https://www.persianacarology.org/ Persian Journal of Acarology en daily 1 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.persianacarology.org/article_242639.html Sustainable restoration of eutrophic lakes remains a vital challenge, with probiotic bioremediation providing a non-invasive alternative to conventional chemical approaches. This study assesses the effectiveness of Effective Microorganisms (EM) technology in restoring Lake Jeziorko (Poland), using water mites (Hydrachnidia) as sensitive bioindicators of habitat change. During the monitoring period lasting a total of 35 months (samples were taken each time in July for three years) across littoral and profundal zones, collecting 9,739 water mite individuals from 38 species. Bathymetric analysis confirmed a decrease in bottom sediment thickness, which probably triggered a clear response in benthic fauna. Although the initial year showed a lake-wide increase in species richness, long-term trends reveal a split: littoral communities declined due to external nutrient inputs and cyanobacterial blooms, while profundal communities (dominated by typical lake taxa such as Neumania limosa and Piona stjordalensis) remained stable and showed signs of improved sediment oxygenation. These findings indicate that while probiotic bioremediation effectively conditions deep-water habitats and reduces sediment volume, it is not sufficient alone to counter external eutrophication pressures. Additionally, these studies indicate that profundal aquatic mite communities show a clear improvement in profundal conditions, while littoral water mites indicate that the ecological situation did not improve permanently. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_242970.html The sublethal effects of fenpropathrin on the oxalis spider mite, Tetranychina harti (Tetranychidae) were investigated. The results showed that, relative to the control group, sublethal doses of fenpropathrin significantly shortened the developmental duration of immature offspring in the LC15 group (P < 0.05) but significantly prolonged it in the LC30 group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, these sublethal exposures shortened the pre-oviposition period while prolonging the oviposition period of F1 female adult mites. Notably, a significant reduction in mean fecundity per female was observed only in the LC15 group compared to the control (P < 0.05). The cumulative survival rate curves and age-specific fecundity curves indicated that sublethal concentrations (LC15 and LC30) of fenpropathrin did not exert a clearly adverse effect on the survival or fecundity of Tetranychina harti. Both treatment groups exhibited higher net reproductive rates (R0) than the control. Similarly, the intrinsic rates of increase (rₘ) in the LC15 and LC30 groups exceeded that of the control, and the finite rates of increase (λ) in both treatment groups were also higher. In addition, the population doubling time (DT) was shorter in the treatment groups than in the control. These findings suggest that sublethal exposure to fenpropathrin may compromise its efficacy in controlling this mite population. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_245879.html The phytoseiid mite Flagroseius euflagellatus (Karg) is redescribed based on female and male specimens collected on Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. in Cat Tien National Park, Southern Vietnam, representing the first record of the species from the country. Previous descriptions are incomplete and contain inaccuracies in leg chaetotaxy and cheliceral dentition. We provide a comprehensive redescription with detailed illustrations and measurements of both sexes, and documenting previously overlooked morphological structures, including the complete setation patterns of all leg segments. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_247059.html Paschim Bardhhaman district of West Bengal, India, represents a semi-urban transitional zone where indoor dust accumulation provides suitable microhabitats for mite population. This paper reports dust mite fauna from Paschim Bardhhaman based on the study conducted during May, 2024 to July, 2025. Altogether, 38 species of dust mites belonging to 31 genera, 19 families, and 4 orders are examined here. Out of these, the highest representation of species was from Astigmata followed by Mesostigmata, Prostigmata, and Brachypylina. Out of 38 species, 14 species were allergy causing mites, 16 were predatory mites, and 8 were fungal associated mites. Collection data, distribution, nature of association with dust samples have also been discussed. In addition, different indices like Diversity Index, Index of dominance, Simpson′s and Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index were calculated using standard formulae. The recorded Shannon Index values at order-level were 1.60 (Mesostigmata), 1.39 (Prostigmata), and 1.342 (Astigmata), while Oribatida was represented by a single species. Evenness values ranged between 0 and 0.89, indicating variation in distribution patterns of individuals among taxa. Simpson′s and Margalef′s indices further described dominance structure and species richness within the mite population. Among Astigmata, the most dominant species belonged to the genus Dermatophagoides, followed by Acarus and minimum representation was from the genus Pyroglyphus. The present study provides baseline taxonomic documentation and diversity index-based assessment of dust mite assemblages from an acarologically unexplored district of West Bengal, which may serve as a reference for future ecological and public health studies. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_247075.html The present study was conducted to explore the diversity of edaphic mesostigmatid fauna in Muthanga range of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India during August 2022 to March 2023. The results revealed the occurrence of 21 species of mesostigmatid mites belonging to nine families. The most abundant species belonged to genus Stratiolaelaps Berlese, 1916 (relative abundance: 18.3) of the family Laelapidae. The mite diversity was measured using the Shannon-Wiener and Simpson′s diversity indices. The Shannon-Wiener index was 2.67 and Shannon equitability index was 0.88. The Simpson's diversity index was 0.08 and Simpson's dominance index was 0.92. The study also notes the influence of soil parameters like pH, soil temperature, organic carbon, total available nitrogen and soil texture on the abundance of mesostigmatid mites in the study area. A negative correlation was observed between soil pH and mite abundance (r = –0.604), whereas soil organic carbon (r = +0.358) and total nitrogen (r = +0.55) showed positive correlations with mite abundance. Soil temperature exhibited no significant relationship with mite abundance (r = +0.069). Chi-square test revealed a highly significant variation in abundance among different soil types (χ² = 329.25, df = 4, p < 0.001). The present study highlights significant association between mite abundance and soil texture, along with the positive effects of organic carbon and total nitrogen and the negative influence of soil pH, indicating that edaphic factors play a crucial role in distribution of mesostigmatid mite communities. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_247090.html The yellow date palm mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor), commonly known as “Boufaroua” in North Africa, is one of the most destructive pests affecting date palm production in the Ziban region of southeastern Algeria. Despite its economic importance, limited information is available on the ecological role of spontaneous weed flora in maintaining mite populations and facilitating seasonal infestations of date palms. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify weed species that may serve as alternative hosts of O. afrasiaticus, to determine their contribution to the seasonal persistence of the mite, and to evaluate how seasonal plant phenology and spatial variation among palm groves influence infestation dynamics. A six-month field survey was conducted from February to July 2021 in seven representative palm groves of the Ziban oases. The occurrence of O. afrasiaticus was monitored on date palms and associated weed species in relation to seasonal dynamics and spatial variation among sites. The mite was detected in all surveyed groves, with infestation intensity varying according to microclimatic conditions and grove management practices. Among date palm cultivars, Deglet Nour exhibited the highest susceptibility. A total of 76 weed species were recorded, of which five species (Cynodon dactylon, Daucus carota, Aster squamatus, Kochia scoparia, and Salsola tetragona) were confirmed as alternative hosts capable of sustaining mite populations. Infestation patterns showed a clear seasonal progression, with early establishment on herbaceous weeds during spring followed by a shift toward date palms under hot and dry summer conditions. These findings demonstrate that weed communities play a significant ecological role in the persistence and spread of O. afrasiaticus within oasis agroecosystems and highlight the importance of integrating targeted weed management into integrated pest management strategies for sustainable date palm protection. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_247133.html The predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii is widely used as a biological control agent against spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. This study examined the sublethal effects of two abamectin concentrations (LC10 and LC20 for A. swirskii) on life history traits and demographic parameters of the F₁ generation derived from treated parents under controlled laboratory conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 75 ± 5% RH, 16:8 [L:D] photoperiod). Using the age-stage, two-sex life table approach with Tetranychus urticae Koch as prey, results showed that total longevity was shortest in progeny of LC20-treated parents (males = 13.42 days; females = 13.94 days) compared with LC10 progeny (males = 15.06 days; females = 15.50 days). Fecundity, oviposition period, and net reproductive rate (R₀) declined significantly with increasing acaricide concentration. Intrinsic and finite rate were reported to be increased in the treatments (r: 0.159 vs. 0.199 day−¹; λ: 1.172 vs. 1.221 day−¹). Age-specific survival (lₓ), fecundity (mₓ), and reproductive value (vₓⱼ) curves indicated pronounced adverse effects of sublethal exposure on population performance. These findings demonstrate that even low concentrations of abamectin can compromise key life history traits of A. swirskii, potentially limiting its effectiveness in biological control programs. Thus, evaluating acaricide compatibility with natural enemies is critical for successful IPM implementation. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_247045.html The transmaternal properties of diflovidazin were examined under laboratory conditions on Tetranychus urticae. To assess its transmaternal ovicidal effect, leaf discs were dipped in a 100 ppm diflovidazin solution, after which adult females were allowed to feed on the treated surfaces for either 2 or 48 hours. The females then laid eggs on an untreated surface over five consecutive 7-hour periods. Egg mortality was evaluated based on exposure duration and time elapsed since exposure. After being removed from the treated surface, 100% of the eggs laid by females in the first 7-hour period were non-viable. However, mortality—and thus the effect—gradually decreased in subsequent periods, with eggs laid after 28 hours exhibiting mortality levels comparable to naturally occurring rates. Notably, the length of the exposure period did not influence the rate at which egg mortality declined. The effect on egg production was also examined. Females were allowed to lay eggs on treated leaf discs, but the treatment did not significantly alter the number of eggs produced per female. These findings indicate that while diflovidazin effectively induces high egg mortality, it does not reduce overall egg production. Our results suggest that diflovidazin temporarily sterilizes females, likely because developing eggs absorb the active substance from the female's system. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_247167.html The coffee red mite, Oligonychus coffeae (Nietner), is a pest of major agricultural importance in tropical regions. This study evaluated the in vitro effect of two host plants, coffee (Coffea arabica) and Andean alder (Alnus acuminata), on the biological cycle and population parameters of O. coffeae under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5 % RH, and a 16:8 h photoperiod). In addition, the acaricidal activity of ethanolic extracts of coffee and alder at concentrations of 5, 10, and 20% (w/v) was assessed using a leaf-dip bioassay, with mortality recorded at 24, 48, and 72 h and compared with a synthetic acaricide (propargite). The development of O. coffeae was significantly faster on coffee leaves (13.8 days) than on alder (16.2 days); however, fecundity and adult longevity were higher on alder, reaching 59.9 eggs per female. Population parameters were significantly higher on alder (rₘ = 0.254 day−¹; R0 = 52.4 female eggs/female), indicating a greater population growth potential on this host. The ethanolic extracts exhibited dose- and time-dependent acaricidal activity; at 72 h, the 20% concentration caused mortalities of 91.2% on coffee and 89.3% on alder, comparable to propargite. These results indicate that both host plants favor the development of O. coffeae and that their ethanolic extracts represent promising alternatives for the integrated management of this pest. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_246893.html The genus Phauloppia (Oribatida, Oribatulidae) is recorded for the first time from Ethiopia. A new species, P. hageniaica sp. nov., is described based on females collected from bark and moss of Hagenia abyssinica in southeastern Ethiopia. The new species is characterized by the absence of the lamella. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_247178.html The application of non-chemical disinfestation treatment for managing the Tetranychus urticae mite pest was investigated in the laboratory. Gamma-ray irradiation at 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 Gy was applied to eggs, immature stages, and adults of T. urticae on guava leaves (Psidium guajava). Irradiation of eggs resulted in failed hatchability, eggs′ viability at 100 and 200 Gy was partially reduced and was highly suppressed (7.59%) at 400 Gy. The effect of gamma radiation on mite biological parameters was analyzed using ANOVA. Gamma rays at 300 and 400 Gy caused growth retardation in irradiated nymphs and delayed the emergence of the subsequent developmental stage; this growth delay is likely a physiological response to cellular damage. Mites may redirect energy from rapid development toward DNA repair mechanisms. The longevity of irradiated females was substantially shortened (p < 0.05) by increasing radiation dose rates. At lower doses, the total number of eggs deposited by treated females was greatly decreased, and at 400 Gy, it was highly suppressed. Mites exposed to 300–400 Gy resulted in a significant reduction in fecundity (p < 0.05). When irradiated males and unirradiated females mated, the majority of the resulting progeny (F1 adults) were males. Based on the results, irradiation with a dose of 400 Gy can be an effective sterilization treatment for T. urticae on guava leaves. Our study explored gamma rays as an environmentally friendly technique for controlling two-spotted spider mites. A sterilization dose of 400 Gy, derived from our laboratory study, can be applied subsequently to adult males (T. urticae) on guava leaves. These sterilized males can then be released into the field to mate with wild females, thereby reducing pest populations over time. This method could use gamma rays for field-level pest control.