Ticks collected on 21 different species of amphibians and reptiles captured during 2001 to 2017 in the northeast Brazil were identified. Overall, 227 individuals (185 larvae, 32 nymphs, 7 adults females and 3 males) identified as follow: Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma rotundatum, Amblyomma sp. larvae, Ornithodoros mimon, Ornithodoros rietcorreai, and an Ornithodoros sp. Herein, we present 25 new tick-host associations, thus contributing to the knowledge on tick-fauna associated to amphibians and reptiles from Brazilian northeast.

A new species of the genus Hoplocheylus Atyeo and Baker (Acariformes: Heterostigmata: Tarsocheylidae), H. zanzibariensis sp. nov., is described from the forest litter in Zanzibar, Tanzania. A key to species of the genus Hoplocheylus is provided.

The 65^th Medical Brigade (MED BDE)/Medical Department Activity-Korea (MEDDAC-K), in collaboration with the Migratory Birds Research Center, National Park Research Institute, conducted migratory bird tick-borne disease surveillance at six small, remote, uninhabited islands near the western (Nan Island), southwestern (Chilbal, Gugul, Gaerin, Hong, and Sogugul islands) and southeastern (Hong Island) coastal areas of the Republic of Korea (ROK) during 2009 and from 2014–2017. Ticks were collected from nest soil/litter of the Ancient Murrelet (Synthliboramphus antiquus), Japanese Murrelet (Synthliboramphus wumizusume), Swinhoe's Storm Petrel (Hydrobates monorhis), Black-tailed Gull (Larus crassirostris), Pacific Swift (Apus pacificus), and Streaked Shearwater (Calonectris leucomelas) using Tullgren funnels. Ticks also were collected from recently dead nestlings of Swinhoe's Storm Petrel and Black-tailed Gull at Gugul, Sogugul, Gaerin, Nan, and Hong islands, and single ticks were collected from vegetation (tick drag) and a human bitten on Chilbal Island. A total of 1,578 ticks (61 females, 122 males, 290 nymphs, and 1,105 larvae), belonging to four genera and six species, were collected. Ornithodoros capensis (73.00%; 1,152) was the most commonly collected tick on migratory seabirds, followed by Ornithodoros sawaii (26.55%; 420), Ixodes uriae (0.19%; 3), and Ixodes signatus (0.13%, 2). One (0.06%) Haemaphysalis flava was collected by tick drag and one (0.06%) Amblyomma testudinarium was collected while biting one of the survey members. Ornithodoros species were identified morphologically and confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. This is the first record of O. sawaii collected from nest soil/litter during the 2017 nesting season of the Pacific Swift and Streaked Shearwater in the ROK.

Ticks are important vectors that transmit a variety of pathogenic microorganisms known to be medically important worldwide. Many vertebrate groups have become host to this organism, and their presence and abundance are an indicator of the condition of both host and its habitat. This study was conducted to determine tick's infestation and its prevalence on small mammal's residing in the recreational forests (RF) and semi-urban (SU) residential areas which have encountered Leptospirosis outbreak and cases in Hulu Langat, Selangor Malaysia. Trapping of the small mammals involved deploying two hundred cage traps in a systematic one-hectare plot (100 m × 100 m), as well as along the stream and forest trails at random. Ticks were extracted from the captured individual hosts. Identification of the tick species was performed based on morphological features and molecular approach using 16S rDNA and COI (cytochrome oxidase subunit I) genes. A total of 278 individuals of small mammals belonging to 15 species (13 Rodentia, 1 Scandentia and 1 Insectivora) were captured in the study areas. From these, 34 individuals from eight small mammal species were infested with ticks. The most infested host species was Muller's giant Sunda rat (Sundamys muelleri) with 5.80% (n=16). Ticks prevalence was slightly higher in RF with 6.40% (n=18) compared to SU with 5.80% (n=16). A total of 107 adult ticks (103 female and 4 male) were collected from the infested host. Ixodes granulatus was the most dominant tick species encountered (70.40%, n=85), followed by Dermacentor sp. (18.60%, n=20), while Amblyomma sp. was the least abundant (2%, n=2). This study provides information on tick species present and tick burden on small mammal hosts within the study areas. Our findings suggest that the visitors to the recreational forests and the residents of the semi-urban area were not only exposed to Leptospirosis bacteria but also tick bites and potentially tick-borne disease, therefore, precaution should be taken to avoid contact with small mammal hosts.

The present paper deals with two new species of oribatid mites of the genus Scapheremaeus Berlese, 1910 from the subtropical islands in Southern Japan. Scapheremaeus nakanoshimensis sp. nov. and Scapheremaeus boninensis sp. nov. are proposed on the basis of adults. Furthermore, we present data on distribution, diversity and habitat ecology of all known species of Scapheremaeus in Japan, and a key is provided for identification of hitherto recorded species in this country. Majority of Scapheremaeus species found in Japan are known to be restricted to areas of Southern Japan and Eastern China. Only one of the species has a relatively broad distribution in South America and East Asia. Most species of Scapheremaeus in Japan are inhabitants of soil and litter of various forests, and mosses growing on rocks, but few of them are arboreal. The D3 fragments of the 28S rRNA (28S D3) and 18S rRNA genes of Scapheremaeus nakanoshimensis sp. nov. are sequenced and data are available in the sequence database. Comparison of the 28S D3 gene sequence of Scapheremaeus nakanoshimensis sp. nov. with other oribatid mites gene sequences identifies that the representatives of Scutoverticidae (Scutovertex, Provertex, Exochocepheus) and Eremaeozetidae (Eremaeozetes), Ameronothridae (Ameronothrus) and Phenopelopidae (Eupelops) are the closest relatives to Scapheremaeus with regard to the species included in this analysis.

The giant whitefly, Aleurodicus cocois, is one of the main pests of cashew trees around the world. In the present study we evaluated the biological potential of the predaceous mites Amblyseius largoensis and Euseius concordis against A. cocois. The consumption and functional responses to prey egg densities of A. largoensis and E. concordis were investigated in laboratory experiments. Logistic regression indicated that both predators exhibited a type II response to prey eggs, and the eggs consumption increased with egg density up to a maximum, after which it slowly decreased. The value of the attack rate (a′) was higher for A. largoensis than that for E. concordis, but the handling time (Th) did not differ between the two predators. The predicted maximum daily consumption was 35 eggs for A. largoensis and 32 eggs for E. concordis. Our results indicate that A. largoensis and E. concordis could be effective biocontrol agents of the cashew tree giant whitefly, especially in conditions of low pest population density.

Lasioseius is a genus widely distributed across the continents, found in many types of hosts. Two new species of blattisociid mites from Brazil, Lasioseius jorgeamadoi sp. nov. and Lasioseius gabrielae sp. nov., are described based on the morphology of adult females collected on buds of cocoa plants, Theobroma cacao L. (Malvaceae) and inflorescences of ornamental plants (Heliconiaceae and Musaceae) in the State of Bahia, and collected on sugar cane, Saccharum officinarum L. in the State of São Paulo. A key for the separation of females of the 14 species of Lasioseius recorded in Brazil is provided.

Rubber trees, Hevea brasiliensis, are the main source of latex in the world, being cultivated in several states in Brazil. Calacarus heveae Feres and Tenuipalpus heveae Baker are considered the main pest mites of this crop. In this study, we evaluated the population dynamics of these two phytophagous species and of the most common predatory species during a one-year period on crops of rubber tree clones FDR 5788, CDC 312 and PMB 01, located in Igrapiúna, State of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. The results indicate that outbreaks of C. heveae and T. heveae occur from January to May. Population densities vary among clones, being lower on FDR 5788. Amblyseius perditus Chant and Baker (Phytoseiidae), Parapronematus sp. (Iolinidae) and Agistemus pallinii Matioli, Tavares and Pallini (Stigmaeidae) were the most abundant and frequently encountered predacious species. The population dynamics of these predatory species were related to the abundance of the phytophagous mites. However, the efficacy of these predators to mitigate infestations of phytophagous mites under natural conditions is unresolved due to the high reproductive rate of the phytophagous species.

Allothrombium arancianum sp. nov. with reduced inner claw of tarsus III and two setae on coxa II is described and illustrated from larvae collected from herbaceous plants in Sicily. A key to world species of Allothrombium (larva) is presented.

Plant-inhabiting mites are among the most diverse arachnid groups in terrestrial ecosystems. Because plant mites depend on their host plants, plant-related characteristics can be expected to be good predictors of mite diversity in natural vegetation, as observed for other groups of plant-inhabiting arthropods. Here, we use plant-related characteristics to predict plant mite diversity in Brazilian natural vegetation. We compiled a total of 206 mite species recorded on 343 host plant species, the majority from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes. Among the plant taxa that hosted the highest mite richness are the families Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae and Fabaceae, and the genera Trichilia (Meliaceae), Actinostemon and Alchornea (Euphorbiaceae). Mite species richness in different Brazilian inventories was positively influenced by sampled plant species richness and taxonomic range of sampled plants. In addition, we also found a positive correlation between plant family size (the number of plant species in a family) and total mite richness and predatory mite richness. Based on our analyses, we estimated a potential 20685 plant mite species for Brazil, which is almost 100 times higher than the number currently compiled in this study. Our findings suggest the richness of host plant species an important predictor of Brazilian mite diversity and revels that the current record of mite species richness for Brazil is only a small fraction of the potential diversity harbored by rich Brazilian flora.

The life history and predation rate of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot feeding on Eotetranychus frosti (McGregor) (Tetranychidae) or Cenopalpus irani Dosse (Tenuipalpidae) were determined at 25±1°C, with 16:8 h L: D, at an average daily relative air humidity of 60±10% on apple leaves. A. swirskii successfully completed development, oviposition, and survival on both diets. Individuals of predator reared on E. frosti prey showed improved performance as compared to C. irani prey. The results indicated that its average duration of all immature stages on E. frosti and C. irani were 6.94 and 7.48 days, respectively. The adult female longevities were 39.81 and 32.41 days on the E. frosti and C. irani diets, respectively; also females laid a total of 34.69 and 25.96 eggs on the two different prey species, respectively. The intrinsic rates of increase (r) and net reproductive rate (R₀) on E. frosti and C. irani were 0.179 and 0.140 day^-1 and 18.50 and 11.68 female offspring, respectively. The transformation rate (Q_p), stable predation rate (Ψ), and finite predation rate (ω) of A. swirskii were higher on C. irani than when fed on E. frosti diet due to their higher predation rate. The transformation rate (Q_p) of the predatory mite was 20.20 and 32.28 prey on E. frosti and C. irani, respectively. The net predation rate (C₀) was not significantly different for A. swirskii on the two diets. The results of this study suggested that A. swirskii can successfully complete its life cycle on both preys and have excellent performance as biological control agent against both pest species.

In this study the effects of soil application of potassium phosphite, amino acid complex, and biolog siderophoric on the life table parameters of Tetranychus urticae have been investigated on bean plants, under laboratory conditions. The results revealed significant differences in the total developmental times, oviposition periods, and fecundity of T. urticae among the treatments. The shortest total developmental time and longevity was observed in biolog siderophoric treatment. The intrinsic rate of increase, the net reproductive rate, the finite rate of increase and the mean generation times of T. urticae were remarkably different among the treatments and lower than in the control. The lowest values of these parameters were observed in the biolog siderophoric treatment, which suggests that this inducer could be employed toward a sustainable management of T. urticae.

A new feather mite genus Armophyllodes gen. n. (Proctophyllodidae: Proctophyllodinae) is established based on two new species, Armophyllodes gracilis sp. n. (type species) and A. robustus sp. n., described from the Olivaceous flatbill, Rhynchocyclus olivaceus (Temminck) (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae), in Panama. The new genus is related to the Nycteridocaulus generic group and clearly differs from other genera in having the strongly sclerotized lateral parts of coxal fields II in both sexes, the epigynum fused with the inner tips of epimerites IIIa in females, and vestigial terminal lamellae in males. The fusion of the epigynum with epimerites is an extremely rare character state in the subfamily Proctophyllodinae; among other known members of this subfamily, it was previously known only in females of Anisophyllodes pipromorphae Atyeo, 1967. In contrast to the subfamily Pterodectinae, in all representatives of which the fusion of the epigynum with epimerites is complete and these sclerites constitute a uniformly sclerotized arch-like structure, in the two species of the genus Armophyllodes and in An. pipromorphae, the traces of fusion between these sclerites are clearly distinct. This gives evidence that the fusion of the epigynum with epimerites in pterodectines and proctophyllodines originated independently.

The morphological ontogeny of Diapterobates altaicus Bayartogtokh, 2010 is described and illustrated. The juveniles of this species are unpigmented, except for a dark sclerite around a gland opening on the hysterosoma. In the larva, most gastronotal setae are of medium size, except for longer c₃, dp, lm, lp and h₁, whereas in the tritonymph, all gastronotal setae are long, especially c₃, dp, lp, h-series and p₁. In all juvenile stages, a humeral organ is present. The adult of D. altaicus has setae bv″ and v″ on femur I clearly shorter than seta d.

The diversity of avian nasal mites has been incompletely studied in South America and most reports have been made on the fauna of Brazil, especially from the 1940s to 1970s. Recently, the development of new research has contributed records of species not previously reported in the country. As a result, a compilation of records of nasal mites (Astigmata: Cytoditidae, Turbinoptidae; Prostigmata: Ereynetidae; Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae) of birds in Brazil is presented. One hundred and twenty-four species of nasal mites were recorded parasitizing 168 bird species. The Rhinonyssidae was the family with the highest number of mites reported (108 species). Most nasal mite hosts in Brazil are native birds, however, mites have also been reported parasitizing captive exotic birds, as well as introduced species and domesticated birds.

Two new vagrant species of the genus Phytoptus Dujardin (Eriophyoidea, Phytoptidae, Phytoptinae) from Serbia are described: Phytoptus argenteus n. sp. from Potentilla argentea and P. serbicus n. sp. from Potentilla tommasiniana. Remarks on morphology of Phytoptus alchemillae Jočić et al. 2011 collected from Alchemilla plicata in Serbia and supplementary description of infrequently encountered species Phytoptus potentillae Chen et al. 2005 from Potentilla bifurca (Poaceae) based on mummies recovered from dry plant material from southern Russia are given. Sequences of mtCOI barcode region (658 bp) of three Phytoptus species (P. alchemillae, P. argenteus n. sp., and P. serbicus n. sp.) are provided. A brief comparison of pairwise genetic distances between congeneric eriophyoid mites across taxa of Eriophyoidea (including genus Phytoptus) indicates that COI sequences of congeneric eriophyoid mites do not precisely reflect phylogenetic relations of their hosts. This fact may be explained by (a) different rate of the COI evolution in different mite clades associated with phylogenetically related and unrelated hosts or by (b) similar timing of the associations between mites and plants (while having the same rate of COI evolution).