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Individual organisms can function as ecosystems inhabited by symbionts. Symbionts may interact with each other in ways that subsequently influence their hosts positively or negatively, although the details of how these interactions operate collectively are usually not well understood. Vane‐dwelling feather mites are common ectosymbionts of birds and are proposed to confer benefits to hosts by consuming feather‐degrading microbes. However, it is unknown whether these mites exhibit generalist or selective diets, or how their dietary selection could potentially impact their symbiotic functional nature. In this study, we conducted 16S rDNA and ITS1 amplicon sequencing to examine the microbial diet of feather mites. We characterized and compared the diversity and composition of bacteria and fungi in the bodies of mites living on feathers of the Prothonotary Warbler, Protonotaria citrea, to microbial assemblages present on the same feathers. We found less diverse, more compositionally similar microbial assemblages within mites than on feathers. We also found that mites were resource‐selective. Based on the identity and known functions of microbes found within and presumably preferred by mites, our results suggest that these mites selectively consume feather‐degrading microbes. Therefore, our results support the proposition that mites confer benefits to their hosts. This study provides insight into symbioses operating at multiple biological levels, highlights the ecological and evolutionary importance of the synergistic interactions between species, and greatly expands our understanding of feather mite biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we describe Euroglyphus pericosp. nov. from a nest of a mammal, probably Peromyscus sp. (Rodentia: Cricetidae), from Durango, Mexico. As this new species combines features of the genera Euroglyphus and Gymnoglyphus, Gymnoglyphus is proposed as a junior subjective synonym of Euroglyphus. An updated diagnosis of the genus Euroglyphus and a key to species of the World are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chaetodactylus krombeini (Acariformes: Astigmata: Chaetodactylidae) mites are kleptoparasites of solitary bees in the genus Osmia and depend on bee hosts for harbourage, nutrition, and dispersal, with infestations increasing morbidity and larval mortality. The life history traits of C. krombeini are unclear, complicating the control efforts of mites in managed bee nests. Mites in the family Chaetodactylidae have a facultative life stage, the heteromorphic deutonymph, used for either dispersal or dormancy when food resources are sparse. The heteromorphic deutonymph life stage is hypothesized to consist only of females, requiring arrhenotokous parthenogenesis to reproduce. This study examined this hypothesis by determining the sex of the adults that developed from each deutonymph morph. Phoretic deutonymphs were isolated after overwintering either with or without a bee host; inert deutonymphs were isolated from field collections from various locations. Mites were individually observed for 14 days, and development was recorded. Mites that reached adulthood were sexed. After 14 days, 32–38% of heteromorphic deutonymphs that reached adulthood were male. These results disprove the previous hypothesis that heteromorphic deutonymphs are exclusively female. The survival and reproductive strategies of C. krombeini are now in question, specifically the role of true arrhenotoky in founding new mite populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores sustainable agricultural practices by examining the role of organic materials in enhancing native predatory mites for controlling spider mites in apple orchards. Developing techniques to conserve indigenous natural enemies is vital for sustainable agricultural production. Phytoseiid mites can control spider mites, which are among the most significant pests in apple production. To conserve phytoseiid mite populations, it is important to identify alternative prey and to determine their role in phytoseiid mite proliferation. We demonstrated that the concurrent use of specific organic fertilizers and coconut husks can increase prey Tyrophagus mites, thereby enhancing phytoseiid mite density. Our research was conducted using sticky traps at the Miyagi Prefectural Agriculture and Horticulture Research Center in Japan. The occurrence of Tyrophagus mites was significantly correlated with the occurrence of phytoseiid mites in 2 years. In laboratory experiments, the use of organic fertilizers increased the density of Tyrophagus mites by 83 × within 4 weeks. Several species of phytoseiid mites were able to lay between 0.25 and 1.03 eggs per day per female by preying on Tyrophagus larvae. A 2-year field survey revealed that the use of organic fertilizers more than doubled the density of phytoseiid mites on apple leaves, likely through promoting Tyrophagus mite proliferation on the ground. These results highlight the potential of organic fertilizers not only to enhance soil nutrients, but also to boost phytoseiid mite populations, thereby contributing to more sustainable apple production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Schwiebea Oudemans (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) includes notable agricultural pests that are widely distributed across diverse ecological environments. Despite their economic significance, mites of this genus in Thailand have been insufficiently studied. This research describes a new species, Schwiebea citraesp. nov., collected from the roots of pomelo, Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr., contributing to the broader knowledge of acarid diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

نُفّذ البحث في مخابر قسم وقاية النبات (كلية الزراعة، جامعة دمشق) خلال 2022-2023. تمّ في هذه الدراسة تسجيل تواجد مجتمعين من الأكاروس Tyrophagus longior (Gervais) (Acari: Acaridae)، وُجدت أفراد هذا النوع بأطوارها المختلفة (بيوض، يرقات، حوريات، حيوانات كاملة) وبأعداد كبيرة في العينات العائدة إلى أوراق أشجار التوت الأسود Morus nigra (مزرعة أبو جرش، كلية الزراعة)، وفي الأوساط المغذية لفطر العفن الرمادي Botrytis cinerea (مركز البحوث العلمية الزراعية في السويداء) متغذية على الأبواغ والمشيجة الفطرية. ينتمي الأكاروس T. longior إلى فصيلة Acaridae المندرجة ضمن تحت-رتبة عديمة الثغور التنفسية Astigmata ويُعد من الآفات الهامة على المواد المخزونة وعلى عدد كبير من المزروعات وكذلك على المنتجات من أصل نباتي، بالإضافة إلى وجوده في أعشاش الطيور والنحل الطنان والفئران، وتشير عدة دراسات مرجعية إلى تواجده في المزارع الفطرية. الأكاروس له جسم شفاف إلى عديم اللون، وتتلون أجزاء الفم والأرجل حسب القيمة الغذائية للعائل، الأنثى أكبر بوضوح من حيث الحجم من الذكر. يُعد هذا التسجيل هو الأول لهذا الأكاروس في لمطقة الجنوبية من سورية، ويُضيف هذا التسجيل عوائل جديدة للأكاروس T. longior ولـِ فاونا الأكاروسات Acarofauna في سورية.

The effects of ectosymbiotic feather mites on avian host fitness and factors driving the variation in mite infestation levels, such as host mating and brood care system, are poorly understood. We investigated patterns of feather mite prevalence and abundance, and relationships between infestation and body condition in breeding Aquatic Warblers Acrocephalus paludicola, a promiscuous songbird with female-only parental care. In plumage, the dominant mite species was Trouessartia bifurcata, whose prevalence more than doubled during the breeding season, to reach 95% (95% confidence limits 71–99) during the second-brood period. Approximately 5% of birds were co-infested with Proctophyllodes cf. clavatus. While mite prevalence did not differ between sexes, mite abundance was significantly greater in Aquatic Warbler females than in males, and it increased between the first- and the second-brood period irrespective of sex. No significant relationship was found between mite prevalence or abundance and host condition expressed as mass scaled to size. However, in breeding females, this relationship could be confounded by the effects of nest-dwelling ectoparasites present in some nests but only sporadically if at all detected on adult birds; 2% of adult birds were heavily infested with the hematophagous mite Dermanyssus hirundinis (Mesostigmata). Our findings indicate that the mating system may affect symbiont variability between and within host species. The high prevalence of feather mites on adult birds at the late stage of the breeding season supports the hypothesis that promiscuous species have high infestation levels. Greater mite loads on Aquatic Warbler females than males reveal a different pattern from previously studied birds. However, we did not identify any consequences of mite infestation for the female body condition or current breeding success; hence, the apparently commensal relationship does not imply costs of female promiscuity.

The Okinawa Rail, Hypotaenidia okinawae (Yamashina and Mano, 1981), is a flightless bird restricted to the northern part of Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan. A new feather mite species, Metanalges (M.) agachi sp. n. (Analgidae: Megniniinae), is described from the Okinawa Rail. The new species is distinguished from the closest species, M. (M.) curtus Gaud and Mouchet, 1959, in having, in males, legs III extending slightly beyond the bases of setae h2, and setae ps1 approximately equidistant from setae h2 and h3, and in females, ventral setae 4a almost extending to the posterior margin of opisthosoma. This is the first report of feather mites associated with this avian host and the first record of the genus Metanalges Trouessart, 1919 in Japan. As the Okinawa Rail is considered to be at high risk of population decline, the new feather mite is thought to be under the risk of extinction.

Changes in the functional shape of astigmatan mite moveable digit profiles are examined to test if Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acaridae) is a trophic intermediate between a typical micro-saprophagous carpoglyphid (Carpoglyphus lactis) and a common macro-saprophagous glycyphagid (Glycyphagus domesticus). Digit tip elongation in these mites is decoupled from the basic physics of optimising moveable digit inertia. Investment in the basal ramus/coronoid process compared to that for the moveable digit mastication length varies with feeding style. A differentiated ascending ramus is indicated in C. lactis and in T. putrescentiae for different trophic reasons. Culturing affects relative investments in C. lactis. A markedly different style of feeding is inferred for the carpoglyphid. The micro-saprophagous acarid does not have an intermediate pattern of trophic functional form between the other two species. Mastication surface shape complexity confirms the acarid to be heterodontous. T. putrescentiae is a particularly variably formed species trophically. A plausible evolutionary path for the gradation of forms is illustrated. Digit form and strengthening to resist bending under occlusive loads is explored in detail. Extensions to the analytical approach are suggested to confirm the decoupling of moveable digit pattern from cheliceral and chelal adaptations. Caution is expressed when interpreting ordinations of multidimensional data in mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus robini Claparédè has been identified as a common pest attacking saffron corms. This mite is also a saprophytic species that is able to feed on fungi (mycelium). It has also been demonstrated that some soilborn fungi can attack and establish on saffron corms. After related fungi were isolated and identified either in saffron corms and mite bodies, the fungus Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht was the most abundant species in both samples; subsequently, it was used in the experiments. For studying the role of soil-borne fungi on life-table parameters of the mite, an even-aged cohort of eggs was obtained and transferred to experimental units to feed on saffron corm sections in two groups (fungal-infected and non-infected corms) in laboratory conditions. A total of 36 individuals were used for each treatment. The life-history data were analyzed according to the age-stage, two-sex life table model. Results showed that total pre-adult development of R. robini was significantly faster on Fusarium-infected rather than healthy corms (10.91 and 11.48 days respectively, P < 0.05). Adult pre-oviposition period (APOP) was significantly shorter when females were reared on fungal-infested than non-infested corms (1.84 and 2.88 days, respectively, P < 0.05). In addition, survivorship and fecundity of the mite on the two diets indicated higher rates and consequently, the net reproductive rate (R0) and intrinsic rate of increase (r) were significantly higher (P < 0.05 for both parameters) (202.07 and 351.13 offspring for R0 and 0.218 and 0.251 day-1 for r respectively on non-infested and infested diets). According to the results obtained, the soil-borne fungus affected demographic parameters of the bulb mite and it supports the hypothesis that the mite prefers plant tissues infected with soil-borne fungi because these are more suitable hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehending symbiont abundance among host species is a major ecological endeavour, and the metabolic theory of ecology has been proposed to understand what constrains symbiont populations.We parameterized metabolic theory equations to investigate how bird species' body size and the body size of their feather mites relate to mite abundance according to four potential energy (uropygial gland size) and space constraints (wing area, total length of barbs and number of feather barbs). Predictions were compared with the empirical scaling of feather mite abundance across 106 passerine bird species (26,604 individual birds sampled), using phylogenetic modelling and quantile regression.Feather mite abundance was strongly constrained by host space (number of feather barbs) but not by energy. Moreover, feather mite species' body size was unrelated to the body size of their host species.We discuss the implications of our results for our understanding of the bird–feather mite system and for symbiont abundance in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new feather mite species, Mycterialges boycianae sp. nov. (Xolalgidae), was identified from the Oriental Stork, Ciconia boyciana Swinhoe, 1873, in Korea. Males of M. boycianae sp. nov. are distinguished from Mycterialges mesomorphus Gaud & Atyeo, 1981, in having a single triangular prodorsal shield, sinuous margins of the opisthosoma located between setae e2 and h2 on the hysteronotal shield, an oval-shaped epiandrum without posterior extensions, a shorter tibia + tarsus IV than femoragenu IV, and an absent ambulacral disc of leg IV. Females differ in having a prodorsal shield with a posterior margin that is blunt-angular, and a concave posterior margin of the hysteronotal shield with posterior extensions. This study presents the first record of the feather mite genus Mycterialges in birds of the genus Ciconia (Ciconiidae). Additionally, we determined the phylogenetic relationship among Ingrassiinae using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit (COI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microscopic symbionts represent crucial links in biological communities. However, they present technical challenges in high-throughput sequencing (HTS) studies due to their small size and minimal high-quality DNA yields, hindering our understanding of host–symbiont coevolution at microevolutionary and macroevolutionary scales. One approach to overcome those barriers is to pool multiple individuals from the same infrapopulation (i.e., individual host) and sequence them together (Pool-Seq), but individual-level information is then compromised. To simultaneously address both issues (i.e., minimal DNA yields and loss of individual-level information), we implemented a strategic Pool-Seq approach to assess variation in sequencing performance and categorize genetic diversity (single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)) at both the individual-level and infrapopulation-level for microscopic feather mites. To do so, we collected feathers harboring mites (Proctophyllodidae: Amerodectes protonotaria) from four individual Prothonotary Warblers (Parulidae: Protonotaria citrea). From each of the four hosts (i.e., four mite infrapopulations), we conducted whole-genome sequencing on three extraction pools consisting of different numbers of mites (1 mite, 5 mites, and 20 mites). We found that samples containing pools of multiple mites had more sequencing reads map to the feather mite reference genome than did the samples containing only a single mite. Mite infrapopulations were primarily genetically structured by their associated individual hosts (not pool size) and the majority of SNPs were shared by all pools within an infrapopulation. Together, these results suggest that the patterns observed are driven by evolutionary processes occurring at the infrapopulation level and are not technical signals due to pool size. In total, despite the challenges presented by microscopic symbionts in HTS studies, this work highlights the value of both individual-level and infrapopulation-level sequencing toward our understanding of host–symbiont coevolution at multiple evolutionary scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of long-term research of the biodiversity and quantitative invasion indices of feather mites associated with passerines in the Lower Don area. Between 2001 and 2019, we examined 2246 passerine specimens belonging to 85 species, 47 genera, and 23 families and comprising the majority of passerine species in the region. A total of 86 feather mite species belonging to 15 genera, 7 families, and 2 superfamilies (Analgoidea and Pterolichoidea) were found on 83 species of passerine hosts. A detailed taxonomic analysis of the parasite fauna has been carried out. Four species of feather mites are recorded here for the first time for the Russian fauna: Proctophyllodes balati Černý, 1978, P.remizicola Černý, 1979, P.cetti Badek, Mironov et Dabert, 2008 (Proctophyllodidae), and Corydolichus calandrellicolus Mironov et Sayakova, 2001 (Ochrolichidae). The faunistic complexes of feather mites of all the studied passerine families and their specific features in the study region have been analyzed. Parasitological indices of invasion (intensity and prevalence) for each feather mite species on each avian host have been estimated by statistical processing of the long-term quantitative data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bulb mites are an economically significant pest of subterranean parts of plants and a versatile laboratory animal. However, the genetic structure of their populations remains unknown. To fill this gap in our knowledge of their biology, we set up a field experiment in which we allowed mites to colonize onion bulbs, and then determined the genetic structure of colonisers based on a panel of microsatellite loci. We found moderate but significant population structure among sites separated by ca. 20 m (FST range 0.03–0.21), with 7% of genetic variance distributed among sites. Allelic richness within some bulbs was nearly as high as that in the total population, suggesting that colonisation of bulbs was not associated with strong population bottlenecks. The significant genetic structure we observed over small spatial scales seems to reflect limited dispersal of mites in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatophagoides farinae (Astigmata: Pyroglyphidae) occurs in both homes and storage environments. The species produces biochemically diverse allergens that cause allergic reactions and seriously endanger human health. Habitat diversity can lead to divergent adaptive selection and reduced gene flow, thereby increasing genetic drift; both factors contribute to genetic differentiation. However, there is a lack of research concerning the genetic diversity and differentiation of D. farinae in different habitats. In this study, the genetic diversity and differentiation of D. farinae populations in different habitats were studied using the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) gene, the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Both pillow cores (ZX) and dormitory (SS) habitats had higher haplotype diversity than the flour mill (MF) habitat. The reasons for this phenomenon are likely to be food availability as well as differences in temperature and humidity among habitats. There was significant genetic differentiation (Fst > 0.05, P < 0.05) between the ZX and MF and between the MF and SS habitats, but there was no significant genetic differentiation between the ZX and SS habitats (Fst < 0.05, P > 0.05) based on both Cytb and COI genes, reflecting the difference between mitochondrial and nuclear genes. The low level of gene flow observed for ZX-MF and MF-SS and the gene flow between the ZX and SS habitats supported the above results. A haplotype network and a neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree showed that individuals from the ZX and SS habitats occurred in two clades without a clear distribution boundary, indicating that the genetic structure was not correlated with the habitat distribution. This research is the first genetic analysis of D. farinae in different habitats. The study can improve our understanding of the population genetics of D. farinae in different habitats and aid in the development of more effective management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Acaridae) has the potential for controlling pest insects in the laboratory, although little is known about its interaction with beneficial species such as bees. Here we report an infestation of T. putrescentiae and its predatory effect in colonies of the stingless bee Frieseomelitta varia (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini) in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. After the mite infestation, the F. varia colonies became weak and the population died. Because T. putrescentiae develops preferentially in warm and damp environments, special care should be taken when performing in vitro rearing (e.g., sterilizing transfer needles, tweezers, and incubators) of F. varia. Moreover, stingless bee colonies maintained in meliponaries should be periodically monitored, in order to prevent not only mite infestation but diverse health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of feather mites are described from the Rusty-capped Fulvetta Schoeniparus dubius (Hume) (Passeriformes: Pellorneidae) in India (Meghalaya): Proterothrix manolelii Constantinescu sp. n. (Proctophyllodidae: Pterodectinae) and Trouessartia asiatica Constantinescu sp. n. (Trouessartiidae). Proterothrix manolelii belongs to the paradoxornis complex (wolffi species group) in having, in males, seta e of tarsus I lanceolate and the aedeagus long and whip-shaped. Among the other six species of the paradoxornis complex, this species appears to be closest to P. alcippeaeMironov, Literak, Hung & Capek, 2012 from the Rufous-throated Fulvetta, Schoeniparus rufogularis (Mandelli) (Passeriformes: Pellorneidae). Males of Proterothrix manolelii are distinguished from the latter in having the pentagonal structure formed by epimerites of propodosoma completely closed, the opisthosomal lobes almost three times longer than wide at base, and setae mGI and mGII lanceolate. Females of P. manolelii have the sternum about 1/3 of the total length of epimerites I, and the primary spermaduct is thickened only in distal 1/3. Trouessartia asiatica is the first species of the genus described from a bird host in the family Pellorneidae. Males of T. asiatica are clearly differentiated from related species described from birds in the family Leiotrichidae (T. cyanouropterae Constantinescu, 2016, T. alcippeae Constantinescu, 2016, and T. paucisetaConstantinescu, Chişamera, Motoc, Gustafsson, Zou, Chu and Adam, 2021), in the position and shape of the genital setae g, which are enlarged in basal 2/3rd and located far distantly from the base of genital apparatus, posterior to bases of setae 4a. Females of this species are clearly distinguished in the shape of the primary spermaduct, which is thickened along its entire length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The ecology and evolution of phoretic mites and termites have not been well studied. In particular, it is unknown whether the specific relationship between mites and termites is commensal or parasitic. High phoretic mite densities have often been found to occur in weak termite colonies, suggesting that the relationship is closer to that of parasitism than commensalism. Results To examine this, Coptotermes formosanus was used as a carrier, and Acarus farris as the phoretic mite. We used video recordings to observe termite social immunity behaviors and bioassay to examine termite fitness. Our results showed that the attachment of the mite on the termite can enhance termite social immunity behaviors like alarm vibration and grooming frequency while decreasing the duration of individual grooming episodes in phoretic mites. Further, A. farris phoresy led to a 22.91% reduction in termite abdomen volume and a 3.31-fold increase in termite mortality. Conclusions When termites groom more frequently, the consequence is short duration of grooming bouts. This may be indicative of a trade-off which provides suggestive evidence that frequent social behaviors may cost termites energy. And this caused phoretic behavior hastened termites’ death, and helped propagate the population of mites feeding on dead termites. So, it provides a case for phoresy being a precursor to parasitism, and the specific relationship between A. farris and C. formosanus is closer to parasitism than to commensalism.

Microscopic symbionts represent crucial links in biological communities. However, they present technical challenges in high-throughput sequencing (HTS) studies due to their small size and minimal high-quality DNA yields, hindering our understanding of host–symbiont coevolution at microevolutionary and macroevolutionary scales. One approach to overcome those barriers is to pool multiple individuals from the same infrapopulation (i.e., individual host) and sequence them together (Pool-Seq), but individual-level information is then compromised. To simultaneously address both issues (i.e., minimal DNA yields and loss of individual-level information), we implemented a strategic Pool-Seq approach to assess variation in sequencing performance and categorize genetic diversity (single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)) at both the individual-level and infrapopulation-level for microscopic feather mites. To do so, we collected feathers harboring mites (Proctophyllodidae: Amerodectes protonotaria) from four individual Prothonotary Warblers (Parulidae: Protonotaria citrea). From each of the four hosts (i.e., four mite infrapopulations), we conducted whole-genome sequencing on three extraction pools consisting of different numbers of mites (1 mite, 5 mites, and 20 mites). We found that samples containing pools of multiple mites had more sequencing reads map to the feather mite reference genome than did the samples containing only a single mite. Mite infrapopulations were primarily genetically structured by their associated individual hosts (not pool size) and the majority of SNPs were shared by all pools within an infrapopulation. Together, these results suggest that the patterns observed are driven by evolutionary processes occurring at the infrapopulation level and are not technical signals due to pool size. In total, despite the challenges presented by microscopic symbionts in HTS studies, this work highlights the value of both individual-level and infrapopulation-level sequencing toward our understanding of host–symbiont coevolution at multiple evolutionary scales.

The feather mite genus LamellodectesHernandes and Valim, 2014 (Proctophyllodidae) was originally referred to the subfamily Pterodectinae based on the crucial diagnostic feature of this subfamily—the fusion of the epigynum with epimerites IIIa in females. Detailed investigation of two Lamellodectes species collected from ovenbirds (Passeriformes: Furnariidae) in Costa Rica has shown that this genus is actually close to Platyacarus Kudon, 1982 (Proctophyllodinae). Both genera have 4 ventral setae (ra, wa, la, and s) on tarsi I and II, while other proctophyllodid genera have only 3 setae (ra, wa, la). Additionally, it was found that the fusion of epigynum with epimerites IIIa in females of Lamellodectes is incomplete, as in some representatives of the proctophyllodine genera AnisophyllodesAtyeo, 1967 and ArmophyllodesMironov and Bermúdez, 2018 that gives evidence this character state has been independently developed in this genus. Herein, the genus Lamellodectes is provided with renewed diagnosis and transferred to the subfamily Proctophyllodinae; one new species, Lamellodectes favus Mironov sp. n., is described from Premnoplex brunnescens (Sclater, PL, 1856) (Passeriformes: Furnariidae) in Costa Rica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mites are the allergens most implicated in the etiology of allergic respiratory diseases. They are frequent in humid and warm areas and are usually found in household dust. The objective of this work is to report the presence of a new species of domestic mite in Cuba found in the homes of the country's capital. The samples, consisting of mattress dust, were taken in the municipalities of Plaza and Habana del Este. The species Glycycometus malaysiensis (Fain & Nadchatram) was identified from a female and a nymph. The diagnostic characters and their allergenic importance are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host specificity is a fundamental life history trait of symbionts and exists on a broad continuum from symbionts that are specific to one or a few hosts (host specialists), to those associated with multiple different host species (host generalists). However, the biological mechanisms underlying the complexity and wide variation in symbiont host specificity are poorly understood from both the symbiont and host perspectives across many symbiotic systems.Feather mites are common avian symbionts that vary in their host specificity from extreme host generalists to host specialists, even among species within the same genus.Here, we measured and compared survival probability and rate of dispersal to determine how these traits differ between two species of feather mites in the same genus: one host generalist associated with 17 host species (Amerodectes ischyros) and one host specialist with only one known host (A. protonotaria).We initially predicted that the host generalist would live longer and disperse more rapidly but discovered that while the host generalist mite survived longer, the host specialist mite dispersed more quickly.The differing environmental and ecological conditions in which the hosts of these mites are associated may explain the survival and dispersal patterns we uncovered, as differential microclimates may have led to different selective pressures on each species of mite. We also noted mite behavioural observations and suggest experiments to extend our understanding of feather mite ecology and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a commercialized predatory mite that is used as a biological control agent against Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). Long-term feeding on alternative prey could impact the predatory capacity of N. californicus. Although most studies on the learning behavior of predatory mites have indicated that learning behavior could help them adapt from feeding on thrips (alternative prey) to spider mites (target prey), the role of learning behavior in adapting from feeding on astigmatid mites to spider mites has not been studied thus far. Therefore, this study explored the learning behavior of N. californicus in adapting from feeding on alternative prey (Oulenziella bakeri [Acari: Winterschmidtiidae]) to target mites (T. urticae). The attack latencies, prey preferences, and functional responses of female N. californicus were compared between two strains, N. californicus fed on T. urticae (TU) or O. bakeri (OB), and a learning behavior (LB) treatment. The results showed that the attack latency of OB strain was significantly longer than those of TU strain and LB treatment; OB strain did not show obvious prey preference between protonymphs of T. urticae and O. bakeri; and the functional response among TU, OB, and LB-treated strains were not significantly different. Our results demonstrated that long-term feeding on alternative prey had little effect on the predatory ability of N. californicus. To a certain extent, learning behavior can help N. californicus shift from feeding on alternative prey to target prey. Therefore, in the long run, it is reasonable to rear N. californicus on O. bakeri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of ectosymbiotic feather mites on avian host fitness and factors driving the variation in mite infestation levels, such as host mating and brood care system, are poorly understood. We investigated patterns of feather mite prevalence and abundance, and relationships between infestation and body condition in breeding Aquatic Warblers Acrocephalus paludicola , a promiscuous songbird with female-only parental care. In plumage, the dominant mite species was Trouessartia bifurcata, whose prevalence more than doubled during the breeding season, to reach 95% (95% confidence limits 71-99) during the second-brood period. Approximately 5% of birds were co-infested with Proctophyllodes cf. clavatus . While mite prevalence did not differ between sexes, mite abundance was significantly greater in Aquatic Warbler females than in males, and it increased between the first- and the second-brood period irrespective of sex. No significant relationship was found between mite prevalence or abundance and host condition expressed as mass scaled to size. However, in breeding females, this relationship could be confounded by the effects of nest-dwelling ectoparasites present in some nests but only sporadically if at all detected on adult birds; 2% of adult birds were heavily infested with the hematophagous mite Dermanyssus hirundinis (Mesostigmata). Our findings indicate that the mating system may affect symbiont variability between and within host species. The high prevalence of feather mites on adult birds at the late stage of the breeding season supports the hypothesis that promiscuous species have high infestation levels. Greater mite loads on Aquatic Warbler females than males reveal a different pattern from previously studied birds. However, we did not identify any consequences of mite infestation for the female body condition or current breeding success; hence, the apparently commensal relationship does not imply costs of female promiscuity., Competing Interests: None., (© 2024 The Authors.)

The opisthonotal glands of Astigmata contain monoterpenes, aromatics, aliphatics, and other volatile compounds; some of these compounds act as pheromones and have antifungal effects. This study analyzed volatile compounds secreted by mites on three traditional mite-ripened cheeses from producers (Milbenkäse from Germany, Mimolette and Artisou from France). The mites obtained from various traditional ripened French cheeses (Mimolette, Laguiole, Salers, and Cantal vieux) from stores were also investigated. The gas chromatography (GC) profiles of all their hexane extracts, except the Cantal vieux one, showed almost no differences and were identical to that of Tyrolichus casei Oudemans except for trace components. Based on the GC results, the mites of Cantal vieux were identified as Acarus siro L. For the Artisou and Cantal vieux, not studied before, the influence of the mite secretions on their characteristics was investigated by analyzing the headspace volatiles from the cheeses. According to the results, neral secreted from T. casei is the main compound responsible for the lemon-like flavor of the mite-ripened cheeses, which is, hence, due to a component of the mite secretions rather than the fermentation of the cheese itself. Moreover, the compounds secreted by the mites are not directly added to the cheese through ripening as they were not detected in the odors of the Artisou and Cantal vieux after the mites were removed. However, the consumers of the Artisou usually eat also the cheese rind, and thus, can enjoy its lemon-like flavor fully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new feather mite species of the genus Trouessartia Canestrini, 1899 (Analgoidea: Trouessartiidae) is described from Myiophobus fasciatus (Statius Muller, 1776) (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) in Brazil. Trouessartia apodematasp. nov. differs from previously described species of the genus by the unique arrangement of epimerites around the genital apparatus in males, with the lateral tips of the epiandrum fused with epimerites IIIa anterior to the genital apparatus and epimerites IVa fused at their inner tips into a large arch posterior to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether the mites used in the ripening process of traditional cheeses are genetically unique to cheese factories, we investigated mites from three types of traditional cheeses, that use mites in the ripening process: 'Würchwitzer Milbenkäse' from Germany and 'Mimolette' and 'Artisou' from France. In addition, traditional ripened cheeses were purchased from cheese specialty stores in France (Mimolette) and Japan ('Laguiole' from France) as well as stores in temporary markets in France ('Salers' and 'Cantal vieux') and the mites obtained from those cheeses were analyzed in this study. Partial sequences of the 28S rRNA gene (28S) were determined and used to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree. Tyrolichus casei, the dominant cheese mite species from the ripening cabinets of three traditional cheese producers and two cheese specialty stores in France and Japan, had identical partial 28S sequences. All specimens from Cantal vieux from a store in the temporary market in France had an identical sequence with Acarus siro and Acarus immobilis in the determined region of the 28S sequences. Mite individuals from Salers from a store in the temporary markets in France shared the same haplotype as Acotyledon paradoxa. For the T. casei individuals from five different localities (19 individuals in total), the nuclear loci were obtained using MIG-seq. More than several thousand genomic regions are amplified simultaneously by multiplex PCR, and targeting regions surrounded by inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) in the genome were sequenced using the MiSeq system (Illumina). SNPs extracted from this genome-wide analysis showed that no genetic structure existed in the populations from any region. Among the five samples from the three regions, which were more than 500 km apart and from completely different environments, the mites had no geographic bias, but all mite individuals were genetically nearly identical. Thus, we found no evidence to support the existence of 'cheese factory-specific' T. casei mites, at least in terms of genetic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European robins (Erithacus rubecula) were mist netted and assessed for wing feather mite infestations in north‐east Nottinghamshire, England from June 1998 until March 2014. We analysed records of 899 first capture birds using three measures of infestation: prevalence of mites (% showing evidence of infestation), number of wing feathers infested with mites on one wing (NIWF), and the total mite infestation score (TOTMIS). The latter is the sum of scores (range 0–4) allocated to each of the 19 flight feathers on the assessed wing. The overall prevalence of infestation was 90.9% (95% confidence limits = 88.19–93.02), and average NIWFs and TOTMIS (±sem) were 6.0 ± 0.15 and 6.5 ± 0.23, respectively. All three measures varied significantly between age classes of birds, but not between the sexes, and varied markedly between months of the year. TOTMIS values were highest in late winter/early spring months and then dropped markedly in May to a low in summer months (usually by August), the dip in abundance of mites coinciding with the breeding season of robins. The best mixed‐effects generalised statistical model was one that comprised month of capture and age of birds but there was also a highly significant negative correlation between TOTMIS values of individual birds and the mean monthly ambient temperature in the month of capture as well as that of the preceding month. The most parsimonious interpretation of our data is that the highly consistent dip in mite abundance on adult robins from spring to summer months reflects vertical transmission of mites to their nestlings/fledgelings. These results are discussed in the context of the biology of both hosts and mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This has several implications: First, it could be that survey of feather mite abundance on individual birds are systematically underestimated because the most common method of assessment consists of counting mites on wing and tail feathers during the daytime. Most importantly, these back-of-the-envelope calculations showed that while bacteria, fungi, and feather mites are microscopic, feather mites can daily clean feathers at a macroscopic scale. This potential need for filling the ventriculus every night poses the scenario of feather mites being sensitive to food shortages, and therefore population dynamics of feather mites being (at least partly) bottom-up regulated by food resources found on feathers. Keywords: Astigmata; host-symbiont; nocturnal; Proctophyllodes; pterosphere; Trouessartia EN Astigmata host-symbiont nocturnal Proctophyllodes pterosphere Trouessartia 1 5 5 01/05/22 20220101 NES 220101 Birds host a vast diversity of feather symbionts of different kingdoms, including animals (e.g., lice, mites), fungi, and bacteria. [Extracted from the article]

The present list contains data on type material of 109 mite species (Acaridida and Prostigmata) from Bulgaria (species, described by I. Vassilev, M. Kolebinova, P. Beron) and many foreign countries: Greece, Suriname, the Netherlands, New Guinea, Cuba, Mexico, Chile, USA, Canada, Madagascar, Gaboon, Liberia, Nigeria, Uganda, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Morocco, Tunisia, Malaysia, Burma, Thailand, China, and the Philippines (species, described by M. Kolebinova, P. Beron, F. Lukoschus, A. Fain, C. Welbourn, F. Dusbábek, K. Samšinák, K. R. Orwig, W. Atyeo and other authors). The type material housed in the National Museum of Natural History, Sofia includes species from the families Acaridae, Glycyphagidae, Canestriniidae, Proctophyllodidae, Trouessartiidae, Syringobiidae, Dermationidae, Ereynetidae, Cytoditidae, Myocoptidae, Chirodiscidae, Gastronyssidae, Myobiidae, Ophioptidae, Demodicidae, Smarididae, Erythraeidae, Neotrombidiidae, Eutrombidiidae, Trombiculidae, Leeuwenhoekiidae, Walchiidae, and Vatacaridae. All Bulgarian and foreign acarologists are kindly invited to submit type specimens under their care in the collections of the National Museum of Natural History in Sofia. This material will be properly housed and well used.

Three new feather mite species of the Nycteridocaulus generic group (Proctophyllodidae: Proctophyllodinae) are described from passerines in Panama: Atrichophyllodes myrmotherulaesp. n. from the Slaty Antwren, Myrmotherula schisticolor (Lawrence) (Thamnophilidae), Nycteridocaulus apanaskevichi sp. n. from the Grey-breasted Wood Wren, Henicorhina leucophrys (Tschudi) (Troglodytidae), and N. empidonicussp. n. from the Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens Lawrence (Tyrannidae). Nycteridocaulus apanaskevichi, presenting the second record of the genus from a host of oscine passerines, differs from N. guaratubensis Hernandes, 2014 in having the anterolateral extensions of the prodorsal shield rounded and the hysteronotal shield lacking any ornamentation. Males of N. empidonicus differ from N. myiobius Mironov, 2017 in having the supranal concavity open posteriorly and tarsus IV with rounded apical process; and females are distinguished by macrosetae h2 having long filiform apices. Males of A. myrmotherulae most clearly differ from A. mentalis Hernandes et al. 2007 in having the terminal lamellae rectangular and tarsus IV with triangular ventral process, and females are distinguished in having a noticeably longer idiosoma, 400–430 μm long. Comments on systematics and host associations of the genera Atrichophyllodes and Nycteridocaulus are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven species and four undetermined feather mites are reported from various birds in Piracicaba, Brazil: Dermoglyphus elongatus Mégnin, 1877 (Dermoglyphidae) ex Gallus gallus domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) “chicken” (Phasianidae), Mesosathes tetrasetosus (Novaes, 1953) (Crypturoptidae) and Neumannella astacus Dabert & Skoracki, 2004 (Dermoglyphidae) ex Crypturellus tataupa (Temminck, 1815) “tataupa tinamou” (Tinamidae), Piciformobia ani (Černý, 1915) (Gabuciniidae) ex Crotophaga ani Linnaeus, 1758 “smooth-billed ani” (Cuculidae), Piciformobia guirae Alzuet, Cicchino & Abrahamovich, 1988 (Gabuciniidae) ex Guira guira (Gmelin, 1788) “guira cuckoo” (Cuculidae), Proctophyllodes thraupis Atyeo & Braasch, 1966 (Proctophyllodidae) ex Thraupis sayaca (Linnaeus, 1766) “sayaca tanager” (Thraupidae), Proctophyllodes troncatus Robin, 1877 ex Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) “house sparrow” (Passeridae); and undetermined species of the genera: Amerodectes sp. (Proctophyllodidae), Mesalgoides sp. (Psoroptoididae), and Trouessartia sp. (Trouessartiidae) ex Arundinicola leucocephala (Linnaeus, 1764) “white-headed marsh tyrant” (Tyrannidae), and Analges sp. (Analgidae) ex Euphonia chlorotica (Linnaeus, 1766) “purple-throated euphonia” (Fringillidae). Four of them are recorded for the first time in Brazil: D. elongatus, Pi. ani, Pr. thraupis, and Pr. troncatus.

Tyrophagus neiswanderi (Johnston & Bruce 1965) generally lives in stored products as saprophyte and on dead bodies of arthropods living in the soil, organic fertilizers, mushroom houses, greenhouses, algae and plant scraps. In this study, however, it was observed in roots and shoots of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) plants originated from greenhouse commercial crop in 2016-2017, in cultivated areas around Antalya, Turkey. This is the first record of T. neiswanderi occurring in spinach plants under greenhouse conditions in Antalya, Turkey.

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]

Due to social demands with regard to sustainability and ecological considerations, an aim of current research in short‐rotation coppices (SRC) is to find effective candidates for biological control of pest species. The great red poplar leaf beetle, Chrysomela populi L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is one of the most harmful pests in the SRC. The endoparasitic mite Linobia coccinellae (Scopoli) (Acari: Astigmata, Hemisarcoptidae) lives under the elytra of C. populi and feeds on the beetles' hemolymph. The population dynamics of the mites and their impact on the fecundity and longevity of female beetles were examined in two experiments. To study the occurrence of the mites, beetles were collected from two poplar SRC sites in Germany on three dates. Infestation rates of collected male and female C. populi individuals increased over the course of the year and reached 78–97% in the last survey. Females were parasitized more often than males at any time. For the second part of the study, beetles were reared under laboratory conditions to study the development of the mites and their impact on the hosts. For this purpose, half of the females were actively seeded with five adult females of L. coccinellae and the other half was used as a control. There was no significant impact on longevity or reproductive traits of the beetles. Despite the high rates of infestation, it appears that the mites do not have a serious effect on female beetles. Thus L. coccinellae, by itself, is not an effective biological control agent against C. populi. However, it remains to be investigated whether the mites increase the beetles' susceptibility to other biotic and abiotic factors, and so may contribute to an integrated pest management regime with multiple antagonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypopi of Lardoglyphus zacheriOudemans, 1927 were found attached to larder beetles (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) colonising experimental pig carcasses in the Parque Natural Aiako Harria, Errenteria, Gipuzkoa, northern Spain. Five pig carcasses were used for a study of arthropod colonisation during the decomposition process, and the experiment lasted 88 days (from July to October 2010). Hypopi were found when the carcasses commenced reduction to dried remains, on day 29 (August 24), and were attached to Dermestes frischi Kugelann, 1792 and to D. undulatus Brahm, 1790, all collected on the same carcass (carcass 3, C3). No more lardoglyphid mites were detected from August 29 to the last day of sampling, October 22 2010. This is the first record of Lardoglyphus hypopi on D. undulatus and of L. zacheri from the Iberian Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two common species of house dust mites (HDMs), Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus, are major sources of allergens in human dwellings worldwide. Many allergens from HDMs have been described, but their extracts vary in immunogens. Mite strains may differ in their microbiomes, which affect mite allergen expression and contents of bacterial endotoxins. Some bacteria, such as the intracellular symbiont Cardinium, can affect both the sex ratio and biochemical pathways of mites, resulting in abundance variations of mite allergens/immunogens. Here, we investigated the bacterial microbiomes of D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus males and females using barcode 16S rDNA sequencing, qPCR, and genomic data analysis. We found a single species of Cardinium associated with D. farinae strains from the USA, China and Europe. Cardinium had high abundance relative to other bacterial taxa and represented 99% of all bacterial DNA reads from female mites from the USA. Cardinium was also abundant with respect to the number of host cells—we estimated 10.4–11.8 cells of Cardinium per single female mite cell. In a European D. farinae strain, Cardinium was more prevalent in females than in males (representing 92 and 67% of all bacterial taxa in females and males, respectively). In contrast, D. pteronyssinus lacked any Cardinium species, and the microbiomes of male and female mites were similar. We produced a Cardinium genome assembly (1.48 Mb; GenBank: PRJNA555788, GCA_007559345.1) associated with D. farinae. The ascertained ubiquity and abundance of Cardinium strongly suggest that this intracellular bacterium plays an important biological role in D. farinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of the feather mite genus Mesalgoides (Acariformes: Psoroptoididae: Pandalurinae) are described from passerine birds (Passeriformes) in China: Mesalgoides morrisoniasp. nov. from Alcippe morrisonia Swinhoe (Leiothrichidae), M. vinaceasp. nov. from Carpodacus vinaceus Verreaux (Fringillidae), M. flammicepissp. nov. from Cephalopyrus flammiceps (Burton) (Paridae), and M. erythacasp. nov. from Pyrrhula erythaca Blyth (Fringillidae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes trap and digest invertebrate prey to supplement their nutrient requirements using fluid‐containing, modified leaves known as 'pitchers'. Pitchers are habitats to many aquatic metazoan and microbial species known as 'inquilines'. Mites (Histiostomatidae) are a common but poorly studied inquiline taxon – little is known of their life cycles and their interactions with other inquiline taxa. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate interspecific interactions between inquiline Creutzeria mites, microbes and Endonepenthia schuitemakeri (Diptera: Phoridae) (2) quantify the net nutritional benefit of Creutzeria mites and other inquilines on Nepenthes gracilis nitrogen sequestration and (3) determine if E. schuitemakeri can act as dispersal agents for Creutzeria mites. In the first part of the study, Creutzeria mites were reared in vitro under simulated pitcher conditions for varying lengths of time. Their populations were found to increase exponentially with time, peaking 24.2 days into the experiment and decreasing thereafter. In the second experiment, in vitro experiments were established with different combinations of E. schuitemakeri larvae, ant prey biomass, ant prey species and Creutzeria mite addition. Mite population, fluid microbe density and total pitcher‐available nitrogen were measured at the end of 24 days as determined in the first part of the study. Confirmatory path analyses suggested that Creutzeria mites competed with microbes for prey resources (negative effect of microbe density on mite population) were not facilitated by E. schuitemakeri (no effect of E. schuitemakeri on mite population) and had a neutral to negative effect on pitcher nutrient sequestration (weak negative effect of mite population on pitcher‐available nitrogen). However, Creutzeria deutonymphs could not be found on any of the E. schuitemakeri adults emerged during the experiments, suggesting these utilize other inquiline species as dispersal agents, or require environmental/stress trigger factors to form deutonymphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new feather mite species, Mycterialgesboycianae sp. nov. (Xolalgidae), was identified from the Oriental Stork, Ciconiaboyciana Swinhoe, 1873, in Korea. Males of M.boycianae sp. nov. are distinguished from Mycterialgesmesomorphus Gaud & Atyeo, 1981, in having a single triangular prodorsal shield, sinuous margins of the opisthosoma located between setae e 2 and h 2 on the hysteronotal shield, an oval-shaped epiandrum without posterior extensions, a shorter tibia + tarsus IV than femoragenu IV, and an absent ambulacral disc of leg IV. Females differ in having a prodorsal shield with a posterior margin that is blunt-angular, and a concave posterior margin of the hysteronotal shield with posterior extensions. This study presents the first record of the feather mite genus Mycterialges in birds of the genus Ciconia (Ciconiidae). Additionally, we determined the phylogenetic relationship among Ingrassiinae using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit (COI)., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Jeong Hun Shim, Yeong-Deok Han, Sukyung Kim, Dongsoo Ha, Yongun Shin, Soo Hyung Eo.)

In this study an attempt is made to highlight important variables shaping the current bioclimatic niche of a number of mite species associated with the infestation of stored products by employing a species distribution modeling (SDM) approach. Using the ENVIREM dataset of bioclimatic variables, performance of the most robust models was mostly influenced by: 1) indices based on potential evapotranspiration, which characterize ambient energy and are mostly correlated with temperature variables, moisture regimes, and 2) strong fluctuations in temperature reflecting the severity of climate and/or extreme weather events. Although the considered mite species occupy man-made ecosystems, they remain more or less affected by the surrounding bioclimatic environment and therefore could be subjected to contemporary climate change. In this respect investigations are needed to see how this will affect future management targets concerning the safety of food storages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River islands are a natural element of fluvial river systems. They are the refuge of many species of plants and animals and of unchanged ecological systems. Due to their spatial isolation, river islands are good places to observe colonization processes of both flora and fauna (biota). The goal of our research was to observe the development of soil mite communities colonizing the river island. Mite communities on river islands are dominated by eurytopic species, which are r‐strategists, reproduce parthenogenetically, and can be dispersed either passively by the wind or actively by phoresis on insects, small mammals, or birds. The main factors limiting the diversity of acarofauna on river islands are floods (and the resulting soil moisture content of the environment) and spatial isolation. The fertility of the habitat (content of humus) is of less importance. The results of our research indicate that Oribatida are the most sensitive to frequent flooding and high soil moisture, and they were the least effective in colonizing the island. Among the species resistant to the above‐mentioned limiting factors were Cheiroseius borealis, Cheiroseius bryophillus, Cheiroseius curtipes, Liochthonius lapponicus, Punctoribates punctum, Arctoseius cetratus, Parasitus beta, Ameroseius corbicula, Oribatula tibialis, Tectocepheus velatus, and representatives of Acarididae, Pygmephoridae, Stigmeidae, and Tarsonemidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four feather mites – Analges spiniger Giebel, 1871 (Analgidae), Pandionacarus fuscus (Nitzsch, 1818), Zachvatkinia issykkulica Chirov, 1978 (Avenzoariidae), and Proctophyllodes sylviae Gaud, 1957 (Proctophyllodidae) – are reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Males and females of A. spiniger and Pr. sylviae were collected from the blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla dammholzi Stresemann, 1928 (Passeriformes), while Z. issykkulica and P. fuscus specimens were collected from the Saunders's tern, Sternula saundersi (Hume, 1877) (Charadriiformes) and the osprey, Pandion haliaetus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Accipitriformes), respectively. The families Analgidae and Proctophyllodidae, as well as the genus Pandionacarus, are new to this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new feather mite species of the genus MicrospalaxMégnin & Trouessart, 1884 (Alloptidae: Microspalacinae) is described from the Atlantic petrel, Pterodroma incerta (Schlegel, 1863), in Brazil. Males of M. atlanticus sp. nov. differ from M. pterodromaeDubinin, 1949 mostly by the wider opisthogastric shields and setae ps3 inserted at posterior third of that shield. This is the first representative of the genus described from Brazil, and the first feather mite described from a procellariiform bird in the country. A key to males of Microspalax species is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summaries of taxonomic knowledge are provided for all acarine groups in Canada, accompanied by references to relevant publications, changes in classification at the family level since 1979, and notes on biology relevant to estimating their diversity. Nearly 3000 described species from 269 families are recorded in the country, representing a 56% increase from the 1917 species reported by Lindquist et al. (1979). An additional 42 families are known from Canada only from material identified to family- or genus-level. Of the total 311 families known in Canada, 69 are newly recorded since 1979, excluding apparent new records due solely to classification changes. This substantial progress is most evident in Oribatida and Hydrachnidia, for which many regional checklists and family-level revisions have been published. Except for recent taxonomic leaps in a few other groups, particularly of symbiotic mites (Astigmata: feather mites; Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae), knowledge remains limited for most other taxa, for which most species records are unpublished and may require verification. Taxonomic revisions are greatly needed for a large majority of families in Canada. Based in part on species recorded in adjacent areas of the USA and on hosts known to be present here, we conservatively estimate that nearly 10,000 species of mites occur in Canada, but the actual number could be 15,000 or more. This means that at least 70% of Canada's mite fauna is yet unrecorded. Much work also remains to match existing molecular data with species names, as less than 10% of the ~7500 Barcode Index Numbers for Canadian mites in the Barcode of Life Database are associated with named species. Understudied hosts and terrestrial and aquatic habitats require investigation across Canada to uncover new species and to clarify geographic and ecological distributions of known species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]