bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ptyctimous mites (Acari, Oribatida) of Tanzania
Authors: Niedbała Wojciech
Published: July 2021

This monograph sums up the state of knowledge of ptyctimous mites fauna of Tanzania on the basis of literature data. Diagnoses of 61 species known from Tanzania (TAN) are given, 15 species have been redescribed on the basis of types and 22 species have been redescribed in earlier papers. One new species: A. ( H.) onkos sp. nov. is described. For each species a morphological diagnosis and geographic distribution are given. Eight species are new to TAN, including one new to the Afrotropical Region. Keys for identification of species and higher taxa are given. The fauna of ptyctimous mites of Tanzania (TAN) shows some differences and specificities as well as some similarities to the fauna of the nearby hotspot Madagascar with neighbouring islands (MAG), to that of the Afrotropical Region and even to that of distanced faunas of other zoogeographic regions of the southern hemisphere. The fauna of TAN comprises slightly more genera and subgenera (19) than that of MAG (18), although the number of species in MAG is much higher (111) than in TAN (61 species). The specious higher taxa are: Pocsia, Plonaphacarus and Notophthiracarus. Pocsia is represented by the highest number (10) of species found in the Afrotropical Region, and it is likely this subgenus originates from Tanzania (7 endemic species). Plonaphacarus is relatively rich in species in the Oriental Region. Notophthiracarus is even more speciose in the fauna of MAG and the Australasian Region. Over a half of the species known from Tanzania (37) were found in the material collected in 2010 from the Uluguru and Nguru Mts. Both these mountain ranges show some specificity of fauna. Two species occur only in the Nguru range, while as many as 7 species are endemites in the Uluguru.
Feather mites (Acariformes: Analgoidea) associated with the hairy woodpecker Leuconotopicus villosus (Piciformes: Picidae) in Panama
Authors: Mironov Sergey V. , Bermudez Sergio
Published: July 2021

Two new feather mite species of the superfamily Analgoidea are described from the hairy woodpecker Leuconotopicus villosus (Linnaeus, 1766) (Piciformes: Picidae) in Panama: Pterotrogus panamensis sp. n. (Pteronyssidae) and Trouessartia hernandesi sp. n. (Trouessartiidae). Pterotrogus panamensis belongs to the simplex species group and most clearly differs from the other species of this group in having the pregenital sclerite paired in males, and the hysteronotal shields strongly narrowed posteriorly in females. Trouessartia hernandesi is close to T. picumni Hernandes, 2014, the only previously known species of this genus from woodpeckers, and differs from the latter by having the following features: in both sexes, setae d1 and d2 are present and genual setae cGI, cGII and mGI are spiculiform; in males, epimerites IVa are long, bow-shaped and extend to the base of the genital apparatus; in females, the external copulatory tube is long and
spiculiform.
A new species-group with new species of the genus Lasioseius (Acari: Mesostigmata: Blattisociidae) associated with neotropical hispine beetles in furled leaves of Heliconia
Authors: Moraza Maria L. , Lindquist Evert E.
Published: July 2021

A new species-group of Lasioseius is described from adults and immatures of four newly described and one undescribed species associated with hispine beetles of the genera Cephaloleia and Chelobasis and other gamasine mites in the furled leaf habitat of Heliconia and related Zingiberales plants. The species-group presents a suite of apomorphic attributes placing it in the subgenus L. (Lasioseius). Adults and immatures were found moving freely on and off the beetles when the latter were exposed from their habitat. Larviparity is indicated by adult females gravid with fully developed larvae. Limited data suggest considerable host specificity between mites and their beetle hosts, indicating that there may be a vast diversity of these mites associated with hundreds of species of hispine beetles in the Neotropical Region. Keys are provided to currently accepted species-groups of Lasioseius and to the species within the new species-group.
Contribution to the knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Hardybodes (Acari, Oribatida, Carabodidae) with description of a new species from the Philippines
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Corpuz-Raros Leonila
Published: July 2021

A new species of the genus Hardybodes (Oribatida, Carabodidae) is described from the nest of an unknown species of ants (Formicidae) in soil in Luzon Island, Philippines. Hardybodes minutus n. sp. differs from all species of the genus by the localization of notogastral setae (lm and h2 inserted in the same longitudinal rowdorsocentrally together with da, dm, dp, lp and h1 versus lm and h2 in dorsolateral positions and da, dm, dp, lp and h1 inserted in dorsocentral positions in the other species). Revised generic diagnosis and an identification key to the four known species of Hardybodes are presented.
Development cycle of Ornithodoros peruvianus Kohls, Clifford and Jones (Ixodoidea: Argasidae) under laboratory conditions
Authors: González-Moraga M. , Esquivel C. , Moreno-Salas L. , Troncoso Ignacio , Torres-Fuentes L. , Ardiles K. , González-Acuña D.A.
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study was to describe the developmental biology of the tick Ornithodoros peruvianus Kohls, Clifford and Jones under laboratory conditions. A total of 174 live specimens of O. peruvianus at different stages were collected from caves located on Pan de Azúcar Island (26°09’S, 70°41’W) and Tal Tal (25°15’S, 70°15’W). In the laboratory, ticks were fed on rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and kept in acrylic tubes under controlled conditions of humidity and temperature (average of 75% +/- 5 and 23 +/- 1°C, respectively), and a 12 hour photoperiod. The minimum period between stages were: oviposition to egg hatching: 9 days; larva to nymph one: 44 days (44-56); nymph one to nymph two: 10 days (10-20); nymph two to male: 66 days (66-84); nymph two to nymph three: 68 days, and nymph three to female: 42 days. Oviposition occurred in 24 females, with an average of 70 (15-133) eggs per female after the first bloodmeal. The total time to complete the cycle under laboratory conditions was 185 days on average (SD = 17.43). O. peruvianus may require three nymphal stages to molt into an adult female and only two to molt into an adult male. The selected environmental conditions, host and photoperiod are important factors that must now be considered to better understand the factors that affect developmental times of this tick.
Tiny mites on a great journey – a review on scutacarid mites as phoronts and inquilines (Heterostigmatina, Pygmephoroidea, Scutacaridae)
Authors: Baumann Julia
Published: July 2021

The members of the family Scutacaridae (Acari, Heterostigmatina, Pygmephoroidea) are soil-living, fungivorous mites, and some of them are known to be associated with other animals. After reviewing the mites’ behavioural and morphological adaptations to their animal-associated lifestyle, the present publication shows the result of a thorough literature research on scutacarids living in different kinds of associations with other animal taxa. It revealed that within the more than 800 scutacarid species that have been described so far, about the half of them can be found together with various animal taxa. The respective scutacarid species can be phoretic using their hosts for dispersal, they can be inquilines of their hosts benefiting from favourable conditions in the hosts’ nests, or they can be both. The highest number of scutacarid species, by far, (n = 214) is associated with ants. The second highest number can be found on beetles (94; mainly on ground beetles, Carabidae), followed by mammals (52), bees and wasps (35) and other insect taxa (39), and some species can be found together with birds (10) and arachnids (6). The most frequent genera Scutacarus, Imparipes and Archidispus show host preferences: Scutacarus and Imparipes tend to prefer ants, while Archidispus prefers beetles. Usually, scutacarid species are rather specialised on one host genus or one host family, but some seem to be host generalists. The possible influence of scutacarids on their hosts is not known yet, but they could play a sanitary role in their hosts’ nests.
First record, current status, symptoms, infested cultivars and potential impact of the blueberry bud mite, Acalitus vaccinii (Keifer) (Prostigmata: Eriophyidae) in South Africa
Authors: Craemer Charnie
Published: July 2021

Acalitus vaccinii (Keifer, 1939) is reported for the first time in South Africa, on cultivated blueberries (Ericaceae: Vaccinium spp.). This is the first known occurrence outside its likely native range in North America where it is a pest on cultivated and wild blueberries. In South Africa it has first been identified in 2014 and now occurs between Amsterdam and Lothair, and near Lydenburg and Dullstroom in the Mpumalanga Province. The morphology of the South African A. vaccinii specimens was compared with previous published taxonomic descriptions and differences were found. Infestation levels in South Africa were high, and reduced flower and berry formation considerably on various Vaccinium corymbosum L. cultivars, and on rabbiteye blueberry Vaccinium virgatum Aiton. 'Centurion'. The current status of, symptoms, and cultivars infested by the mite in South African blueberry plantings are presented and discussed in the context of published information in North America. Acalitus vaccinii is a potential threat to cultivated blueberries in South Africa, but the threat varies according to climate and the susceptibility of different cultivars to this mite. Acalitus vaccinii will unlikely infest South Africa’s indigenous vegetation, apart from possibly the native Vaccinium exul Bolus.
Gonads and gametogenesis in Chaetodactylus osmiae (Acariformes: Astigmata: Chaetodactylidae) a parasite of solitary bees
Authors: Rożej-Pabijan Elżbieta , Witaliński Wojciech
Published: July 2021

Chaetodactylus osmiae (Dufour, 1839) is a mite parasitizing the solitary bee - Osmia rufa L.- used as a commercial pollinator. In this study we present the anatomy of female and male reproductive systems of this species as well as its gonadal structure and gametogenesis at the ultrastructural level. The reproductive systems are similar to those of other Astigmata. The ovaries are paired and each contains germ-line cells – a giant nutritive ovarian cell connected via funnel-type intercellular bridges to oogonia and previtellogenic oocytes. Germinal cells are embedded in several large somatic stroma cells. Remarkable numerous protrusions of the nutritive ovarian cell penetrate into the stroma cell cytoplasm. Conspicuous ER cisterns run close and parallel to the surface of the germinal cells. Oocytes entering vitellogenesis disassociate with the nutritive cell and a vitelline envelope composed of heterogeneous material appears on their surface. When vitellogenesis is completed, the oocytes are full of lipid droplets and two types of yolk spheres; the vitelline envelope transforms into a thin and homogeneous chorion.Paired testes are located on one side of the body, whereas the opposite side is filled by a male accessory gland. In testis, germinal cells are embedded in a few somatic stroma cells. The earliest spermatogonia form a compact germarium, whereas later stages are dispersed randomly within the testis. Spermatocytes are characterized by a superficial spongy layer, formation of mitochondrial derivatives, loss of nuclear envelope and condensation of chromatin in threads. A single electron-dense lamella appears during the spermatid stage, separating chromatin threads from a large spongy body surrounded by arcuate, double-membrane bounded cisterns. In spermatids, the superficial spongy layer is absent. The testicular central cell in the germarium and structures related to meiotic division were not observed in the testes. Spermatozoa are multiform cells (approx. 4x11µm) containing electron-dense lamella (ca. 45 nm thick) surrounded by mitochondrial derivatives which separate chromatin threads 45-50 nm thick from remnants of the spongy body i.e. arcuate cistern profiles. Spermatozoa deposited in female spermatheca are more electron dense; the electron-dense lamella is deeply folded several times, whereas chromatin threads are present in the center of the spermatozoon and are either flanked by lamella folds or located more peripherally under the plasmalemma. Remnants of the spongy body are not discernible.
Kuzinellus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from China
Authors: Ma Min , Fan Qing-Hai , Li Sheng-Cai
Published: July 2021

Two species of the genus Kuzinellus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) are known in China. We re-describe them based on types and fresh specimens and provide updated information and illustrations. It is the first time that Kuzinellus trisetus is recorded in Shanxi province.
Diversity of Peloppiidae (Oribatida) in North America
Authors: Lindo Zoë
Published: July 2021

Members of the oribatid mite family Peloppiidae are found throughout the Holarctic in subarctic and arctic habitats, and temperate and boreal forests, and while common, are rarely collected in high abundance. Pacific Northwest forest habitats of western Canada have high relative diversity of peloppiid mites representing species of the genera Ceratoppia, Dendrozetes, and Metrioppia. Many of these are newly described species that are seemingly endemic to the region. Here I review the status and diversity of Peloppiidae from North America, and summarize the distributions of described species. Despite recent efforts, significant work remains. Within Ceratoppia two widely-distributed and established species have considerable morphological variation, while the type specimens are missing or destroyed, making confirmation of new specimens difficult. For other genera, extensive review of the Canadian National Collections in Ottawa, Canada suggest there are at least four undescribed species of North American Peloppiidae - two potentially new species of Paenoppia, and new species each of Parapyroppia and Pyroppia.
Diversity and abundance of Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) on horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) in an urban environment: a comparison between Greece and the Czech Republic
Authors: Kopačka Michal , Stathakis Theodoros I. , Broufas Georgios , Papadoulis Georgios Th. , Zemek Rostislav
Published: July 2021

Horse chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum L. (Sapindaceae), is a large deciduous tree native to a small area in the Pindus Mountain mixed forests and the Balkan mixed forests of Southeast Europe. It was introduced to most countries in Europe mainly for ornamental purposes. The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence, species composition and population densities of phytoseiid mites on A. hippocastanum in countries where this tree species is autochthonous and to compare them with Central Europe. In addition, we tested whether the horse chestnut leaf miner, Cameraria ohridella or the horse chestnut leaf blotch, Guignardia aesculi has any effect on Phytoseiidae population density. Leaf samples were collected in the cities of České Budějovice, Czech Republic and Orestiada, Greece in September 2013 and 2015, respectively. Thirty compound leaves were randomly taken from tree branches up to 2.5 m above ground in both localities. Mites were collected by washing the leaves in ethanol and were then mounted in lactic acid and identified. A total of 441 specimens of phytoseiid mites belonging to six species (Euseius finlandicus, Neoseiulella tiliarum, Kampimodromus aberrans, Paraseiulus talbii, Phytoseius macropilis and Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) pyri) were collected. A significantly higher population density of Phytoseiidae was found in České Budějovice. The density was not affected by the horse chestnut leaf miner, Cameraria ohridella or the horse chestnut leaf blotch, Guignardia aesculi. Euseius finlandicus was the predominant species in both České Budějovice (96.8%) and Orestiada (48.4%) where, however, it competed with K. aberrans (42.9%).
A further modification of Dioni’s mounting media to allow staining, clearing and mounting of Acari
Authors: Chick Andrew I. R.
Published: July 2021

Modified Dioni’s media has previously been presented as an alternative to tradition Gum Chloral mounting media for microscopical specimens. This paper aims to explore a further modification of Dioni’s mounting media with the objective to provide a simple solution to clear, stain and mount Acari specimens in regions where obtaining Chloral Hydrate based media is problematic.
New records of flat mites (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) from India
Authors: Mitra Subhasree , Acharya Shelley , Ghosh Sujay
Published: July 2021

Six species of Tenuipalpidae are reported for the first time from India among the seventeen species from South Bengal in the current collection. Among them, three species belong to the genus Brevipalpus, B. melichrus Pritchard and Baker, B.mitrofanovi (Pegazzano) and B. turrialbensis Manson; one species of the genus Cenopalpus, C. picitilis Chaudhri; and the remaining two species belong to the genus Tenuipalpus, T. crassulus Baker and Tuttle and T. leipoldti Meyer.
First quantitative data on the ectoparasitic mites of Sceloporus torquatus (Squamata) from the Ecological Reserve of Pedregal de San Angel in Central Mexico
Authors: Guzmán-Cornejo Carmen , García-Prieto Luis , Zúñiga-Vega J. Jaime
Published: July 2021

Twenty four live lizards Sceloporus torquatus were collected in the rainy season in the Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel (REPSA) in Mexico City to establish their ectoparasite census. A total of 1251 mites belonging to four species in three families (Ornithodoros talaje in Argasidae, Geckobiella pelaezi and Geckobiella texana in Pterygosomatidae, and Eutrombicula alfreddugesi in Trombiculidae) were collected. This is the first record of O. talajei for this host species. We detected some differences in the infestation parameters of the four mite species. The prevalence of G. pelaezi, G. texana, and E. alfreddugesi was relatively high (>70%) and statistically different from that of O. talaje (<20%). Abundances of G. pelaezi and E. alfreddugesi were higher than in O. talaje and G. texana, and the latter species showed the lowest mean intensity. Further investigations are necessary to verify these differences and reveal their causes.
New mite records (Acari: Mesostigmata, Trombidiformes) from soil and vegetation of some Syrian citrus agrosystems
Authors: Barbar Ziad
Published: July 2021

This study gives the result of collections of mite fauna inhabiting soil, litter and plant species surrounding citrus orchards at three localities in Latakia governorate. Mites collected were identified and only new recorded species are presented. During this study, 21 species belonging to 12 families (4 Mesostigmata and 8 Trombidiformes) were reported as new to the Syrian fauna. Five species were phytophagous mites (belong to Tenuipalpidae and Tetranychidae), while the others are considered as generalist predators or feed on microorganisms in their habitats. The results could be of importance for integrated pest management applied in Syrian citrus orchards.
An unexpected finding of mammal mites (Psoroptidia: Sarcoptoidea) on a bird
Authors: Pedroso Luiz Gustavo de Almeida , Hernandes Fabio Akashi
Published: July 2021

The psoroptidian mite Myocoptes musculinus (Koch, 1844) is the most common species of the family Myocoptidae (Sarcoptoidea), along with its main host, the house mouse Mus musculus Linnaeus. The present article reports the first recorded confirmation of M. musculinus on a bird - the tropical screech-owl Megascops choliba (Vieillot). Finding myocoptid mites on a non-rodent host is an additional case of predator-prey contamination.
A new species of the genus Eutrombicula Ewing, 1938 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) and new records for the species Eutrombicula batatas (Linnaeus, 1758) in Brazil
Authors: Bassini-Silva Ricardo , Jacinavicius Fernando de Castro , Muñoz-Leal Sebastián , Maturano Ralph , Welbourn W. Calvin , Ochoa Ronald , Bauchan Gary R. , Barros-Battesti Darci M.
Published: July 2021

The genus Eutrombicula consists of more than 80 known species worldwide. Species of this genus parasitize amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. In the present study, we describe Eutrombicula daemoni n. sp. collected on the social flycatcher, Myiozetetes similis (Passeriformes) from southeast region of Brazil and partial sequence of the 18S gene was obtained for this mite species. In addition, we provide new locality records and hosts for Eutrombicula batatas (L.) in Brazil.
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Arachnida: Ixodidae) larvae infestation of human eyelids. A rare case
Authors: Kaur Navpreet , Prasher Pawan , Kumar Khushhal , Dhingra Sakshi
Published: July 2021

An 82-year-old female patient with painful, watery, and itchy eyes was admitted for examination at the Sri Guru Ramdas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research. During the examination, a number of tick larvae were found attached to the patient’s upper and lower eyelid margins. The ticks were manually removed and the patient was treated with topical ciprofloxacin eye ointment. Microscopic studies revealed that all specimens belonged to a single species Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Canestrini (Acari: Ixodidae) which parasitizes livestock. Although other cases of ocular infestations have been reported, this is the first in North India involving R. (B.) microplus. It is speculated that the patient’s occupation, surrounding conditions and living propensities made her susceptible to contamination by ticks.
A new species of Olopachys Berlese (Acari: Pachylaelapidae) from Iran with a key to the world species
Authors: Mojahed Samaneh , Hajizadeh Jalil , Hosseini Reza , Ahadiyat Ali
Published: July 2021

A new species, Olopachys iraniensis n. sp. (Mesostigmata: Pachylaelapidae) is described based on adult females collected from soil in Guilan Province, northern Iran. Two identification keys are provided, one for all known species of Olopachys, and the other for species recorded from Iran. A brief review on pachylaelapid mites of Iran is also provided.
A description of the male of Cocoseius elsalvador Denmark and Andrews (Acari: Phytoseiidae: Typhlodrominae)
Authors: Melo Elisângela A. dos S.F. , Gondim Manoel G.C. Jr , Moraes Gilberto J. de , Oliveira Aníbal R.
Published: July 2021

The present work describes the male of Cocoseius elsalvador Denmark and Andrews based on specimens collected in Brazil, representing the first characterization of a male of this genus.
Contribution to systematics of the genus Eustigmaeus (Acari: Stigmaeidae) of Russia
Authors: Khaustov Alexander A.
Published: July 2021

Two new species of Eustigmaeus: E. bochkovi n. sp., collected from rotten log in Khabarovsky Kray, and E. grandis n. sp., collected from soil in Primorsky Kray, are described from Russia. The genus Paravillersia Kuznetsov, 1978 is considered as a junior synonym of Eustigmaeus Berlese, 1910; Paravillersia grata Kuznetsov, 1978 is considered as a junior synonym of Eustigmaeus ottavii (Berlese, 1910), E. ioanninensis Kapaxidi and Papadoulis, 1999 is considered as a junior synonym of E. pinnata Kuznetsov, 1977a, and Paravillersia jamaliensis Khaustov, 2014 moved to the genus Villersia Oudemans, 1927.
Complementary description of Podocinella misella (Berlese, 1913) (Acari: Podocinidae) and a key to world species of the genus
Authors: Santos Jandir C. , de C. Mineiro Jeferson L. , de Moraes Gilberto J.
Published: July 2021

Podocinidae Berlese is known in South America from only one species described from Brazil and several other locations on the continent. A complementary description of Podocinella misella (Berlese) is presented based on the morphology of adult females from litter collected in different parts of Brazil. Complementary characterization of the genus and a key to distinguish the five recognizable world Podocinella species are also presented.
First record of Poecilochirus mrciaki Mašán, 1999 (Acari, Parasitidae) and its phoretic carriers in the Iberian peninsula
Authors: Saloña Bordas Marta I. , Perotti M. Alejandra
Published: July 2021

We report for the first time the presence of Poecilochirus mrciaki Mašán, 1999 in the South of Europe, in the Iberian peninsula and on new carrier insects. Mites were collected from carrion insects, during a decomposition experiment carried out in the natural park “Aiako Harria” (Errenteria, Gipuzkoa). Most deutonymphs were found on the body of the necrophagous beetle Necrodes littoralis (Coleoptera, Silphidae). Other species of insects in families Geotrupidae, Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) and Calliphoridae (Diptera) were also transporting mites. All carriers were colonising or visiting the pig carcasses. Sampling lasted 3 months in the summers 2009 and 2010. Most mites were sampled from bloat to advanced decay. This is also the first record of P. mrciaki phoretic on flies (Diptera).
Two new species of Diptilomiopus Nalepa (Acari: Eriophyoidea) from India
Authors: Chakrabarti Samiran , Sur Surajit , Sarkar Sanjay
Published: July 2021

Two new species, Diptilomiopus indogangeticus n. sp., infesting Ficus tinctoria subsp. gibbosa (Blume) Corner (Moraceae), and Diptilomiopus mohanasundarami n. sp., infesting Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae), are described from West Bengal, India. Diptilomiopus holoptelus Chakrabarti and Mondal and Diptilomiopus strebli (Boczek) are possible junior synonyms of Diptilomiopus integrifoliae Mohanasundaram and Diptilomiopus asperis Ghosh and Chakrabarti, respectively.
Evaluation of prey stage preference of the predatory mite Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans) on the spider mite pest Tetranychus neocaledonicus (André) (Acari: Phytoseiidae, Tetranychidae)
Authors: Jyothis Devasia , Ramani Neravathu
Published: July 2021

Tetranychus neocaledonicus, the commonly called vegetable spider mite is a highly polyphagous pest, infesting over 500 species of economic plants. The species has been categorized as a major pest, inducing considerable feeding damage on vegetables, fruit crops, medicinal plants, ornamentals, plantation crops etc. The present study was concentrated to assess the predatory potential of a phytoseiid predator, Neoseiulus longispinosus on the different life stages (egg, larva, nymphs and adults) of T. neocaledonicus under laboratory conditions. Separate experimental set ups were prepared with leaf arena of mulberry plants and known numbers of different life stages of the pest mite were maintained on individual leaf arena. For evaluating the predatory potential, adult females of N. longispinosus were introduced on to the individual leaf discs in the arenas and observations were made under a stereomicroscope to record the response of the predator to the individual life stage of the pest mite. The number of prey stages consumed by the predator on individual leaf arena was recorded for a time interval of 24 hrs and the rate of consumption on individual prey instar was calculated. Except at the time of oviposition, the adult predator was found to make active prey searching movement randomly, in and around the prey patches. By sensing the prey through successive contacts with the first pair of legs and pedipalps, the predator initiated feeding actively, and sucked out the entire fluid content with its mouth parts. The adult predator showed a specific preference to feed on the egg stage of the prey mite while the predator nymph exhibited preference to the nymphal stages of the prey. A decreasing sequence in the order egg > larva > nymphs> adult was recorded in the feeding preference of the adult predator towards life stages of the prey mite and the per cent consumption on egg, larva, nymphs and adult female stages was 48.4, 29.9, 26.6 and 9.3 %, respectively. However, the feeding preference of the nymphal stage of the predator showed a slight deviation in the order nymph > larva > adult > egg and the mean rates of consumption were 31.3, 22, 11.2 and 10.3 %, respectively. Data gathered on consumption rates of the predator upon statistical analysis revealed a significant variation towards different stages of T. neocaledonicus, thereby establishing a specific preference to prey eggs by the predator.
An amazing sub-cambium flat mite from South Africa (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae)
Authors: Ueckermann Edward A. , Ochoa Ronald , Bauchan Gary R. , Neser Stefan
Published: July 2021

An unusual sub-cambium flat mite, Phytoptipalpus occultuae sp. n., first found under the bark in blisters on stems of Senegalia caffra in Pretoria, South Africa is described and illustrated herein. This is a unique species in the genus Phytoptipalpus because of the presence of reduced legs IV, a possible link between those with 4 pairs and 3 pairs of legs. A key to all of the Phytoptipalpus species is given.
Ultrastructure of the prosomal gland complex in unfed larvae of the fresh-water mite Limnesia maculata (Müller, 1776) (Acariformes, Limnesiidae)
Authors: Shatrov Andrey B. , Soldatenko Elena V.
Published: July 2021

The salivary and coxal glands in unfed larvae of the fresh-water mite Limnesia maculata (Müller, 1776) (Acariformes, Limnesiidae) were studied using light and electron microscopy. Three pairs of the salivary and one pair of the coxal glands constitute the prosomal gland complex. The salivary glands pertain to simple alveolar glands consisting of the single acinus with prismatic cells arranged around the intra-alveolar lumen. Owing to their spatial distribution, the salivary glands may be termed as medial, ventral and lateral. While the ventral and lateral glands are arranged symmetrically, the medial glands are disposed one after another at the frontal wall of the synganglion (brain). The medial and the ventral glands possess mostly electron-dense secretory granules supposedly of protein nature. The lateral glands show variable organization mainly having electron-lucent vacuoles. No well pronounced rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies were discernible in the salivary glands. The coxal glands are well developed and composed of (i) the main portion (the so-called labyrinth) including at least two tightly opposed loops and extending backward along the brain, and (ii) the very short anterior portion/end piece transforming anteriorly into the terminal sac/bladder. The cells of the main portion are provided with apical microvilli, whereas the basal infolding/basal labyrinth is lacking. The cells of the anterior portion do not show the apical microvilli and the basal infoldings. The terminal sac is lined by a cuticle and has an ectodermal origin. The ducts of the salivary glands come together at the dorsal aspect of the bladder, to which they open forming the common podocephalic duct anteriorly. The latter opens on each side into the subcheliceral space. The well-developed podocephalic system suggests its active role in the living processes such as feeding and ion-water balance.
Survey of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata, Phytoseiidae) in citrus orchards and a key for Amblyseiinae in Vietnam
Authors: Fang Xiao-Duan , Nguyen Van-Liem , Ouyang Ge-Cheng , Wu Wei-Nan
Published: July 2021

Citrus is the second largest fruit crop in Vietnam. Phytoseiid mites are important natural enemies of mite pests and small insects in citrus orchards. By examining the specimens collected from three citrus orchards in the Mekong Delta in the south of Vietnam, a new record of phytoseiid mite Amblyseius obtuserellus Wainstein and Begljarov, 1971 was found and two other species Amblyseius largoensis (Muma, 1955) and Euseius ovalis (Evans, 1953) were also obtained. Herein, they are re-described and illustrated based on the current specimens. A key for Amblyseiinae in Vietnam is also provided
The first report on oribatid mites in tundra belts of the Lovozersky Mountains on the Kola Peninsula, Russia
Authors: Leonov Vladislav D. , Rakhleeva Anna A.
Published: July 2021

The fauna of oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) in the mountain tundra on the Kola Peninsula (Russia) is still poorly studied. The main aim of this research is to obtain initial data on the fauna and abundance of oribatid mites of the Lovozersky Mountains. We investigated five plots, including three lichen tundra plots, one dwarf shrub tundra plot and one wetted tundra plot in one of the largest mountain massifs of the Kola Peninsula — the Lovozersky Mountains. Multidimensional scaling and discriminant function analysis were used to identify some trends in the fauna and abundance of species on the explored plots. The abundance of oribatid mites in the lichen tundra reached 23,680 ind./m2. In the dwarf shrub tundra, this value is over three times higher — up to 81,160 ind./m2, which is comparable with the oribatid mite abundance of forest habitats. The minimum values were discovered in wetted tundra (6,200 ind./m2). A total of 71 species, 38 genera, and 24 families of oribatid mites were found during the course of this study. Eight species of Oribatida have been added to the fauna of the Kola Peninsula. A significant difference was observed in the structure of oribatid faunas of the explored habitats. The occurrence in samples and relative abundance of Mycobates sarekensis, Oribatula amblyptera, Tectocepheus velatus and Carabodes labyrinthicus increased in lichen tundra compared to dwarf shrub tundra. Species of Suctobelbidae and Oppiidae were higher in occurrence and relative abundance in dwarf shrub tundra compared to lichen tundra. The occurrence and relative abundance of Trimalaconothrus angulatus, T. maior and Platynothrus peltifer prevailed in wetted tundra as compared to automorphic tundra habitats. The family Suctobelbidae was represented by a large number of species, while the family Ceratozetidae showed a small number of species in the discovered fauna. According to the literature, these features of the fauna are unusual for tundra. A low diversity of Ceratozetidae, a high diversity of Suctobelbidae and high abundance of oribatid mites in dwarf shrub tundra may be explained by the ambivalent nature of the oribatid community in the explored region, which combines boreal and arctic features due to marine climate.
A new species of the genus Lasioseius (Acari: Blattisociidae) inhabiting litter of secondary rainforest in Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Quintero-Gutiérrez Edwin Javier , Sandmann Dorothee , Cómbita-Heredia Orlando , Klarner Bernhard , Widyastuti Rahayu , Scheu Stefan
Published: July 2021

A new species of blattisociid mites Lasioseius orangrimbae n. sp., that belongs to the floridensis-group, is described based on females and males from litter and soil samples of secondary rainforest in Sumatra, Indonesia.
Contribution to the knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Pilobatella (Acari, Oribatida, Haplozetidae)
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Starý Josef
Published: July 2021

The genus Pilobatella (Oribatida, Haplozetidae) comprises 10 species, which are distributed in the Palaeotropical region; this includes two new species described herein on the basis of adult specimens sampled from forest leaf litter in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park of eastern Madagascar. Pilobatella mikoi n. sp. is similar to Pilobatella baloghi Mahunka, 2003 in having long interlamellar setae and adanal setae ad1 and ad2, but differs by having monodactylous legs (versus tridactylous) and a bothridial seta that is gradually expanded to a narrow head (versus setiform, without head). Pilobatella kovaci n. sp. is similar to P. mikoi n. sp. in having monodactylous legs, long interlamellar setae and adanal setae ad1 and ad2, but differs by the presence of lineolate notogaster and anogenital region (versus lineolate markings absent), long tutoria (versus tutoria of medium length), rounded trochanters distodorsally (versus pointed) and clearly distanced medial ends of apodemes 2 (versus nearly touching at midline). A revised generic diagnosis and an identification key to known species of Pilobatella are presented.
Occurrence of the introduced snake mite, Ophionyssus natricis (Gervais, 1844), in the wild in Australia
Authors: Norval Gerrut , Halliday Bruce , Sih Andrew , Sharrad Robert D. , Gardner Michael G.
Published: July 2021

The snake mite, Ophionyssus natricis (Acari: Macronyssidae), occurs in many parts of the world and is of animal and human health significance. In Australia Op. natricis is considered an introduced species in parts of coastal eastern and southern Australia and is thought to be absent in the wild. Herein we report on the occurrence of Op. natricis in Adelaide and a rural locality in South Australia on lizards from the genus Tiliqua. We also review previous records of this mite species based on published reports and the examination of museum specimens. The results show that the snake mite has been collected on wild hosts at several localities in at least two states and is therefore not restricted to reptiles in captivity.
Contribution to the knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Perxylobates (Acari, Oribatida, Haplozetidae)
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Liao Jhih-Rong
Published: July 2021

Perxylobates hakkai n. sp. (Oribatida, Haplozetidae) is the second representative of the genus recorded in Taiwan; it is described based on adults from soil under Ricinus communis on a farm of the Agricultural Research and Extension Station in Miaoli District. The new species differs from related Perxylobates coreanus Choi and Aoki, 1993 by the presence of five pairs of genital setae (versus four pairs), four pairs of notogastral porose areas including A3 (versus three pairs, A3 absent), minute epimeral seta 1c (versus comparatively long), roughened epimeral and aggenital setae (versus heavily barbed), and smooth anterior part of prodorsum (versus foveolate). A revised generic diagnosis and an identification key to known species of Perxylobates are provided. The systematic placement of Perxylobates mahunkai Bayoumi, 1980 is discussed, resulting in the following new taxonomic proposal: Protoribates mahunkai (Bayoumi, 1980) n. comb.
Development, reproduction and life table parameters of Tetranychus turkestani (Acari: Tetranychidae) on three different host plants
Authors: Bazazzadeh Fereshteh , Shishehbor Parviz , Esfandiari Mehdi , Farahi Sara
Published: July 2021

The strawberry spider mite, Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov and Nikolski, is one of the most important pests of different field and glasshouse crops in Iran. The objectives of the current study were to determine developmental time, survival, reproduction and life table parameters of T. turkestani on three plant species: cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.), white bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) and red bean (Phaseolus calcaratus Roxb.) at 25 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 10 % RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D). The mean developmental time from egg to adult on cowpea, white bean and red bean were 11.99, 10.43 and 10.46 days, respectively. The total preadult survival rates varied from 75% to 80%. Females of T. turkestani oviposited means of 65.13, 44.03 and 32.69 eggs on cowpea, white bean and red bean, respectively, and had a mean longevity of 13.92, 9.08 and 7.23 days on the same three host plants. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) varied from 0.18 to 0.21. The net reproductive rate (R0) was higher on cowpea (42.33) than on white bean (24.95) or red bean (14.16). Using these measures, T. turkestani performance was best on cowpea, worst on red bean, and intermediate on white bean.
New records of phytoseiid mites from Italy, with description of a new species and a redescription of other two (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Tsolakis Haralabos , Ragusa Salvatore
Published: July 2021

The Italian phytoseiid fauna consists of 91 valid species. Eighteen of them were described as new species from materials collected in various Italian localities. In the present paper we report nine new records from the Italian fauna and describe the new species, Neoseiulus mediterraneus belonging to the subfamily Amblyseiinae. Complementary descriptions of two rare species, namely: Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) singularis and Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) knisleyi, were also added.
A new species of Parabonzia (Trombidiformes: Cunaxidae) based on adults and nymphs with a key to the world species
Authors: Chen Jian-Xin , Guo Jian-Jun , Yi Tian-Ci , Jin Dao-Chao
Published: July 2021

A new species, namely Parabonzia xinningensis Chen and Jin sp. nov., is described from China, based on female, male, tritonymph, deutonymph and protonymph. A key to adult females of Parabonzia species of the world is provided.
A new species of Eustigmaeus Berlese (Acari: Stigmaeidae) from Brazil
Authors: Bizarro Gabriel Lima , da Silva Noronha Aloyséia Cristina , Liberato Da Silva Guilherme , Juarez Ferla Noeli , Johann Liana
Published: July 2021

A new species of Stigmaeidae (Acari: Trombidiformes), namely Eustigmaeus crassifolius Bizarro and Johann n. sp., is described and illustrated based on females collected on Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth (Malpighiaceae) in Belém city (1°26'09.2'' S 48°26'28.6'' W), Pará state, Brazil. A dichotomous key of Brazilian species of Eustigmaeus genus is provided.
First record of two insects preying on the red tomato spider mite Tetranychus evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Latakia governorate, Syria
Authors: Dayoub Ahmad Malek , Dib Hazem , Boubou Angham
Published: July 2021

The red tomato spider mite Tetranychus evansi is an important invasive pest of solanaceous plants worldwide. It has been recorded in Syria since 2011 in Latakia governorate, a Mediterranean coastal region. During survey conducted in 2019, the ladybird beetle, Stethorus gilvifrons (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and the acarivorous gall midge, Feltiella acarisuga (Vallot) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) were identified in association with T. evansi colonies on tomato and black nightshade from 12 sites in Latakia. Larvae of F. acarisuga, and larvae and adults of S. gilvifrons, were observed preying on all developmental stages of T. evansi. This is the first record of T. evansi as a prey of S. gilvifrons. A literature review of Stethorus and Feltiella species previously reported in association with T. evansi on solanaceous plants is also provided.
A new Euseius species on citrus and wild lime, Zanthoxylum fagara (Rutaceae), in Florida and an updated key to Euseius species from the state
Authors: Ueckermann Edward A. , Moraes Gilberto J. de , Childers Carl C.
Published: July 2021

A new Euseius Wainstein species, Euseius ennsi n. sp., is described from adult males and females collected from citrus and wild lime in an extensive survey conducted in 2009–2014 to evaluate the phytoseiid mites from citrus plants in dooryard, experimental and commercial plantations in Florida. An updated key is provided for the seven Euseius species reported so far from citrus in the state.
New records of water mites from New Zealand, with the description of three new genera and ten new species (Acari: Hydrachnidia)
Authors: Smit Harry , Pešić Vladimir
Published: July 2021

Many new records are presented of rare water mites from New Zealand. Three new genera are described, i.e. Moanabates n. gen. (Hygrobatidae), Asperaturus n. gen. and Minyaturus n. gen. (Aturidae: Notoaturinae), and ten new species, i.e. Limnesia moanaensis n. sp., L. pseudozelandica n. sp., L. quinqueglandulosa n. sp., Zelandobates tongariro n. sp., Z. occidentalis n. sp., Moanabates moanaensis n. sp., Asperaturus petiolatus n. sp., Minyaturus minutulus n. sp., Paratryssaturus montanus n. sp. and Penemideopsis novaezelandica n. sp. Australiobates lacustris Smit, 1996 is synonymized with Australiobates setipalpis Cook, 1983. The male is for the first time described for Limnesia auspexa Cook, 1983, Apeltosperchon zelandicus Cook, 1983, Australiobates solomis Cook, 1983, Kritaturus vinnulus Cook, 1983 and Taintaturus longipileatus Smit, 2017, the female is for the first time described for Schwoerbelaturus aturoides (Schwoerbel, 1984).
New Leptogamasus mite species (Parasitiformes: Parasitidae) from Europe. II. Northern Italy
Authors: Witaliński Wojciech
Published: July 2021

The four new species belonging to Parasitidae family, Leptogamasus (Leptogamasus) bicornis n. sp., Leptogamasus (L.) digiticornis n. sp., Leptogamasus (L.) sextus n. sp. and Leptogamasus (L.) trentinis n. sp. originating from the surroundings of Lake Garda (Lago di Garda), northern Italy, are described.
Morphological ontogeny and molecular analyses of geographic strains of two closely related Neoseiulus species (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Negm Mohamed W. , Matsuda Tomoko , Kayukawa Takumi , Ho Chyi-Chen , Hsu Yu-Tzu , Kongchuensin Manita , Konvipasruang Ploychompoo , Gotoh Tetsuo
Published: July 2021

The predatory mites, Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans) and N. womersleyi (Schicha) (Phytoseiidae) are two morphologically close species. Although they can be mainly separated by the length of the dorsal seta S5, misidentifications may occur. The present study investigated various strains of the two closely related species collected from Japan, Taiwan and/or Thailand using a combination of morphological and molecular data. We described and illustrated the adults and immature stages. We also sequenced the 28S region of nuclear ribosomal DNA to determine whether these strains represent different species. The two species could be clearly separated based on the length of seta S5 and the ratio of setae Z5/S5. In a 28S tree, the examined strains also formed separate clades with 100% bootstrap values. We conclude that a combination of different methods is often necessary to precisely distinguish these closely related taxa.
The water mite genus Neumania Lebert, 1879 in Australia (Acari: Hydrachnidia)
Authors: Smit Harry
Published: July 2021

A new Neumania species is described from Australia, i.e., N. australica n. sp. Neumania queenslandica K.O. Viets, 1977 is synonymized with N. gila K.O. Viets, 1975. Previous records of N. falcipes Koenike, 1906 from Australia should be assigned to N. gila. New records are given of the genus from all over Australia.
New locality and host records of two chigger mite species (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) from Morocco
Authors: Stekolnikov Alexandr A. , Er-Rguibi Omar , Laghzaoui El-Mustapha , Aglagane Abdessamad , El Mouden El Hassan
Published: July 2021

Two chigger mite species, Ericotrombidium tarentolae (Vercammen-Grandjean and Langston, 1976) and Neotrombicula orycti Taufflieb, 1960, have been recorded outside their type localities and on two species of geckos from the genus Quedenfeldtia Boettger for the first time. One new subjective synonym has been established on the base of examination of type specimens and additional materials — Neotrombicula orycti Taufflieb, 1960 (syn.: Neotrombicula lemni Taufflieb, 1960, n. syn.).
Exploring Instructional Design in Arabic Education
Authors: Hess Donna
Published: July 2021

This review examines instructional design principles from Behaviorist, Cognitivist, Constructivist, and Contemporary learning inspired models within the landscape of Arabic language education research. Specific characteristics from instructional design models suchs as ADDIE, Morrison, Ross, and Kemp, ASSURE, and Rapid Prototyping are explored within the context of the Arabic classroom that uses technology integration. It will be shown that there is a need for more studies to emphasize the importance of design within course development to benefit both instructors and learners of Arabic. This synthesis of current research will be helpful to Arabic educators and researchers in determining best collaborative and comprehensive strategies for designing effective Arabic language learning environments to propel the field into the future. 