In a survey conducted in southern China for potential biocontrol agents of spider mites, a Neoseiulus sp. was recorded and identified as Neoseiulus californicus based on morphological diagnosis, although 3 morphological features specific for this population were observed. To verify the taxonomic status of this population, we compared DNA sequences from three molecular markers—12S rRNA, Cyt b mtDNA and ITS—with those of other N. californicus populations from multiple countries, using N. idaeus as outgroup. All 3 molecular markers were congruent and supported the Chinese Neoseiulus specimens to be N. californicus. The intraspecific genetic distances determined from all populations including the Chinese one were 0.75, 1.8, and 0.049 while the interspecific genetic distances were 12.1, 28.2, and 3.9 for 12S rRNA, Cyt b mtDNA, and ITS, respectively. In addition, comparison of biological data—development, reproduction and life table parameters—of different N. californicus populations based on published data also supported both molecular and morphological diagnosis of the Chinese Neoseiulus specimens. The Chinese population had the second shortest developmental duration when fed with Tetranychus urticae, and moderate fecundity and life table parameters when compared to other populations.
How to translate text using browser tools
25 February 2016
Molecular and biological characterization of Neoseiulus species from China
Jiale Lv,
Fengqi Li,
Chunyan Wu,
Jin Zhang,
Guirong Wang,
Endong Wang,
Xuenong Xu
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
![](/ContentImages/journals/saaa/21/3/3/WebImages/110.021.0300.cover.jpg)
Systematic and Applied Acarology
Vol. 21 • No. 3
March 2016
Vol. 21 • No. 3
March 2016
12S rRNA
biological parameters
Cyt b mtDNA
ITS