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Several species of ectoparasites, including chewing lice and mites are closely associated with their hosts. The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is globally listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and its population has been steadily declining in recent decades suggesting a potential extinction of associated entomofauna. The purpose of this study was to record the species of ectoparasites infesting three individuals of Andean condor found dead in the 'Páramo del Almorzadero' Santander Department, Northeastern Colombia. One juvenile (male) and two adults (male and female) Andean condors received for necropsy were carefully examined for ectoparasite infestation. Specimens were collected and preserved in ethanol (70%) for taxonomic studies. Morphologic identification and morphometric records were made under light microscopy. Some specimens were also prepared for scanning electron microscopy and others were subjected to DNA extraction to amplify and obtain sequences of the cytochrome‐C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for phylogenetic analyses. Lice were collected from the juvenile condor and the adult female and identified as Falcolipeurus assesor (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) in the juvenile condor (8 females, 19 males and 8 nymphs) and the adult (1 female); Colpocephalum trichosum (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in the juvenile (19 females, 24 males and 1 nymph) and the adult (2 females, 2 males and 3 nymphs); and Cuculiphilus zonatus (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in the juvenile (40 females, 43 males and 15 nymphs) and the adult (1 male and 2 nymphs). Moreover, one mite collected from the juvenile condor was identified as Ancyralges cathartinus (Acari: Astigmata) (1 female). Morphometric data was obtained for the adult stages of F. assesor (6 females and 13 males), C. trichosum (9 females and 9 males) and C. zonatus (10 females and 10 males). We obtained the first DNA sequences of COI for F. assessor, and C. trichosum, where phylogenetic tree analysis showed that F. assessor is more closely related to Falcolipeurus marginalis, and C. trichosum to Colpocephalum kelloggi. This represents the first record of parasites in Andean condor from Colombia and contributes to the knowledge of chewing lice and mites associated with an endemic and endangered bird species. Further studies on Andean condor ectoparasites should be focused on documenting host–parasite interactions and potential health impacts in these wild birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hard ticks are ectoparasites and vectors of many pathogens. Studies on hard ticks in cattle have rarely been conducted in northeastern Algeria. This study aimed to estimate the infestation rate, distribution, and biological diversity of hard tick species infesting 122 cattle in Mila, Jijel, and Guelma (northeastern Algeria) provinces during the summer of 2019. A total of 1,927 ticks belonging to two hard tick genera (Rhipicephalus; 85.83%, Hyalomma; 14.17%) and nine species were collected. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (54.5%) and Rhipicephalus bursa (28.18%) were widespread in northeastern Algeria. Several species were reported for the first time in the regions studied. In addition, the intensity of tick infestation did not vary according to breed, sex and age of cattle. The information gathered could help develop more effective tick control programmes in these regions. Further studies are needed in other regions of Algeria to generate a comprehensive national tick database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Eutetranychus banksi (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) is an invasive spider mite native to the Americas. In 2013 it invaded the main citrus‐growing area in Spain producing significant damage and requiring chemical treatments. This work examines its population structure, spatial distribution and presents a sampling plan, which will assist in developing an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. RESULTS: There were differences in the population structure on fruits and leaves, as well as between leaves from different flushes with fluctuations over time correlated with variations in sex ratio. No differences in aggregation at the different plant strata were found; however, immature stages showed a higher aggregation than adults, with females being the sex with the lowest aggregation. There was a high correlation between E. banksi motile forms and adult females with the total population, thus both were used as reference stages to develop sampling plans. We recommend binomial sampling of 100 leaves for female monitoring, sampling two leaves per tree on 25 trees per transect regularly spaced along two diagonal transects, the first oriented northeast to southwest and the second northwest to southeast. To be more accurate, it is possible to survey the presence/absence of motile forms. In this case, four leaves per tree in 50 trees per transect should be monitored. CONCLUSION: This study has resulted in the first sampling plan for E. banksi, one of the most damaging citrus mite species described so far. The binomial sampling plan involves monitoring reference developmental stages, as well as a reasonable sample size that makes it applicable in field sampling for decisions making based on a future intervention threshold. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reliable phylogeny is crucial for understanding the evolution and radiation of animal taxa. Phylogenies based on morphological data may be misleading due to frequent convergent evolution of traits—a problem from which molecular phylogenies suffer less. This may be particularly relevant in oribatid mites, an ancient soil animal taxon with more than 11,000 species, where the classification of species into high-ranking taxa such as superfamilies is equivocal. Here, we present a molecular phylogeny of 317 oribatid, 4 astigmatid and 17 endeostigmatid mite species/taxa based on 18S rDNA sequences. We aimed at testing the validity of the 41 superfamilies of oribatid mites recognized by Norton and Behan-Pelletier (in Krantz and Walter, A manual of Acarology, 3rd ed., Texas Technical University Press, Lubbock, 2009). The results indicate that 17 of the 41 oribatid mite superfamilies are monophyletic but that 18 superfamilies are paraphyletic or polyphyletic (5 superfamilies were only included with one species and Microzetoidea were not included). Our findings point to the importance of convergent evolution in polyphyletic oribatid mite taxa. Convergent evolution and the old age of mites likely resulted in a mosaic-like distribution of morphological characters impeding phylogenetic reconstructions based on morphology, calling for molecular approaches to improve oribatid mite systematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heritable endosymbionts widely occur in arthropod and nematode hosts. Among these endosymbionts, Wolbachia has been extensively detected in many arthropods, such as insects and crustaceans. Maternal inheritance is the most basic and dominant mode of transmission of Wolbachia, and it might regulate the reproductive system of the host in four ways: feminization, parthenogenesis, male killing, and cytoplasmic incompatibility. There is a relatively high percentage (10%) of thelytokous species in Oribatida, a suborder under the subclass Acari of arthropods, but the study of the endosymbionts in oribatid mites is almost negligible. In this paper, we detected endosymbiotic bacteria in two parthenogenetic oribatid species, Nothrus anauniensis Canestrini and Fanzago, 1877, which has never been tested for endosymbionts, and Oppiella nova, in which Wolbachia and Cardinium have been reported before. The results showed that Wolbachia was first found in N. anauniensis with an infection rate of 100% across three populations. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Wolbachia in N. anauniensis belonged to the supergroup K, marking the second supergroup of Wolbachia found in oribatid mites. Unlike previous studies, our study did not detect Wolbachia in O. nova, leading to the exclusion of Wolbachia's role in mediating thelytoky in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Eustigmaeus Berlese, 1910 represents the unique phytophagous group within the superfamily Raphignathoidea. Four species within this genus have been known to inhabit mosses and feed on them as larvae, nymphs, and adults. However, the interactions with mosses have remained poorly understood. In order to reveal the diversity and host-plant use of the moss-feeding species, we conducted an extensive field study in Japan. This study revealed an array of moss-feeding species inhabiting various moss species, with 10 morphologically distinctive species newly documented in Japan. Through DNA barcoding based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences, these morphospecies were recovered as distinct entities. Notably, the host-plant use of four species was elucidated. Among these, Eustigmaeus sp. 9 exhibited polyphagy, while three species (Eustigmaeus spp. 1–3) demonstrated varying degrees of host specificity, each using moss species from the Hypnales, Philonotis, and Dicranidae, respectively. While a few moss-feeding species were frequently found in the same geographic area, more than one species rarely co-occurred within the same moss colonies. Eustigmaeus offers a unique study system, with its diverse moss-feeding species and indications of specific host plant use. Consequently, the moss-feeding Eustigmaeus serves as a valuable model for exploring the macroevolutionary patterns underlying diversification in moss-feeding arthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Here, we investigated the molecular genetic basis of mite domatia, structures on the underside of leaves that house mutualistic mites, and intraspecific variation in domatia size in Vitis riparia (riverbank grape). Domatia and leaf traits were measured, and the transcriptomes of mite domatia from two genotypes of V. riparia with distinct domatia sizes were sequenced to investigate the molecular genetic pathways that regulate domatia development and intraspecific variation in domatia traits. Key trichome regulators as well as auxin and jasmonic acid are involved in domatia development. Genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis, biotic interactions, and molecule transport/metabolism are upregulated in domatia, consistent with their role in domatia development and function. This work is one of the first to date that provides insight into the molecular genetic bases of mite domatia. We identified key genetic pathways involved in domatia development and function, and uncovered unexpected pathways that provide an avenue for future investigation. We also found that intraspecific variation in domatia size in V. riparia seems to be driven by differences in overall leaf development between genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) constitute a class of class II transposable elements (TEs) that are abundant in plant genomes, playing a crucial role in their evolution and diversity. Barley (Hordeum vulgare), the fourth-most important cereal crop globally, is widely used for brewing, animal feed, and human consumption. However, despite their significance, the mechanisms underlying the insertion or amplification of MITEs and their contributions to barley genome evolution and diversity remain poorly understood. Through our comprehensive analysis, we identified 32,258 full-length MITEs belonging to 2,992 distinct families, accounting for approximately 0.17% of the barley genome. These MITE families can be grouped into four well-known superfamilies (Tc1/Mariner-like , PIF/Harbinger-like , hAT-like , and Mutator-like) and one unidentified superfamily. Notably, we observed two major expansion events in the barley MITE population, occurring approximately 12-13 million years ago (Mya) and 2-3 Mya. Our investigation revealed a strong preference of MITEs for gene-related regions, particularly in promoters, suggesting their potential involvement in regulating host gene expression. Additionally, we discovered that 7.73% miRNAs are derived from MITEs, thereby influencing the origin of certain miRNAs and potentially exerting a significant impact on post-transcriptional gene expression control. Evolutionary analysis demonstrated that MITEs exhibit lower conservation compared to genes, consistent with their dynamic mobility. We also identified a series of MITE insertions or deletions associated with domestication, highlighting these regions as promising targets for crop improvement strategies. These findings significantly advance our understanding of the fundamental characteristics and evolutionary patterns of MITEs in the barley genome. Moreover, they contribute to our knowledge of gene regulatory networks and provide valuable insights for crop improvement endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Otopheidomenidae include 30 species of parasites of insects. These mites occur in areas with warm and hot climates. The only exception is Hemipteroseius adleri, the distribution of which reaches the central European region, which is characterised by a moderate climate with below-zero temperatures in winter. In Europe, H. adleri only parasitises the red firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus). Field observations indicate that only fertilised females of H. adleri survive winter conditions. The aim of the study therefore was to evaluate the impact of air temperature on the development and survival of H. adleri. A research model was established involving mites parasitising red firebugs in laboratory conditions at 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C. After oviposition, no egg development was possible at 15 °C. Egg development began at 20 °C, however the egg-to-adult period lasted for 13 days and larval mortality was significantly higher at this temperature than at 25 and 30 °C. At the latter tem temperatures, mites matured fastest (five and four days, respectively). The net reproductive rate (R0) was 10.8, the mean generation time was (T) 14.4 (SD = 0.273), the intrinsic rate of population increase (rm) was 0.165 (SD = 0.003), and the finite rate of population increase (λ) was 1.12. At 25 °C, H. adleri required 4.2 days to double its population. The results indicate that the thermal conditions prevailing in early spring in central Europe are highly unfavourable for the effective reproduction of H. adleri. The presence of northern populations of this mite is discussed in the context of behavioural thermoregulation mechanisms adapted by its host, P. apterus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid is an alternative treatment to hard chemicals against Varroa destructor, the parasitic mite of the Western honey bee Apis mellifera. This soft acaricide is used only for small apiaries due to its laborious administration. However, the mode of action of this honey bee medication remains unknown. Previous studies showed that a direct contact between the arolia of V. destructor and lactic acid altered their morphology and led to an impairment of grip. Yet, there is no evidence for the way of action of lactic acid in a realistic in-hive scenario, i.e. after an indirect exposure of the mite through honey bees. We investigated the nature of lactic acid activity in the hive treatment context. The local and/or systemic way of action of this honey bee treatment against V. destructor was studied through a behavioural and toxicological approach at the individual level. On one hand, we confirmed the altered morphology for the arolia of mites and studied the evolution of the process over time. On the other hand, we found that haemolymph contaminated with lactic acid did not kill the feeding parasitic mite. These findings support a local mode of action. In order to unravel the sequence of events leading to the local contact between the acid and the mite on bees, we also documented the olfactory valence of lactic acid for A. mellifera and V. destructor. This work provides a new comprehension of lactic acid activity against the parasitic mite through honey bee exposure and gives new opportunities for control strategies against V. destructor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the ocular and systemic pharmacokinetics of lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25%, following bilateral topical ocular administration of single and repeated doses in rabbits. Methods: Dutch-belted rabbits (n = 34) were administered lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25%, eye drops, either in a single bilateral dose (Group 1) or twice a day bilaterally for 7 days and once on Day 8 (Group 2). The pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution levels of lotilaner were assessed following the single dose in Group 1 and the last dose in Group 2. The drug levels were examined in various ocular tissues and whole blood. The maximal concentration of the drug (Cmax), time to maximal concentration, the terminal phase elimination half-life, the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC), and total clearance of the drug were determined. Results: In the eyelid margins, lotilaner exhibited the highest observed concentrations at 0.25 hour (h), presenting a mean Cmax of 14,600 ng/mL in Group 1 and 20,100 ng/mL in Group 2. The highest AUC was in the eyelid margin at 242,000 h×ng/mL in Group 1 and 535,000 h×ng/mL in Group 2. In the eyelid margin, the observed clearance rate (0.634 mL/h in single dose, 0.288 mL/h in repeat dose) was the slowest among all ocular tissues in both groups, with the longest half-life of 152 h (∼6.3 days) observed in the repeat dose group. Conclusions: Lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25%, demonstrated rapid ocular tissue absorption into the eyelid margin tissue with a long half-life of almost a week. No adverse effects were observed following topical ocular administration in Dutch-belted rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Sternoppia (Sternoppia) (Oribatida, Sternoppiidae)—S. (S.) venezuelaensissp. nov. and S. (S.) parareticulatasp. nov.—are described, based on materials collected from leaf litter in northern Venezuela. Sternoppia (Sternoppia) venezuelaensissp. nov. differs from the closely related species, S. (S.) sphaerodendron, by the morphology of the bothridial seta head, the length of the notogastral setae h2, h3, the presence of the notogastral seta c, number of the genital setae, and the distance between epimeral setae 3a. Sternoppia (Sternoppia) parareticulatasp. nov.differs from the closely related species, S. (S.) reticulata, by the body size, the morphology of the bothridial seta head, the location of the costulae, and the presence of the notogastral seta c. A new location and habitat for S. (S.) vicina are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brazilian Pampa is predominantly composed of native grasslands with riparian and thickets forest formations, with rich and little known biodiversity of fauna, flora and fungi. The objective of this study was to report phytoseiid species associated with Asteraceae plants from eight physiographic regions of the Pampa biome. Collections were carried out seasonally from November 2021 to August 2022. In each physiographic region, ten species of Asteraceae were collected, totalling 320 samples. Data analysis was mainly based on the relationship between mite and plant. A total of 228 mite specimens of Phytoseiidae were found, represented by 26 species within 12 genera and three subfamilies. Two new species, Amblyseius senecinisn. sp. and Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) bacchariaen. sp. are described and a key to species from the arizonicus group is provided. The most abundant species were Typhlodromalus aripo De Leon, followed by Euseius inouei (Ehara & Moraes), Phytoseius guianensis De Leon, Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) bacchariaen. sp. Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), N. tunus (De Leon) and Metaseiulus (Metaseiulus) eiko (El-Banhawy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new genera and one new species of Tegonotini (Acari: Eriophyoidea) from China are described and illustrated. They are Multispinacarus dimocarpigen. nov. & sp. nov. infesting Dimocarpus longan Lour. (Sapindaceae), Alvetegonotus calleryagen. nov. & sp. nov. infesting Callerya tsui (F. P. Metcalf) Z. Wei & Pedley. (Fabaceae), and Shevtchenkella sterculiaesp. nov. infesting Sterculia euosma W. W. Smith. (Malvaceae). These new species were found to be vagrants on the lower leaf surface of their associated plants, albeit with no apparent damage observed. The article corresponds to The new genera Multispinacarus Lian, Ren, Tan, Luo et Wang corresponds to The new genera Alvetegonotus Lian, Ren, Tan, Luo et Wang corresponds to The new species shevtchenkella sterculiae Lian, Ren, Tan, Luo & Wang, corresponds to [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]

Background and Aims: In deprived and poor communities worldwide, scabies remains an overlooked tropical disease. Numerous individual studies have been conducted in Ethiopia on this issue, demonstrating notable disparities and inconclusive findings. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to establish Ethiopia's pooled scabies prevalence and determinants among schoolchildren. Methods: Studies were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online through a systematic search. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool was employed to assess the quality of observational studies (cross‐sectional and case‐control). The meta‐analysis was performed using Stata software version 14 and its metan command. A forest plot was used with a random effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were employed to evaluate potential sources of heterogeneity. The funnel plot and Egger's test were used to evaluate publication bias, while heterogeneity was assessed using inverse variance (I2). Results: In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, 14.71% (733/5104) of schoolchildren had scabies, with a 95% CI of 8.90%−20.52%. The highest prevalence is recorded in the Amhara region (17.09%; 95% CI: 2.15–32.04), and the lower prevalence is seen in the Oromia region (12.52%; 95% CI: 10.08–14.95). Children sharing clothes with scabies cases, using common sleeping beds/fomites, having a family history of scabies, and having illiterate parents are significantly associated with scabies among Ethiopian schoolchildren (based on adjusted odds ratios: 7.07; 95% CI: 1.55–12.59, 2.13; 95% CI: 0.04–4.22, 1.45; 95% CI: 0.35–3.94, 1.42; 95% CI: 0.94–0.89). Conclusion: The current prevalence of scabies ranges from 12.52% to 17.09% and is higher in the Amhara region. The national policymakers and health planners should prioritize implementing prevention and control measures of scabies among schoolchildren through ivermectin‐based mass drug administration for three to five rounds annually until the prevalence is less than 2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objective Animals Materials and Methods Results Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Demodicosis is common in dogs and is caused by proliferation of commensal Demodex canis mites.To evaluate the efficacy of sarolaner in combination with moxidectin and pyrantel (SMP) for the treatment of generalised demodicosis in dogs.One hundred and thirty dogs with generalised demodicosis.In two separate randomised masked studies (laboratory and field studies), dogs received monthly oral SMP or afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime (AM). In the laboratory study, dogs received three monthly treatments with biweekly mite counts and clinical evaluations. In the field study, mite counts and clinical evaluations were performed monthly and treatments were administered until two consecutive skin scrapings were negative.Both products were tolerated well. In the laboratory study, mite counts for SMP were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced by 88.8% on Day (D)14, by 99.2% on D29, and no live mites were detected thereafter with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.96) between the two treatment groups. In the field study, SMP provided 92.4%, 98.1%, 100% and 100% reduction in arithmetic mean live mite counts on D30, D60, D90 and D120, and was non‐inferior to the control product on D30 and D60. Clinical signs of demodicosis improved in all dogs.Monthly administration of SMP was effective for the treatment of generalised demodicosis in dogs as it eliminated Demodex mites after two monthly treatments in the laboratory study, and at most after three monthly treatments in the field study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is severely impacted by the parasitic Tropilaelaps mercedesae mite, which has the capacity to outcompete Varroa destructor mites (the current leading cause of colony losses) and more rapidly overwhelm colonies. While T. mercedesae is native to Asia, it has recently expanded its geographic range and has the potential to devastate beekeeping worldwide if introduced to new regions. Our research exploited the dependence of T. mercedesae on developing honey bees (brood) by combining a cultural technique (brood break) with U.S. registered chemical products (oxalic acid or formic acid) to manage T. mercedesae infestation. To evaluate this approach, we compared four treatment groups: (1) Brood Break; (2) Brood Break + Formic Acid (FormicPro®); (3) Brood Break + Oxalic Acid dribble (Api-Bioxal®); and (4) untreated Control. We found that the mite infestation rate of worker brood in Control colonies rose from 0.4 to 15.25% over 60 days, whereas all other treatment groups had infestation rates under 0.11% on Day 60. Mite fall assessments showed similar results, whereby Control colonies had 15.48 mites fall per 24 h on day 60 compared to less than 0.2 mites for any other treatment group. Evaluation of colony strength revealed that Brood Break + Formic Acid colonies had slightly reduced adult honey bee populations. No treatment eliminated all mites, so additional measures may be needed to eradicate T. mercedesae if detected in countries that do not currently have T. mercedesae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This checklist of house dust mites (Acari: Trombidiformes, Sarcoptiformes) from Türkiye is based on published data and private collections. The species are listed alphabetically. In total, 33 dust mite species and their zoogeographical distributions are presented. This study represents the first checklist of house dust mite fauna in Türkiye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper records six species and five genera of mites in the family Laelapidae from soil in Punjab, Pakistan. Five species are recorded from Pakistan for the first time – Euandrolaelaps karawaiewi (Berlese, 1904), Gaeolaelaps minor (Costa, 1968), Gymnolaelaps kabitae Bhattacharyya, 1968, Ololaelaps translineatus (Barilo, 1991), and Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley, 1956). Cosmolaelaps lutosus sp. nov. is described as a new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory tests and semi-field evaluation were carried out to examine the acaricidal effect of four concentrations of diatomaceous earth (DE) and sulfur against four mites: Tetranychus urticae (Tetranychidae), Rhizoglyphus echinopus (Acaridae), Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acaridae), and Amblyseius swirskii (Phytoseiidae). Results revealed that mortality increased as both time and concentration increased. Tetranychus urticae was the most affected mite; LC50 values were 70.4 and 92.0 for immature and adult stages, respectively, after 7 days. For the LC50 concentrations examined, a significant decrease in the total number of immature and adult stages of all mites during seven days was noticed. Under semi-field conditions, the LC50s were calculated for (DE) and sulfur against T. urticae on cucumber plants. The reduction percentage of T. urticae was 66.67 and 50% for (DE) and sulfur, respectively, after seven days of application, with significant differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of cyflumetofen and clofentezine were evaluated on Tetranychus urticae Koch, under laboratory conditions. LC50 values of cyflumetofen and clofentezine against eggs were 0.8 µg a.i./mL and 0.42 µg a.i./mL, respectively. Sublethal effects of these compounds on the life table parameters of T. urticae were evaluated by exposing mites to LC50 and LC25 concentrations. The developmental time of male and female T. urticae were significantly affected by both acaricides. Moreover, exposure to LC25 and LC50 concentrations of cyflumetofen or clofentezine significantly reduced net reproductive rate (R0), finite rate of increase (λ), and intrinsic rate of increase (r). The LC25 and LC50 treatments showed strong effects on both survivorship, fecundity, and intrinsic rate of increase. Our findings indicated that lethal and sublethal exposure to cyflumetofen or clofentezine result in significant alteration of life-history characteristics of T. urticae. Our findings suggest that these acaricides are promising candidates for use in management programs of this major pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on 10 species of the genus Copidognathus Trouessart, 1888 collected from sand sediment habitats and macroalgae in Muğla and Antalya, located along the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Türkiye. Three species, C. cribosoma (Police, 1909), C. figeus Bartsch, 1976 and C. humerosus (Trouessart, 1896) are recorded from the Turkish coasts for the first time, extending their known distribution to the Levantine Sea. Juvenile stages of C. brachyostomus, C. cribosoma, C. gibbus, C. humerosus, C. lamelloides, C. magnipalpus, C. remipes and C. tabellio were also identified and illustrated, with the nymphs of C. cribosoma, C. remipes and the larvae of C. gibbus and C. humerosus being documented for the first time. Additionally, this study provides detailed observations on the adults of C. gibbus, C. majusculatus and C. tabellio which were previously recorded in Türkiye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a field survey of eriophyoid mites in Dogijan village (Marand county, East Azerbaijan province, Iran) in late spring 2023, one new eriophyid species (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) on Chardinia orientalis (L.) Kuntze (Asteraceae) was discovered, illustrated, described, and named as Aceria dogijaniensis sp. nov. The mites cause tight leaf edge rolls of different length with pale blotches on their type host plant. In addition, a population of similar mites was collected on Centaurea sp. (Asteraceae) with leaf galls made by Subanguina sp. (Nematoda: Secernentea: Tylenchida: Anguinidae) at the same locality on the same date. Few quantitative and qualitative differences were found between the two populations collected on the two host plants. In this study, we provided a list of Aceria spp. associated with Asteraceae in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of oribatid mites (Oribatida)—Hermannobates neotropicus sp. nov. (Hermanniellidae) and Mucrobates venezuelaensissp. nov. (Scheloribatidae)—are described, based on materials collected from sweep sample in the cloud forest in Western Venezuela. The genus Mucrobates is recorded in the Venezuelan fauna for the first time. Hermannobates neotropicus sp. nov. differs from the closely related species, H. intermedius Călugăr, 1990, by length and morphology of the bothridial seta. Mucrobates venezuelaensis sp. nov. differs from the closely related species, M. cayoaguaensis Ermilov & Kontschán, 2021, by the body size, the length of the bothridial and exobothridial setae, the presence of the pedotectum II, keel-shaped ridge and seta v’ on the leg genu II, and the location of the adanal seta ad1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-four species of oribatid mites (Oribatida), belonging to 29 genera and 14 families, were collected from Saona Island, Southeast Dominican Republic. A new species of the genus Pergalumna—P. (Pergalumna) saonaensis sp. nov.—is described from leaf litter of the mixed forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Rodents are known to carry a variety of pathogens that can cause diseases in humans, especially those transmitted through small parasites like mites. This study investigated the presence of three specific bacteria, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia, in rodents and their mites across Korea in 2022 and 2023. We found that 10.3% of the 835 rodents were infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 0.5% with Ehrlichia muris, 0.2% with Ehrlichia ruminantium, and 2.9% with Rickettsia raoultii. In addition, 8.8% of 7971 mites tested positive for Anaplasma, and lower percentages of the mites tested positive for the other bacteria. Importantly, this is the first time these bacteria have been detected in rodents and mites in Korea, and in some cases, globally. Our findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and better systems to track these diseases to prevent future outbreaks, especially as climate and environmental changes may increase their spread. This information is vital for public health awareness and protection from vector-borne diseases. Rodents are reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens, making it essential to study both rodents and their ectoparasites. In 2022 and 2023, we investigated the spatial distribution of rodents and their mites across Korea, focusing on three vector-borne diseases (VBDs): Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia. A total of 835 wild rodents were collected from 16 locations, each consisting of five distinct environmental settings (mountains, waterways, reservoirs, fields, and paddy fields), with 20 traps per setting, totaling 100 Sherman live folding traps per site. Each rodent was identified using a taxonomic key, and post-mortem examinations led to the collection of 7971 mites (498 pools), followed by PCR analysis. Among the rodents, Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in 10.3%, Ehrlichia muris in 0.5%, Ehrlichia ruminantium in 0.2%, and Rickettsia raoultii in 2.9%. In mites, A. phagocytophilum was found in 8.8%, E. muris in 0.2%, R. raoultii in 0.2%, R. endosymbiont in 1.6%, and R. australis in 1.2%. This study marks the first detection of E. muris and R. raoultii in Korean rodents and the first global discovery of E. ruminantium in rodents. The detection of multiple pathogens in mites worldwide highlights the importance of continuous VBD monitoring to mitigate public health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Elevation gradients are often used as a proxy for climate change as they allow comparisons of ecological responses over much larger temporal and spatial scales than is possible through experimental manipulations. Methods: Here, we tested how microarthropod communities (Collembola and Acari) are affected by climatic differences between sea level and 600 m a.s.l. on Navarino Island, in the Magellanic sub-Antarctic ecoregion of southern Chile (mean annual temperatures of 5.6 vs 3.1°C, respectively). We quantified microarthropod abundance, richness and community trait characteristics in dominant moss (Racomitrium lanuginosum and Polytrichum strictum) and lichen (Usnea trachycarpa, Pseudocyphellaria freycinetii and Stereocaulon alpinum) vegetation growing at both elevations. These moss and lichen genera are characterized by large morphological differences and allow testing of how habitat characteristics affect microarthropod community response across elevation gradients. Results: Collembola and Acari community composition differed between the low and high elevation sites. Total abundance levels of Acari were maintained in each habitat across elevation, whereas Collembola richness strongly declined (50%) at high elevation in the moss habitats. Acari community differences across elevation were driven by relative abundance changes whereas the Collembola community lost species at higher elevation. An anticipated decline of smaller eudaphic Collembola at high elevation was only observed in the moss Racomitrium, reflecting potentially lower temperature buffering capacity and shelter options compared to Polytrichum. Lichens mostly supported larger epigeic species irrespective of elevation. There were no consistent patterns linking microarthropod communities with habitat water holding capacity or water loss rates across the studied habitats and elevation. Discussion: Habitat type and the genus of moss or lichen were associated with microarthropod community changes across elevation, including examples of declines, increases and no change. These findings highlight that community responses across gradients may not always relate to the generally hypothesized environmental variables (e.g. temperature variability) and that habitat characteristics should be taken into account when using elevation as a proxy for climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological features alone are not sufficient to distinguish a species from its congeners. Molecular analysis can be very helpful in identifying and distinguishing morphologically indeterminate species. Current communication concerns with 28 S rRNA-based molecular and phylogenetic characterization of mites. In this study, the mites were isolated from anthropogenic rodents of two species namely Rattus rattus (201) and Bandicota bengalensis (90) live trapped in domestic and peridomestic areas in the Punjab province of India. Overall, 20.27% of the rodents (n = 59) were found to be infested with one species of mite (n = 73), and the prevalence rate was higher in R. rattus (21.40%) as compared to B. bengalensis (17.80%). The infestation intensity and ectoparasite indices were 1.24 and 0.24, respectively. Based on the morphology, the mite was identified as Echinolaelaps sp. Further credentials were confirmed through PCR amplification of 28 S rRNA gene which showed a single band of approximately 390 bp. Compared to the sequences of Echinolaelaps species available worldwide, this isolate showed 100% nucleotide identity to the E. echidninus sequence available in the NCBI GenBank (MT813463) in Malta (Europe). The generated query sequence was submitted to GenBank (LC626772) and the phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum likelihood method. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of molecular characterization in the identification of the mite in question, as well as insight into the unobserved pervasiveness of the mite species concerning public health implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population activity of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Koch) inhabiting cucumber plants was studied during two successive seasons of 2020 and 2021 at Manflout and Qusia districts, Assiut governorate, Egypt. The eight tested cucumber cultivars slightly differed in population densities of T. urticae stages (motile and immotile) in both seasons and areas. The obtained results showed that the spider mite T. urticae activity increased in summer plantation during the two studied seasons. Bahie and Barcoda cultivars showed the highest numbers of the pest all stages in Manflout during the summer of 2020, with an average of 30.86 individuals for Bahie cultivar and 40.47 individuals for Barcoda one. Meanwhile, 39 and Barcoda cultivars gave an average of 38.04 and 23.20 individuals at Qusia during both studied seasons. The current study found that all cucumber cultivars were sensitive to the infestation with the two-spotted spider mite, but the sensitivity varies from one cultivar to another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Plant Health Newsletter by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for August 2024 discusses various plant pests and threats, including new findings of pests like Diaporthe aspalathi and Xylella fastidiosa, as well as regulated pests such as Bactrocera dorsalis and Popillia japonica. The newsletter also presents a study on seed disinfection treatments for Pinus seeds infected with Fusarium circinatum, recommending hot water treatment for its effectiveness, eco-friendly nature, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, a study on sentinel gardens for pest prevention prioritization suggests methodological improvements for pre-invasion assessments. These insights are valuable for plant health professionals and policymakers. [Extracted from the article]

Two genera, Neotegonotus Newkirk & Keifer and Boczekiana Petanovic (Eriophyidae: Phyllocoptinae) are recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia with two new species; N. saudiensissp. nov. collected from Ficus carica L. (Moraceae) and B. bahahensissp. nov. collected from Anthemis rascheyana Boiss (Asteraceae) described and illustrated based on females. Both species are vagrants on abaxial leaf surface causing no apparent damage to their host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Agistemus Summers (Acari: Stigmaeidae), A. punctatussp. nov. is hereby described and illustrated based on females, collected on Grewia sp. host plant in southwestern region (Jizan) of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the identification key to known species of the genus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study reports four new records of phytoseiid mites from the Indian subcontinent. Detailed description of all the four species viz., Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski & Amitai), Gynaeseius liturivorus (Ehara), Okiseius subtropicus Ehara, and Phytoseius haroldi Ueckermann & Kreiter is provided in this paper along with illustrations and comparison of specimens collected in the present study with those of the previous reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with two new species of Torrenticolidae (Acari, Hydrachnidia) from Tibet, P. R. China, i.e., Torrenticola serratiextension Gu & Guo, sp. nov., Monatractides tuberocapitulum Gu & Guo, sp. nov. Meanwhile, the male of T. anziensis Gu & Guo, 2019 is reported for the first time. This is the first report of Torrenticolidae from Tibet, P. R. China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megalurothrips usitatus, is an important pest of cowpeas Vigna unguiculata, that causes severe damage to cowpea crops in Southeast Asia and Hainan Province in China. Neoseiulus newsami is a natural enemy of M. usitatus that was first reported from Ledong Li Autonomous County, Hainan, China. Here, we evaluated the potential of N. newsami as a biocontrol agent for use against M. usitatus. In laboratory tests, N. newsami showed a similar rate of attack on this pest as did the better-known species Neoseiulus barkeri. The functional response curve of N. newsami fed M. usitatus showed that more 1st instar prey were consumed by N. newsami at higher prey densities, indicating a Type III functional. The maximum attack coefficient (a) was 0.063 ± 0.011 and the handling time per consumed prey (Th) was 0.58 ± 0.09. The maximum attack rate (T/Th) was 41.37. Neoseiulus newsami showed higher predation and oviposition rates than did N. barkeri or Neoseiulus cucumeris. Our results suggest that N. newsami has a higher predation capacity against M. usitatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Cryptognathus, C. deliciosussp. nov., is described from kiwifruit (Actinidiaceae: Actinidia deliciosa) imported from New Zealand on several occasions. The new species is most similar to C. australiensis Luxton, 1973, with which it shares very short dorsal setae. These collections represent two surprising findings. First, that Cryptognathidae, which are usually regarded as edaphic mites associated with damp habitats like moss, also occupy low arboreal habitats. Second, that these mites, which show potential for short-range endemism, include several species that could be spread around the world on agricultural produce. [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]

Biodiversity and biomass of aboveground arthropods in central European forests continuously declined during the last decade. However, whether belowground microarthropod communities follow similar patterns has not been investigated. In this study, we compared the abundance, diversity, community composition, stability and asynchrony of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) sampled in four forest types of increasing management intensity (unmanaged beech, old managed beech, young managed beech, and coniferous) at three‐year intervals from 2008 to 2020. Forest sites were replicated in three regions in southern, central and northern Germany, i.e. the Swabian Alb, Hainich‐Dün and the Schorfheide Chorin, which differ in soil characteristics and climate. We found 25 152 individuals and 121 species of oribatid mites and detected no linear decline in abundance and diversity over the last decade, suggesting that microarthropods in forest soils are buffered against land‐use effects. However, we observed that years with low winter precipitation in regions with soils that are prone to drought, resulted in significant decreases in oribatid mite densities. Community compositions remained similar across sampling years, but differed between regions and forest types, predominantly due to differences in the proportion of asexual individuals. The stability of oribatid mite communities did not decrease in managed forests and was highest in deep soils with high water‐holding capacity, which may reduce temporal variation, suggesting that soil properties are more important for the stability of oribatid mite communities than forest management. However, stability patterns were not explained by asynchrony in species fluctuations, as all communities either showed a high degree of synchrony or were not different from random. Our study highlights that the temporal dynamics of belowground communities may differ from those aboveground, and that regional differences in precipitation and soil properties are more important than forest types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most organisms are at risk of being consumed by a predator or getting infected by a parasite at some point in their life. Theoretical constructs such as the landscape of fear (perception of risk) and nonconsumptive effects (NCEs, costly responses sans predation or infection) have been proposed to describe and quantify antipredator and antiparasite responses. How prey/host species identify and respond to these risks determines their survival, reproductive success and, ultimately, fitness. Most studies to date have focused on either predator–prey or parasite–host interactions, yet habitats and ecosystems contain both parasitic and/or predatory species that represent a complex and heterogenous mosaic of risk factors. Here, we experimentally investigated the behavioral responses of a cactophilic fruit fly, Drosophila nigrospiracula, exposed to a range of species that include parasites (ectoparasitic mite), predators (jumping spiders), as well as harmless heterospecifics (nonparasitic mites, ants, and weevils). We demonstrate that D. nigrospiracula can differentiate between threat and non‐threat species, increase erratic movements and decrease velocity in the presence of parasites, but decrease erratic movements and time spent grooming in the presence of predators. Of particular importance, flies could distinguish between parasitic female mites and nonparasitic male mites of the same species, and respond accordingly. We also show that the direction of these NCEs differs when exposed to parasitic mites (i.e., risk of infection) versus spiders (i.e., risk of predation). Given the opposing effects of predation versus infection risk on fly behavior, we discuss potential trade‐offs between parasite and predator avoidance behaviors. Our findings illustrate the complexity of risk assessment in a landscape of fear and the fine‐tuned NCEs that arise in response. Moreover, this study is the first to examine these behavioral NCEs in a terrestrial system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The changes in the skin caused by obesity may predispose patients with rosacea to Demodex infestation (DI). Besides, identifying predisposing factors in these patients is important for initial treatment plan. Aims: The main purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between DI and obesity in patients with rosacea. Methods: Sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index, and clinical features of 130 rosacea patients were recorded. Demodex density was measured by noninvasive standard skin biopsy, and a determination of ≥5/cm2 mites was regarded as positive for DI. Patients with a BMI of 30 and above were categorized as the obese group, and those with a BMI below 30 were classified as the nonobese group. Moreover, patients were divided according to DI into positive and negative. These groups were compared with each other. Results: Upon comparing the patients with and without obesity, it was noted that the obese patients had significantly higher rates of erythematotelangiectatic type rosacea, rosacea severity, and flushing complaints. Furthermore, results show that the DI was significantly more common in obese patients. The most determinant factors for predicting DI in rosacea patients were papulopustular type rosacea, obesity, and rosacea severity, respectively. Conclusions: In this study, DI was found to be more common in obese patients with rosacea. Besides, obesity was found to be one of the most determining factors in detecting DI in patients with rosacea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Malgachebates (Oribatida, Plasmobatidae) is recorded in Ethiopia for the first time. A new species—M. theroni Ermilov sp. nov.—is described, based on adult and nymphal instars collected from litter in bamboo belt. Data on nymphal instars are the first data on juveniles within Malgachebates and the detailed juvenile data within Plasmobatidae. An identification key, distribution, and habitats to the known representatives of Malgachebates are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of oribatid mites of the genus Oribatella (Oribatida, Oribatellidae)—O. paradechambrierisp. nov. and O. parastrinatiisp. nov.—are described, based on adults collected from rainforest litter in Guatemala. Oribatella paradechambrierisp. nov. is similar to O. dechambrieri but differs by the smaller body size, the length of the teeth of the lamellae, the relative length of the free distal and fixed mediobasal parts of the lamella, the size of the trapezoid region in basal part of the prodorsum, and the length of the interlamellar seta. Oribatella parastrinatiisp. nov. is similar to O. strinatii but differs by the smaller body size, the morphology of the rostrum, the morphology of the tutorial cusp, the presence of large dense foveolae in the centrodorsal part of the notogaster and between the genital and anal apertures, and dense short transverse ridges on the medioposterior part of the notogaster, and the number of genital setae. Oribatella dechambrieri is the first record of the species for Guatemala. The belonging of O. paradechambrieri to the genus Fenestrobates is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cosmopolitan genus, Hermanniella Berlese, 1908, poses challenges in species identification due to incomplete descriptions and variable morphological characteristics. Plasmobates Grandjean, 1929, predominantly found in the tropical and southern Palaearctic regions, poses similar identification difficulties, further complicated by limited consensus on key diagnostic characters. This study aims to address these challenges by providing supplementary descriptions of Hermanniella congoensis Balogh, 1958 and H. dubiosa Mahunka and Mahunka-Papp, 2007 and describing a new species, Plasmobates (Solenozetes) blythedalensissp. nov. from South Africa. These findings contribute to a better understanding of identification and classification of Hermannielloidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, three new eriophyoid species (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) from Southwestern China are described and illustrated. They are: Surapoda chapensissp. nov. infesting Michelia chapensis (Dandy) Sima (Magnoliaceae); Protumescoptes grandifloraesp. nov. from Duabanga grandiflora (Roxb. ex DC.) Walp. (Lythraceae); Phyllocoptes jinzhongshanensissp. nov. infesting Liquidambar formosana Hance (Altingiaceae). The article corresponds to The new species Surapoda chapensis Ren, Huang, Tan et Wang corresponds to The new species Protumescoptes grandiflorae Ren, Huang, Tan et Wang corresponds to The new species Phyllocoptes jinzhongshanensis Ren, Huang, Tan et Wang corresponds to [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]

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Two new species of Myrmozercon, M. serratus sp. nov. and M. spatulatus sp. nov., are described based on adults and deutonymphs collected in association with ants in Mexico. They represent the first records of this genus from the Neotropic s.s. faunal region. Both new species are associated with hosts in the genus Camponotus from the same small area of a coastal lagoon, which share the same nesting habit preferences, providing strong evidence for host specificity. All but one colony of C. atriceps hosted mites, whereas they occurred in only half of the colonies of C. rectangularis. There was a significant positive correlation between the abundance of C. atriceps sexual ants and the abundance of mites. We summarize the known host associations for the genus Myrmozercon and discuss host specificity. Larvae of both mite species were collected on the wings of males and gynes suggesting that egg laying occurs on the hosts reproductive caste. Two hypotheses explaining this observation are discussed, larvae may be phoretic on winged sexuals, favoring mite co-dispersal with hosts, or larvae reside on the alates as a refuge from predation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]