https://www.persianacarology.org/ Persian Journal of Acarology en daily 1 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.persianacarology.org/article_242082.html This study investigated the distribution and infestation patterns of the gamasid mite Laelaps echidninus (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) on small mammals in southwest China to provide a scientific basis for the surveillance of mite-borne zoonoses. Prevalence (PM), mean abundance (MA), and mean intensity (MI) were calculated, and Taylor's power law was applied to characterize the spatial distribution pattern. A total of 38,423 L. echidninus mites were collected from 4,351 small mammals representing 29 species, with 99.65% recovered from rodents. Rattus nitidus exhibited the highest PM (67.35%) and MA (9.33 mites per host) (P < 0.001). Male, and adult hosts showed significantly higher infestation indices, particularly MI, than female, and juvenile hosts (P < 0.05), respectively. Infestation varied markedly among environments. Adult females, and adults greatly outnumbered males, and juveniles, respectively, and the mite population displayed an aggregated distribution among hosts. Laelaps echidninus is widely distributed in southwest China, with rodents as its primary hosts; host sex- and age-related biases, together with environmental heterogeneity, strongly influence infestation dynamics, with adult females dominating the mite population. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_242084.html Mites of the family Melicharidae (Acari: Mesostigmata), known from Iran, are listed, based on the literature and new records for six species, taken from samples collected in the Guilan Province, northern Iran. A total of 15 species belonging to three genera, Melichares Hering, Orthadenella Athias-Henriot and Proctolaelaps Berlese, are reported, the most common species being P. pygmaeus and P. intermedius. Information on their ecological and geographic distribution in Iran and elsewhere is provided for each species. Diagnosis for examined species is presented. A dichotomous key for the identification of the species reported in Iran is provided. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_242091.html Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) is a common predatory mite in the Middle East region. In the present study, the development and biological parameters of N. barkeri when preyed on Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae Keifer or Aceria ficus (Cotte) mite pests were investigated. The predatory mite successfully developed on R. ficifoliae and A. ficus. The pre-adult duration of N. barkeri individuals fed on A. ficus (9.24 days) was shorter than that of those reared on R. ficifoliae (10.35 days). Conversely, the egg production of N. barkeri females reared on R. ficifoliae (35.53 eggs/♀) was inferior compared to those fed on A. ficus (44.12 eggs/♀). Neoseiulus barkeri individuals reared on R. ficifoliae showed considerably lower values of intrinsic (r) and finite rates of increase (λ) (r = 0.141 day−1, λ = 1.151 day−1) compared to those preyed on A. ficus (r = 0.165 day−1, λ = 1.179 day−1). Our results suggest that N. barkeri could be considered as a potential biocontrol agent for controlling these pests. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_242092.html The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a major agricultural pest, and the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot is one of its most effective natural enemies. Since temperature strongly influences predator biology, in the present study, the effects of five constant temperatures (21, 23, 25, 27, and 29 °C) on the development, survival, and reproduction of P. persimilis using age-stage and two-sex life table analysis were evaluated. Developmental time decreased with increasing temperature, while reproductive onset occurred earlier at warmer conditions. Maximum fecundity, net reproductive rate (R0 = 14.62), and intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.35) were recorded at 25–27 °C, indicating an optimal range for population growth. However, adult longevity and reproductive performance sharply declined at 29°C, suggesting heat stress limitations. These results confirmed that P. persimilis exhibits peak biological performance at moderate temperatures (24–27°C), reinforcing its suitability as a biocontrol agent under controlled environments but highlighting reduced efficiency under extreme heat. The findings provided practical insights for optimizing mass rearing and field release strategies within integrated pest management programs. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_242100.html Cheyletus kurdistaniensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on females collected from soil under Astragalus sp. (Fabaceae), from Qorveh, Kurdistan province, Iran. A key to all known species of the genus Cheyletus (females) is provided. The new species belongs to the trouessarti species group of Cheyletus. Within this group, it is classified in the trouessarti species subgroup which is defined by: Dorsomedian setae small and flag-like, dorsal shield with one pair of median setae, hysterosomal shield with 1‌−3 pairs of median setae, peritremes M-shaped or II-shaped. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_242103.html The genus Pseudotydeus (Acari: Ereynetidae) is recorded from Russia for the first time. Female and male of P. pusillus sp. nov. were collected from the forest litter in the Carbon Measurement Test Area in the Tyumen Oblast, Western Siberia, Russia. The male is described for the first time in Pseudotydeus. The generic diagnosis is modified. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_242085.html The genus Lunoribatula (Oribatida, Oribatulidae) is known from Ethiopia. The generic diagnosis is revised. The redescription of the type species, Lunoribatula polygonata Mahunka, 1982, is presented, based on the specimens collected from branches of Erica trimera and Acacia mearnsii in southeastern and central Ethiopia. Remarks on habitat of L. polygonata are provided. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_242119.html During a survey of eriophyoid mites conducted in Heris village, Maragheh County, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, in the summer of 2024, a new species, Paraphytoptus cichorintybus Yousefnezhad & Lotfollahi sp. nov., was discovered on common chicory, Cichorium intybus L. (Asteraceae). The new species is described and illustrated herein. No visible symptoms were observed on the host plants. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_242109.html This study investigates the lethal and sub-lethal effects of the pesticides fluxametamide and Sero-X on the predatory mite, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor). As a key biocontrol agent, N. californicus is crucial in regulating mite pest populations and small insects like thrips. Understanding the effects of these pesticides is essential for maintaining effective biological control strategies. In an integrated pest management (IPM) program, selecting low-risk pesticides that target pests while preserving beneficial organisms is critical. To assess these effects, bioassay tests were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions (25 ± 2 °C, 65 ± 5% RH, and a 16:8 light-dark photoperiod). Lethal bioassay test results showed that the LC50 values of fluxametamide and Sero-X on adults of N. californicus were 1421 mg/L and 2169 mg/L, respectively. The results showed that exposure to the LC30 concentration of either fluxametamide or Sero-X significantly affected the predator’s reproduction and developmental parameters. Both treatments reduced life table parameters (r, R0, λ, and GRR) while increasing generation time (T) compared to the control. Additionally, maternal exposure influenced progeny life history in varied ways. These findings highlight the need for sustainable pest management that minimizes chemical impact while preserving ecological balance, ensuring natural predators remain effective in agriculture. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_242120.html Investigating the potential effects of chemical pesticides on the biological performance of natural enemies is crucial for the successful implementation of integrated pest management programs. In the present study, the effects of low concentrations (LC10 = 5.14, LC20 = 12.55, and LC30 = 23.89 mg a.i./L) of bifenazate (Floramite® 24% SC) on the predation parameters of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot feeding on larvae and protonymphs of Tetranychus urticae Koch were investigated under laboratory conditions. The results indicated that the appropriate time interval for releasing the predator after the application of bifenazate (LC30 = 23.89 mg a.i./L) was at least 48 hours, as no obvious effects on its survival and predation parameters were detected. Furthermore, exposure to the low concentrations had no carryover effects on the predation performance of the offsprings. The age-stage specific predation rate (cxj) increased with increasing age and stage of individuals and had the highest value for adult females, although its peak value decreased with increasing concentration. The values of net predation rate (C0), finite predation rate (ω), transformation rate (Qp), and stable predation rate (ψ) in the subsequent generation were not significantly affected when the female predators were exposed to the different concentrations. These results indicate that the different low concentrations of bifenazate had no negative effects on the predation performance of P. persimilis and its offspring. Therefore, their combination may play an important role in the sustainable management of T. urticae. https://www.persianacarology.org/article_242266.html The genus Oribatella (Oribatida, Oribatellidae) comprises 136 species with a cosmopolitan distribution. A new species, O. (Oribatella) prominens sp. nov., is described, based on adult specimens collected from litter and the upper soil stratum in the mixed Shorea robusta forest in lowland Nepal. The new species is characterized by the presence of the elongate prodorsobasal lamina at basal part of the prodorsum. An identification key to the known species of Oribatella from the Oriental region is presented, and a summary of the habitats of Nepalese Oribatella species is provided.