the order Oribatida were much more numerous, with Zygoribatula exilis (284) and Eremaeus tuberosus (210) being identified in the largest numbers. Among the eight sampled localities, Gerakari (646 ind. and 50 spp.) and Omalos (409 ind. and 43 spp., respectively) had by far the richest assemblages. Statistical analyses confirmed the highly diverse character of the arachnid assemblages at the individual sites, which is a consequence not only of the varied numbers of arachnids found, but also of the presence of very rare species, such as Androlaelaps shealsi, Cosmolaelaps lutegiensis or Hoploseius oblongus. These results highlight the high species diversity of the arachnids found on Z. abelicea but also suggest the lack of connectivity between the isolated and fragmented forest stands on Crete.

Syringophilidae is one of the most species-rich families in the superfamily Cheyletoidea, comprising approximately 420 species across 62 genera and two subfamilies. In this paper, we propose a new genus, Corvisyringophilus, and a new species, C. krummi gen. n. et sp. n., found in the wing covert quills of the Common Raven, Corvus corax Linnaeus, in Iceland. Corvisyringophilus is placed among the primitive genera of syringophilid mites, which possess the full complement of idiosomal and leg setae. Phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters suggests that this genus forms a sister clade to Blaszakia Skoracki & Sikora, 2008, and Charadriphilus Bochkov & Mironov, 1998, which inhabit birds of the orders Musophagiformes and Charadriiformes, respectively. The study proposes that the current distribution patterns of quill mites, based on their morphological characteristics, may result from multiple host switching followed by co-speciation events, highlighting the complex evolutionary dynamics within this family.

Eutrombicula alfreddugesi (Oudemans, 1910) is the most common chigger parasitic on humans and widely distributed throughout the Americas. Examination of the type specimens revealed differences from those of the original description and subsequent redescriptions. A detailed redescription based on an examination of the type specimens of E. alfreddugesi is provided and illustrated with micrographs to aid in identification, as well as designating a lectotype and a paralectotype for this species. The distribution of E. alfreddugesi may be much more restricted than what has been reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the finding of five nymphs and three adult ticks attached to German tourists while traveling the American continents. All eight specimens were morphologically identified and confirmed genetically using the 16S rRNA gene and screened for Rickettsia spp. infections. Five tick species were identified: one Amblyomma mixtum nymph from Ecuador, one Amblyomma varium nymph from Colombia, three Amblyomma coelebs nymphs from Costa Rica, one Amblyomma americanum male from the USA, one Dermacentor andersoni female and one D. andersoni male from Canada. Tick-borne microorganisms screening using the pan-Rickettsia-PCR resulted in two positive and six negative ticks. The A. mixtum nymph was positive for Rickettsia amblyommatis, while the D. andersoni female was positive for Rickettsia peacockii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Cryptofavognathus is represented with only two species: Cryptofavognathus anatolicus Doğan & Dönel and C. afyonensis (Koç & Akyol). The third species, Cryptofavognathus bellussp. nov., was detected during a faunistic study on raphignathoid mites of Sansa Gorge (Türkiye) and described here. This paper also presents a current species list for the family Cryptognathidae Oudemans, with the following taxonomic recommendation in the genus Favognathus Luxton: Favognathus aegyptiaca (Fawzy, Khalil & Yassin) and Favognathus rosetta (Fawzy, Khalil & Yassin) described from Egypt should be considered species inquirendae due to their inadequate diagnostic characteristics and poor descriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiggers are a group of ectoparasites and they are the vector of scrub typhus. Although the Ryukyu mouse (Mus caroli) is a common species of rodent in some outdoor habitats, few studies are about the mouse itself and its ectoparasites. To date, there has been no specific report on chiggers of M. caroli. Based on the field investigation in southwest China from 2001 to 2019, this paper reported the infestation and distribution of chiggers on M. caroli for the first time. Among the 91 sites investigated, 263 Ryukyu mice were captured at 18 sites, and 678 chiggers were collected from the mice. The collected chiggers were identified to be one family, two subfamilies, six genera, and 16 species with relatively low species diversity. The overall infestation prevalence (PM), mean abundance (MA), and mean intensity (MI) were PM = 27.38%, MA = 2.58 chiggers/per mouse, and MI = 9.42 chiggers/per mouse respectively. The dominant chigger species are Walchia ewingi and W. micropelta with a total constituent ratio of Cr = 94.10% (638/678), and they were of aggregated distribution among different individuals of the host M. caroli. The distribution of two dominant chigger species seemed to be mutually independent with the association coefficient V ≈ 0 (p < 0.001). The infestation (PM, MA, and MI) of M. caroli with chiggers greatly fluctuated in different geographical landscapes, altitudes, and latitudes with an obvious environmental heterogeneity. The male and adult M. caroli harbored much more chigger mites with significantly higher infestations (PM, MA and MI) than the female and juvenile mice. The theoretical curve of species abundance distribution of the chigger mite community on M. caroli was fitted by Preston lognormal distribution model with fitting goodness R2 = 0.77. Based on the iChao1 formula, the expected total number of chigger species on the mice was estimated to be 24 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation state of an environment can be a key factor in maintaining the existence of some interactions between species. The relationship between the dung beetle Dichotomius schiffleri, a habitat‐specific species endemic to the Restinga ecosystem, and endangered, and its symbiont mites can serve as a model to improve knowledge about this issue. In this study, we investigated whether the conservation state of Brazilian Restingas, a native ecosystem of the coastal zone that has suffered from anthropic pressure and impacts due to irregular occupation by humans, affects the abundance of mites present on D. schiffleri. Beetles and their associated mites were collected using pitfall traps in Conserved and Degraded Restingas at nine locations in the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo, Bahia, Sergipe, and Pernambuco. The abundance of mites associated with beetles was significantly higher in conserved sites than in degraded sites. Our findings provide evidence that Restinga degradation can affect not only abundance of dung beetle species, as previously reported, but also the ecological relationships that can be established between dung beetles and mites. The habitat quality and hosts availability are some mechanisms that may explain the maintenance of the interactions between dung beetles and mites. Finally, imbalance in ecological relationships is one more factor capable of signalling as human modified habitats impact fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gall mites (Eriophyoidea) are cosmopolitan microscopic phytoparasites that often transmit viruses and induce gallogenesis. The tribe Calacarini is diagnosed by a set of plesiomorphic and homoplastic traits, including elimination of setae sc shared with other lineages of Eriophyoidea. We reviewed data on the generic diversity of calacarines, revised the concept of the type genus Calacarus Keifer 1940, and proposed three zones (MZ, SMZ, LZ) in the prodorsal shields of calacarines to simplify descriptions of their shield patterns. We describe three new calacarine species (Calacarus baviensisn. sp., C. burchelliaen. sp., and Viginticus searsiaen. sp.) from indigenous dicotyledonous trees from South Africa and Vietnam and report on new findings of Paracalacarus podocarpi Keifer in Brazil, Jiangsuacarus sp. in the USA, and Calacarus pusillus Pye in Latvia and Russia. The latter represents the new most northern locality of Calacarini. Reinvestigating the type species of Jaranasia Chandrapatya & Boczek 2000 revealed that absence of setae l" II is the only character separating it from Jiangsuacarus Xue 2009. We proposed two new combinations: Jiangsuacarus sesleriae (Skoracka 2004) n. comb. (transferred from Jaranasia) and Procalacarus mussaendae (Keifer 1977) n. comb. (transferred from Calacarus). Partial sequences of Cox1 and 28S genes were obtained for six calacarines, some of them originating from old ethanol material kept at room temperature. Molecular phylogenetics revealed a stable cluster of "true" calacarine sequences comprising Calacarus, Jaranasia, Latitudo, and Viginticus and a polyphyletic group of erroneous sequences assigned to Calacarini in GenBank. All investigated females of calacarines have a pair of genital tubules associated with the vestibulum and hypothesized to participate in fertilization. This finding may contribute to resolving the question on how the fusion of gametes happens in gall mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor, is an economically important pest of winter field crops and pastures in Australia, and has evolved field resistance to pyrethroid chemicals through a polymorphism in the voltage-gated parasodium channel leading to knockdown resistance (kdr). In this study, we quantified the rate of reversion to susceptibility of partially resistant H. destructor populations under field conditions in the absence of pesticide exposure. This was conducted over multiple years at two geographically distant locations with mite populations known to possess pyrethroid resistance. Fitness costs associated with pyrethroid resistance were identified through reductions in the frequency of kdr resistance alleles in the absence of pesticides. This was assessed using an amplicon sequencing approach targeting known resistance alleles. We also found that resistance can increase rapidly in frequency after only a single pyrethroid application in the field. Our results highlight that, once established in H. destructor populations, pyrethroid resistance will not easily be lost even after several years, emphasizing the importance of limiting the evolution of resistance in the first place. This helps to explain why pyrethroid resistance in H. destructor continues to persist at very high frequencies in the field and continues to expand within Australia despite the existence of fitness costs. Understanding field fitness costs associated with pesticide resistance is important when devising resistance management strategies for this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mites of Raphignathoidea are important natural enemies of some small pests like phytophagous mites and some insects in various ecosystems. Fauna of this superfamily was studied in Lorestan province, Iran, during 2019-2020. In this survey, a total of 20 species belonging to seven genera from three families were collected and identified. Among them, Raphignathus evidus Fan is re-described and recorded as new to Iranian mite's fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution and abundance of the species of Atrectides in Iran is significant and this genus is present in all provinces of the country. Atractides (Atractides) khuzestaniensis sp. nov. is described as new to science from one of the southern provinces. This is the thirty-second species of this genus from Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quill mites of the family Syringophilidae (Acariformes: Prostigmata) parasitizing starlings of the genus Lamprotornis Temminck (Aves: Passeriformes: Sturnidae) from the sub-Saharan region are comprehensively studied for the first time. Among them, two new species are described: (1) Syringophiloidus soponai Skoracki, Patan and Unsoeld sp. n., collected from four host species—Lamprotornis chalybaeus (Hemprich et Ehrenberg) (type host) in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia; L. superbus (Rüppell) in Kenya and Tanzania; L. chloropterus (Swainson) and L. unicolor (Shelley) both in Tanzania; (2) Syringophilopsis parasturni Skoracki, Patan and Unsoeld sp. n. collected from L. pulcher (Müller) and L. chalcurus (Nordmann), both in Senegal. Additionally, two Lamprotornis species, L. chalybaeus in Tanzania and Kenya and L. chloropterus in Kenya, are recorded as the new hosts for Picobia lamprotornis Klimovicova et al., 2004. We also discussed the diversity of the syringophilid mites associated with starlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction paper provides a brief response and critique Khan et al.'s (2023) proposal categorisation about dividing four subgenera of the genus Raphignathus Dugès. The present work contains following nomenclatural recommendation in Raphignathus: (1) Raphignathus bengalensisModak, 1991 and R. sayedi Gomaa and Hassan, 1986 are considered here as nomina nuda due to no formally publishing. (2) Raphignathus curtipilus Berlese, 1888 is transferred to the genus Eustigmaeus Berlese. (3) Raphignathus striatus Trägardh, 1904 is moved to the genus Prostigmaeus? Kuznetsov in Stigmaeidae based on their original descriptions and illustrations. This paper also presents a current species list for the family Raphignathidae Kramer, with a new country (Türkiye) recorded species and a case of numerical variation in its external suranal setae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the subgenus Leptus (Amaroptus), L. (A.) sivasensissp. n., is described and illustrated from an ectoparasitic larva collected from Cerceris sabulosa (Panzer, 1799) (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in İmranlı district of Sivas province, Türkiye. The holotype and paratypes of Leptus (Amaroptus) vuki are studied and some corrections to the original description are presented. Also, new metric data and host records are given for L. (L.) tridentatus and L. (L.) rosellae, and intraspecific differences of both species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Soil arthropod diversity contributes to a high proportion of the total biodiversity on Earth. However, most soil arthropods are still undescribed, hindering our understanding of soil functioning and global biodiversity estimations. Inventorying soil arthropods using conventional taxonomical approaches is particularly difficult and costly due to the great species richness, abundance and local-scale heterogeneity of mesofauna communities and the poor taxonomic background knowledge of most lineages. To alleviate this situation, we have designed and implemented a molecular barcoding framework adapted to soil fauna. This pipeline includes different steps, starting with a morphology-based selection of specimens which are imaged. Then, DNA is extracted non-destructively. Both images and voucher specimens are used to assign a taxonomic identification, based on morphology that is further checked for consistency with molecular information. Using this procedure, we studied 239 specimens of mites from the Canary Islands including representatives of Mesostigmata, Sarcoptiformes and Trombidiformes, of which we recovered barcode sequences for 168 specimens that were morphologically identified to 49 species, with nine specimens that could only be identified at the genus or family levels. Multiple species delimitation analyses were run to compare molecular delimitations with morphological identifications, including ASAP, mlPTP, BINs and 3% and 8% genetic distance thresholds. Additionally, a species-level search was carried out at the Biodiversity Databank of the Canary Islands (BIOTA) to evaluate the number of species in our dataset that were not previously recorded in the archipelago. In parallel, a sequence-level search of our sequences was performed against BOLD Systems. Our results reveal that multiple morphologically identified species correspond to different molecular lineages, which points to significant levels of unknown cryptic diversity within the archipelago. In addition, we evidenced that multiple species in our dataset constituted new records for the Canary Islands fauna and that the information for these lineages within online genetic repositories is very incomplete. Our study represents the first systematic effort to catalogue the soil arthropod mesofauna of the Canary Islands and establishes the basis for the Canary Islands Soil Biodiversity barcode database. This resource will constitute a step forward in the knowledge of these arthropods in a region of special interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]