The Range, Transmitting Insects, and Mitochondrial DNA Polymorphism of Gamasid Mite Hoploseius oblongus (Mesostigmata, Blattisociidae), Obligate Mycobiont on Bracket Fungus Fomitopsis pinicola (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) (original) (raw)
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Experimental & Applied Acarology, 2021
The fruiting bodies of bracket fungi are a specific microhabitat colonized by various invertebrates of which mites (Acari) are rarely studied, and if they are, the study is usually faunistic. The aim of the research was to determine whether the diversification of mite assemblages (Mesostigmata, Oribatida) inhabiting the fruiting bodies of Fomitopsis pinicola (Sw.) P. Karst. (Polyporales) are connected with the character of the forests and/or the degree of decay (DD) of the fruiting bodies. The research was conducted at Białowieża National Park (BNP), in forests close to natural ones and in Karkonosze National Park (KNP) which was affected by a large-scale forest dieback in the 1980s. Eighty fruiting bodies (40 at each study site) of F. pinicola belonging to four DD categories were collected. In total, 4,345 individuals of 120 mite species were recorded at BNP, and 13,912 individuals of 96 species were recorded at KNP. Analyses revealed that the sample dispersion at each study site w...
Large mites on wild mushrooms in Britain
Zoosymposium, 2022
Fungivorous mites and other acari associated with mushroom colonies are known since the beginning of acarology. Most of them are tiny and difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye. Most are myceliophagous mites (Behan & Hill, 1978; Renker et al., 2005; Werner et al., 2018). Large mites visible unaided on the stems, caps, or gills of the fleshy fruiting bodies of life wild mushrooms have been widely observed by naturalists but have rarely been documented in the acarological literature. The mite fauna of living macrofungi may, in parts, be different from that of dead or decaying fungi (Hågvar & Steen, 2013; Gdula et al., 2021b; Gdula et al., 2022). We expect some overlap with oribatid mites from soil, especially stressed soil. A few studies explored the diversity of mites on particular groups of fungi (Gwiazdowicz & Lakomy, 2002; Makarova, 2004; Okabe, 2013; Faraji et al., 2021; Lunde et al., 2022). Some mite species have adapted to the fruiting bodies of bracket fungi (Basidiomyceta, Polyporales). For example, members of several mesostigmatid genera like Hoploseius, Mycolaelaps, Fungiseius and Discoseius (Ascidae/Blattisociidae) are found exclusively on or in the fungi. Field surveys of various habitat classes (mixed broadleaf, coniferous mixed, hedgerow, mixed woodland, scrub, and pasture) in England and Wales yielded 218 mites, collected from the fruiting body of macrofungi belonging to the Ascomyceta (sac fungi) and Basidiomyceta (mushrooms and allies) (n = 67, comprising 15 orders, 20 families, and 32 species). In these surveys, Oribatida are the dominant group (124 specimens), followed by Mesostigmata (28 specimens). Together, they represent more than 90 % of the identified species.
Discovery of Fungus-Mite Mutualism in a Unique Niche
Environmental Entomology, 2007
The ßoral heads (infructescences) of South African Protea L. represent a most unusual niche for fungi of the economically important genus Ophiostoma Syd. and P. Syd. emend. Z.W. de Beer et al. Current consensus holds that most members of Ophiostoma are vectored by tree-infesting bark beetles. However, it has recently been suggested that mites, phoretic on these bark beetles, may play a central role in the dispersal of Ophiostoma. No bark beetles are known from Protea. Therefore, identifying the vectors of Ophiostoma in Protea infructescences would independently evaluate the role of various arthropods in the dispersal of Ophiostoma. Infructescence-colonizing arthropods were tested for the presence of Ophiostoma DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and for reproductive propagules by isolation on agar plates. PCR tests revealed that few insects carried Ophiostoma DNA. In contrast, various mites (Proctolaelaps vandenbergi Ryke, two species of Canestrini and Fonzago, and one Trichouropoda Berlese species) frequently carried Ophiostoma propagules. DNA sequence comparisons for 28S ribosomal DNA conÞrmed the presence of O. splendens G. J. Marais and M. J. Wingf., O. palmiculminatum Roets et al., and O. phasma Roets et al. on these mites. Two apparently undescribed species of
Mites as biological tags of their hosts: POPULATION GENETICS OF SPINTURNIX MYOTI
Molecular Ecology, 2010
Movements and spatial distribution of host populations are expected to shape the genetic structure of their parasite populations. Comparing the genetic patterns of both interacting species may improve our understanding of their evolutionary history. Moreover, genetic analyses of parasites with horizontal transmission may serve as indicators of historical events or current demographic processes that are not apparent in the genetic signature of their hosts. Here, we compared mitochondrial variation in populations of the ectoparasitic mite Spinturnix myoti with the genetic pattern of its host, the Maghrebian bat Myotis punicus in North Africa and in the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. Mite mitochondrial differentiation among populations was correlated with both host mitochondrial and nuclear differentiation, suggesting spatial co-differentiation of the lineages of the two interacting species. Therefore our results suggest that parasite dispersal is exclusively mediated by host movements, with open water between landmasses as a main barrier for host and parasite dispersal. Surprisingly the unique presence of a continental European mite lineage in Corsica was inconsistent with host phylogeographical history and strongly suggests the former presence of European mouse-eared bats on this island. Parasites may thus act as biological tags to reveal the presence of their now locally extinct host.
Mites as biological tags of their hosts
2010
Movements and spatial distribution of host populations are expected to shape the genetic structure of their parasite populations. Comparing the genetic patterns of both interacting species may improve our understanding of their evolutionary history. Moreover, genetic analyses of parasites with horizontal transmission may serve as indicators of historical events or current demographic processes that are not apparent in the genetic signature of their hosts. Here, we compared mitochondrial variation in populations of the ectoparasitic mite Spinturnix myoti with the genetic pattern of its host, the Maghrebian bat Myotis punicus in North Africa and in the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. Mite mitochondrial differentiation among populations was correlated with both host mitochondrial and nuclear differentiation, suggesting spatial co-differentiation of the lineages of the two interacting species. Therefore our results suggest that parasite dispersal is exclusively mediated by host movements, with open water between landmasses as a main barrier for host and parasite dispersal. Surprisingly the unique presence of a continental European mite lineage in Corsica was inconsistent with host phylogeographical history and strongly suggests the former presence of European mouse-eared bats on this island. Parasites may thus act as biological tags to reveal the presence of their now locally extinct host.
Beneficial Mite Species Determined in Hevsel Gardens
Bitki koruma bulteni, 2022
This study was conducted to determine beneficial mite species of Hevsel Gardens in Diyarbakir province in 2018-2019. These historical gardens, which have been cultivated continuously for thousands of years, are listed on UNESCO World Heritage List. Survey studies were carried out periodically every 15 days from April to November with the random sampling method. In the study, samples were taken from 66 plants species consisting of fruit trees, vegetables, and weeds. As a result of the study, 15 predator mite species from families Tydeidae, Cheyletidae, Stigmaeidae, Triophtyidae, Raphignathidae, Iolinidae, and Phytoseiidae were identified on 33 plants species. Among these families, 7 from Phytoseiidae, 3 from Iolinidae, and one species from other families were determined. Phytoseius finitimus (Ribaga, 1904) (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) was the dominant species with 37.5%. The highest number of mite species were found on Rubus sp. with 7 species. In the study, more beneficial mites were found in regions where agricultural activity is less. Predator mites were mostly found on fruit trees, and less frequently on vegetables and fragrant plants. Poplar and mulberry trees have a high population in Hevsel Gardens. Although many samples were taken from these two plants during the surveys, only P. finitimus was found. With this twoyear study, it has been revealed that Hevsel Gardens, which are important for the world, are rich in beneficial mites. Important predator species used in the world for biological control against harmful mites and insects have been identified. With study, beneficial species that create new records for the region were determined.