Search

Cenopalpus officinalis Papaioannou-Souliotis, 1986 (Trombidiformes: Tetranychoidea: Tenuipalpidae) is reported for the first time from Israel, Italy and Mexico. Previously, this flat mite species was only known to occur in Greece and is the first species belonging to the genus Cenopalpus recorded from Mexico. Adult females and males, deutonymphs and eggs, collected in Italy and Israel as well as the material intercepted from Italy and Mexico at United States ports of entry were studied, illustrated and analyzed.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:39:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 U.S. Department of Agriculture Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) An updated checklist of chiggers from the family Trombiculidae and Leeuwenhoekiidae is presented, with 81 species in 38 genera parasitizing different terrestrial vertebrate hosts in Panama. The depository for all Panamanian records, including new localities and host-associations records for the species Blankaartia sinnamaryi (Floch and Fauran, 1956), Eutrombicula tinami (Oudemans, 1910), Eutrombicula goeldii (Oudemans, 1910), Hooperella vesperuginis (Brennan and Jones, 1960), and Pseudoschoengastia bulbifera Brennan, 1960 were provided. Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas Instituto Butantan, SP Departamento de Patologia Reprodução e Saúde Única Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP, SP Departamento de Investigación en Entomología Médica Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History National Insect and Mite Collection Systematic Entomology Laboratory United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Departamento de Patologia Reprodução e Saúde Única Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP, SP CAPES: 001 FAPESP: 2017/01416-7 FAPESP: 2018/24667-8 FAPESP: 2019/19853-0 FAPESP: 2020/11755-6 FAPESP: 2021/02295-4

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:00:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Purpose: Euschoengastia Ewing is a chigger genus in need of revision as it historically has combined species solely on the presence of expanded prodorsal trichobothria. The objective of the present study is to describe a new genus to reallocate two North American Euschoengastia species, to start an organization into this genus. Methods : In this study, we provide drawings, measurements and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss for the two redescribed species. Results: After examining the types of the species Euschoengastia latchmani Brennan and Yunker and Euschoengastia obscura Wrenn and Loomis, we realized that it was necessary to create the new genus to relocate these two species, mainly based on the following characters: (1) the number of prongs on the odontus; and (2) ornamentation of the prodorsal sclerite. Conclusion: Goffacarus latchmanin. comb. and Goffacarus obscuran. comb. are redescribed here and to reallocate these two species the genus, Goffacarusn. gen. is proposed. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo-FMVZ-USP, Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87 Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas Instituto Butantan National Museum of Natural History National Insect and Mite Collection Smithsonian Institution Systematic Entomology Laboratory United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Departamento de Patologia Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP Reprodução e Saúde Única Departamento de Patologia Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP Reprodução e Saúde Única

Chigger mites are parasites of terrestrial vertebrates, including humans. Here, we describe two new species belonging to the American genera Colicus Brennan and Parasecia Loomis. Both species were described on the base of museum specimens originated from Minas Gerais State, Brazil, Colicus barrosbattestiae n. sp. parasitizing the rodent, Oligoryzomys fornesi and Parasecia jacinaviciusi n. sp. parasitizing the marsupial, Monodelphis domestica.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:56:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-06-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Trinidad and Tobago, a neotropical country, has 38 reported chigger species. Of these species, 18 were parasitizing bats. Here, we describe a new genus and species parasitizing a ghost-faced bat in this country. Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87 Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas Instituto Butantan Division of Plant Industry Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Florida State Collection of Arthropods Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History National Insect and Mite Collection Departamento de Patologia Reprodução e Saúde Única Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP Departamento de Patologia Reprodução e Saúde Única Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP FAPESP: 2010/51875-9 FAPESP: 2017/01416-7 FAPESP: 2018/24667-8 CNPq: 377976/2014-8 CNPq: 440639/2015-8 CNPq: 454907/2014-1

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:56:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Purpose: The African continent has 452 chiggers (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) in 61 genera. One of these, Elianella Vercammen-Grandjean, 1956, has only two species known for Africa. The objective of the present study is to describe a new species for Equatorial Guinea, with the aim of increasing knowledge so scarce for Africa. Methods: In this study, we provide drawings, measurements and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss for the new species described below. Also, this type of the new species is deposited in the USNM. Results: We describe a new species of Elianella collected parasitizing the Bioko Forest Shrew, Sylvisorex isabellae Heim de Balsac (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae) from the insular Equatorial Guinea. Also, we are providing a key for the three species of Elianella. Conclusion: Finally, we are contributing to the knowledge of African species, due the fact this new species is the first chigger recorded to the Equatorial Guinea, on the west coast of Central Africa. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal Universidade de São Paulo-FMVZ-USP, Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87 Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas Instituto Butantan Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History National Insect and Mite Collection Systematic Entomology Laboratory United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Departamento de Patologia UNESP Reprodução e Saúde Única Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Departamento de Patologia UNESP Reprodução e Saúde Única

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:01:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-05-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) South American chiggers have historically been poorly studied, and this has continued into present times. Of the 33 genera in the family Leeuwenhoekiidae Womersley, only Odontacarus Ewing and Sasacarus Brennan & Jones have been reported in Peru. Here, we describe a new genus, Peruacarus n. gen., and a new species, Peruacarus anthurium n. sp., parasitizing Koford's grass mouse, Akodon kofordi Myers & Patton, in Peru. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Universidade de São Paulo-FMVZ-USP Laboratório Especial de Coleções Zoológicas Instituto Butantan Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Museum of Zoology University of Michigan Florida State Collection of Arthropods Division of Plant Industry Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Systematic Entomology Laboratory Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Departamento de Patologia Reprodução e Saúde Única Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP Departamento de Patologia Reprodução e Saúde Única Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP FAPESP: 2010/51875-9 FAPESP: 2017/01416-7 FAPESP: 2018/24667-8 CNPq: 377976/2014-8 CNPq: 440639/2015-8 CNPq: 454907/2014-1

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T17:23:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-04-01 Smithsonian Natural History Museum National Agricultural Library (NAL-USDA) , SEL-USDA Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Chiggers are ectoparasites of vertebrates and can cause trombiculiasis or transmit pathogens to their hosts. I n the Neotropical region, the genus Quadraseta Brennan includes 16 valid species. Quadraseta antillarum (Brennan) and Quadraseta brennani (Goff & Whitaker), are morphologically identical and we propose th e synonymy of Q. brennani with Q. antillarum, based on examination of both type series. The little big-eared bat, Micronycteris megalotis Gray from Venezuela is recorded as a new host. Univ Sao Paulo FMVZ USP, Dept Med Vet Prevent & Saude Anim, Fac Med Vet & Zootecnia, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Inst Butantan, Lab Colecoes Zool, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil UNESP, Dept Patol Reprod & Saude Unica, Fac Ciencias Agr & Veterinarias, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Smithsonian Inst, Natl Museum Nat Hist, Natl Insect & Mite Collect, Washington, DC USA USDA, Systemat Entomol Lab, Agr Res Serv, Beltsville, MD USA UNESP, Dept Patol Reprod & Saude Unica, Fac Ciencias Agr & Veterinarias, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil CNPq: 454907/2014-1 CNPq: 440639/2015-8 CNPq: 377976/2014-8 FAPESP: 2017/01416-7 FAPESP: 2018/24667-8 FAPESP: 2020/11755-6 FAPESP: 2019/19853-0 FAPESP: 2020/12444-4 FAPESP: 2021/01964-0 CAPES: 001

The eriophyid mite, Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, vectors the causal agent, Rose rosette virus (RRV), that results in rose rosette disease. Parts of the southeastern United States have remained free of the disease, except for infected plant material introductions that were eradicated. A survey of sampling points through Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi (n = 204) revealed the southeastern border of RRV. The presence of RRV in symptomatic plant tissue samples (n = 39) was confirmed by TaqMan-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Samples were also collected at every plot for detection of eriophyid mites, specifically for P. fructiphilus. Three different species of eriophyid mites were found to be generally distributed throughout Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Most of these sites (n = 60) contained P. fructiphilus, found further south than previously thought, but in low populations (P. fructiphilus or the presence of RRV. The reason for the absence of RRV and low populations of P. fructiphilus in this southeast region of the United States are unclear.

Chiggers have been studied throughout the world for their role in disease transmission. Venezuela has the largest chigger diversity in South America. In a review of Venezuelan genera, two monotypic genera described from Robinson's Mouse Opossum collected in Falcon State and after examination of the types of both genera, it was found that Delmohius hardyi Brennan and Goff and Carebareia johnstoni Goff and Brennan are the same species. Therefore, we are proposing the synonymy of Delmohius with Carebareia.

In the past few decades, Rose rosette disease (RRD) has spread from its source in western North America through the Mid-West to the East coast. It now threatens to decimate the US rose industry. Garden roses, which form the cornerstone of the multi-billion dollar landscape industry, annually generate wholesale US domestic bare root and container production valued at around $ 400 million. RRD is caused by an emaravirus, Rose rosette virus (RRV), which is transmitted by wind-blown eriophyid mites (Phyllocoptes fructiphilus). Unlike other rose diseases, it can kill a rose within two to three years of infection. In collaboration with scientists from 6 states, private rose breeders, the American Rose Society, AmericanHort, and the rose industry, a project was initiated to develop a multidisciplinary approach to control the disease. In the short term, the project team is working to develop Best Management Practices and educational materials based on host, virus, and vector biology to minimize the effects of RRD. Key to this effort is the development of efficient user-friendly diagnostic tools. In the long term, roses are being assessed for resistance to RRD using both replicated field trials and observational data from collaborators. Marker-trait associations for RRD resistance and consistent flower productivity are being identified to move RRD resistance efficiently into elite rose germplasm. Economic and marketing studies are being done to assess the economic effect of RRD on the rose industry, improve our understanding of consumer preferences, and identify barriers to rose sales.

Euschoengastia Ewing is a chigger genus in need of revision as it historically has combined species solely on the presence of expanded prodorsal trichobothria. The objective of the present study is to describe a new genus to reallocate two North American Euschoengastia species, to start an organization into this genus.In this study, we provide drawings, measurements and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss for the two redescribed species.After examining the types of the species Euschoengastia latchmani Brennan and Yunker and Euschoengastia obscura Wrenn and Loomis, we realized that it was necessary to create the new genus to relocate these two species, mainly based on the following characters: (1) the number of prongs on the odontus; and (2) ornamentation of the prodorsal sclerite.Goffacarus latchmani n. comb. and Goffacarus obscura n. comb. are redescribed here and to reallocate these two species the genus, Goffacarus n. gen. is proposed.

The African continent has 452 chiggers (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) in 61 genera. One of these, Elianella Vercammen-Grandjean, 1956, has only two species known for Africa. The objective of the present study is to describe a new species for Equatorial Guinea, with the aim of increasing knowledge so scarce for Africa.In this study, we provide drawings, measurements and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss for the new species described below. Also, this type of the new species is deposited in the USNM.We describe a new species of Elianella collected parasitizing the Bioko Forest Shrew, Sylvisorex isabellae Heim de Balsac (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae) from the insular Equatorial Guinea. Also, we are providing a key for the three species of Elianella.Finally, we are contributing to the knowledge of African species, due the fact this new species is the first chigger recorded to the Equatorial Guinea, on the west coast of Central Africa.

Mites in the family Trombiculidae sensu lato are parasites of terrestrial vertebrates, even humans, in their larval stage. There are more than 3,700 species of chiggers, and about one-third of these species are represented by type specimens in the Smithsonian Institution’s United States National Museum Entomology Collection. Here we provide a catalog of all primary and secondary type specimens of chiggers (holotype, paratype, syntype, lectotype, and paralectotype) housed in the collection. Listed herein are 1,026 type specimens with 645 representing holotypes, 782 paratypes, 69 syntypes, 19 lectotypes, and 16 paralectotypes of larvae, deutonymphs, and adult chiggers.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:58:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 The Neotropical chigger genus Boshkerria includes, B. tuberculata and B. punctata, both species parasites mammals in Central and South America. Here, we redescribe B. punctata based on a lectotype and paralectotype designated herein and describe a new species, Boshkerria erwini n. sp., from the green acouchi Myoprocta pratti in Peru. Also, we provide a key to the three species in this genus. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:8FE7E5ED-262A-4843-9BCF-D1A4E44D9B7C. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo-FMVZ-USP Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas Instituto Butantan Department of Ecology Evolutionary Biology Museum of Zoology University of Michigan National Museum of Natural History National Insect and Mite Collection Smithsonian Institution Systematic Entomology Laboratory United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Departamento de Patologia Reprodução e Saúde Única Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP Departamento de Patologia Reprodução e Saúde Única Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:51:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Background: The Caribbean country Jamaica has only seven reported chigger species. Of these, one was recorded from bats. Methods: For the specimens examined in this study were provided drawings, measurements, and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss. This material is deposited in the Smithsonian National Chigger Collection. Results: In the present study, we describe a new genus and species parasitizing the Antillean ghost-faced bat in Jamaica. This new genus can be separated from all other genera of this family for the following combination of features: (1) palptarsus with four branched and three nude setae; (2) 3-pronged odontus; (3) femur I divided into basifemur and telofemur; and (4) 3 σ on genu I. Conclusion: The description of this new genus contributes to the increase in the knowledge of chiggers that parasites bats in Jamaica. Also, this is only the second record of a chigger parasitizing this host in this country. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo (FMVZ-USP), Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87 Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas Instituto Butantan Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History National Insect and Mite Collection Systematic Entomology Laboratory United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Departamento de Patologia Reprodução e Saúde Única Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP Departamento de Patologia Reprodução e Saúde Única Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:50:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Brennanacarus annereauxi (Brennan and Yunker, 1969) was described from Venezuela parasitizing the greater spear-nosed bat. The monotypic genus Brennanacarus Goff, Yunker and Wheeler, 1987 is a replacement name for Nasicola Brennan and Yunker, 1969, which was preoccupied by Nasicola Yamaguti, 1968. Here, we redescribe the genus Brennanacarus and the type species B. annereauxi. Also, this is the first record of this species, as well as the second record of any chigger, for Uruguay. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo-FMVZ-USP Laboratório Especial de Coleções Zoológicas Instituto Butantan Florida State Collection of Arthropods Division of Plant Industry Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Systematic Entomology Laboratory Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Departamento de Patologia Veterinária Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP Departamento de Patologia Veterinária Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP FAPESP: 2010/51875-9 FAPESP: 2017/01416-7 FAPESP: 2018/24667-8 CNPq: 377976/2014-8 CNPq: 440639/2015-8 CNPq: 454907/2014-1

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:31:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Hannemania has 27 described species parasitizing amphibians in the Americas. To date, five species have been recorded from Brazil. Here, we describe a new species for the country, collected parasitising the South American white-lipped grass frog, Miranda’s white-lipped frog, basin white-lipped, Bahia dwarf frog and granular toad all from Ceará state, Brazil. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:CD88F94F-ED46-4BA9-8E8E-B4AA1D2815B1. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo-FMVZ-USP Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas Instituto Butantan Instituto de Ciências Agrárias Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Setor de Parasitologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP-Botucatu) Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia Departamento de Biologia Universidade Federal do Ceará Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History National Insect and Mite Collection Systematic Entomology Laboratory Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Departamento de Patologia Reprodução e Saúde Única Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP Setor de Parasitologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP-Botucatu) Departamento de Patologia Reprodução e Saúde Única Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP

The Caribbean country Jamaica has only seven reported chigger species. Of these, one was recorded from bats.For the specimens examined in this study were provided drawings, measurements, and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss. This material is deposited in the Smithsonian National Chigger Collection.In the present study, we describe a new genus and species parasitizing the Antillean ghost-faced bat in Jamaica. This new genus can be separated from all other genera of this family for the following combination of features: (1) palptarsus with four branched and three nude setae; (2) 3-pronged odontus; (3) femur I divided into basifemur and telofemur; and (4) 3 σ on genu I.The description of this new genus contributes to the increase in the knowledge of chiggers that parasites bats in Jamaica. Also, this is only the second record of a chigger parasitizing this host in this country.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:27:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-05-19 The species Pseudoschoengastia petrolinensis n. sp. is described and illustrated below from specimens discovered parasitizing a white-eared opossum, Dildelphis albiventris Lund (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae), in Carneiros, Petrolina municipality, Pernambuco state, Brazil. In addition the species Eutrombicula spipi and Quadraseta falconensis are also new records to Brazil. The D. albiventris is a new host record to Eutrombicula batatas, E. spipi, Q. falconensis, and the state of Pernambuco is a new locality for all these species. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:97650D6C-A920-402C-BA90-78B2AB9B6187. Laboratório Especial de Coleções Zoológicas Instituto Butantan Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal FMVZ-USP Colegiado de Medicina Veterinária Campus de Ciências Agrárias Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Florida State Collection of Arthropods Systematic Entomology Laboratory United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Departamento de Patologia Veterinária Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP Departamento de Patologia Veterinária Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP

The collophore of Entomobrya multifasciata (Tullberg) (Collembola: Entomobryidae) is composed of four segments. The third segment telescopes in and out of the second and the fourth is an eversible vesicle that is entirely enclosed in the third when not deployed. Low temperature scanning electron micrographs document that the collophore may remain adhered to the substrate even as the springtail initiates its jump. This adherence appears to force the posterior abdomen into the air, causing the jump itself to be initiated in a forward direction and accompanied by a forward flip. Among the several other documented functions of the collophore, we suggest that it may serve to affect the direction and trajectory of the springtail during its jump.

Torrenticola trimaculata Fisher n. sp. is described from eastern North America as the first in a series of descriptions on Torrenticolidae. As such, the study includes expanded discussions of methods, early taxonomic history, and numerous images surveying external morphology using a diversity of imaging methods. Species hypotheses were supported with analysis of the "barcoding" region of COI. Torrenticola trimaculata is found to be a wide-ranging, variable species with two distinct morphs that do not coexist locally. Also, we report the first record of the diatom, Cocconeis placentula Ehrenberg 1838, as epiphytic on water mites.

Trachymolgus purpureus Fisher & Dowling sp. n. is described from the Ozark highlands of North America. A diversity of imaging techniques are used to illustrate the species including low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT-SEM), stereomicrography, compound light micrography, and digitally created line drawings. Developmental stages (larva, nymphs, and adult) and morphology are illustrated and discussed, and terminological corrections are suggested. Trachymolgus recki Gomelauri, 1961 is regarded as being described from tritonymphs. A key to Trachymolgus is presented.

Mangalaus bkapus n. gen., n. sp. (Acari: Prostigmata: Eriophyidae: Eriophyinae: Aceriini), collected from erineum on the underside of leaves of Cordia dichotoma G. Forster (Boraginaceae), is described and illustrated from specimens collected at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, India.

Knowledge of plant-feeding mite diversity, their interactions with host plants, and their ecological impact are not clear or have been too narrowly studied in the past. The mite superfamily Tetranychoidea has been identified around the world feeding on almost every plant known. Spider mites (Tetranychidae) are the most common mite recognized by farmers, researchers, and any person with an ornamental plant at home. On the other hand, flat mites (Tenuipalpidae) are also common on plants, but are often overlooked due to their small size and camouflaging colors. Mites in the flat mite genus Raoiella Hirst are obligate plant parasites that feed via stylet-like mouthparts adapted to pierce plant tissues. A species of particular interest in this genus, the red palm mite, R. indica Hirst, is currently spreading aggressively throughout the Americas on species of palm (Arecaceae). How they feed on the plant and how they are able to multiply into huge populations on one host plant have only recently been studied. Here, using low-temperature scanning electron microscopy. R. indica and several other species in this genus were captured and observed for the first time feeding via the stomatal aperture of host plants in several different families. These findings on their different host plants challenged our common belief that all plant-feeding mites feed by piercing the epidermis. Stomatal feeding could negatively affect the plant's ability to regulate gas and water exchange. Further examination of feeding methods for other herbivorous mites is necessary.

Specimen vouchering is a critical aspect of systematics, especially in genetic studies where the identity of a DNA sample needs to be assured. It can be difficult to obtain a high quality voucher after DNA extraction when dealing with tiny and delicate invertebrates that often do not survive the extraction procedure intact. Likewise, once a whole specimen has been extracted from, it is no longer useful for scanning electron microscopic examination. This paper discusses the use of a single specimen for both low temperature scanning electron microscopy and DNA extraction. This process allows full documentation of all external characteristics of an organism and ample whole genomic DNA extraction for DNA sequencing.

A rust mite not previously reported in the U.S. was observed on Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense [L.] Scop.) growing in Maryland. Based on examination of specimens under light and low-temperature scanning electron microscopy, the mite was identified as the rust mite, Aceria anthocoptes (Nalepa). The mite was found throughout Maryland, in its bordering states, and in two northcentral states (Minnesota and North Dakota). Other Cirsium species growing near Canada thistle infested with A. anthocoptes did not harbor the mite. We conclude that, although only recently discovered in this geographic region, A. anthocoptes is widely distributed in the mid-eastern U.S. and is host specific to Canada thistle.

Tuckerella japonica Ehara appears strongly associated with tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Theaceae) and, due to certain cultural practices in tea production, has in fact become a world traveller, accompanying the greatly coveted tea plant as it spread across the planet. The history of tea production and culture, and its arrival in the USA, provides the backdrop for this traveller’s tale. Tuckerella japonica is morphologically similar to T. flabellifera Miller, described from Tasmania in Australia from Bedfordia salicina (Labill.) D.G. (Asteraceae). These two species have historically been misidentified as each other, creating inaccuracies in the collection records. The implications of this in terms of host plant lists and world distribution are discussed further, along with their morphological separation. The male and immature stages of T. japonica are described for the first time. Tuckerella xinglongensis Lin and Fu, from tea in China, is considered a junior synonym of T. japonica. The loss of the ancestral prostigmatan condition of three nymphal stages during ontogeny is confirmed for males of T. flabellifera, which do not retain a tritonymphal stage.

The new species, Aceria neopaederiae infesting leaves of Paederia foetida L. (Family Rubiaceae) in Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore, is described herein. The mite produces small, round to irregular galls, often fused, on both leaf surfaces. The complete descriptions of both males and females, including line drawings and SEM photographs were provided.

The use of low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM) to study external mouthpart morphology in the Tenuipalpidae, in particular the genus Raoiella, has brought some aspects of the mechanics of feeding in this group into question. In addition, an LTSEM study on the specialized feeding behaviour of Raoiella indica Hirst (Tetranychoidea: Tenuipalpidae) revealed host plant use in this species could be affected by stomatal complex morphology.

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, August 7–August 11, 2011.