Morphotaxonomic Assessment of the <i>pratensis</i> Species Complex with Ontogenetic Development and Redescription of <i>Oligonychus pratensis</i> (Banks) (Acari: Prostigmata: Tetranychidae)
The Banks grass mite/New World date mite, <i>Oligonychus pratensis</i> (Banks) (Acari: Prostigmata: Tetranychidae), is a globally distributed and economically significant agricultural pest. The present study comprehensively addresses the morphotaxonomic identification of globally reporte...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Diversity |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/16/12/765 |
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| Summary: | The Banks grass mite/New World date mite, <i>Oligonychus pratensis</i> (Banks) (Acari: Prostigmata: Tetranychidae), is a globally distributed and economically significant agricultural pest. The present study comprehensively addresses the morphotaxonomic identification of globally reported populations of <i>O. pratensis</i>, to resolve ambiguities within the <i>pratensis</i> complex. Detailed morphological characterizations of all mobile stages (larva, protonymph, deutonymph, male, and female) of the Californian population of <i>O. pratensis</i> were provided, with key diagnostic traits utilized in this taxonomic assessment. The taxonomic notes are provided for worldwide populations of <i>O. pratensis</i> reported from six biogeographic realms. The taxonomic identity of the claimed populations of <i>O. pratensis</i> from South Africa (Afrotropical realm), El Salvador (Neotropical realm), China, Pakistan (Oriental realm), and Saudi Arabia (Palearctic realm) were found to either be “doubtful” or exhibit notable differences compared to the Californian population. Notably, the purported Chinese population of <i>O. pratensis</i> was identified as a cryptic species, likely a novel taxon within the <i>gossypii</i> species subgroup. Furthermore, the study confirmed the absence of <i>O. pratensis</i> in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, ontogenetic changes across developmental stages are documented. The findings of this study may contribute to a clearer understanding of the true distribution and global occurrence of <i>O. pratensis</i>, providing robust diagnostic characteristics to support future research. |
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| ISSN: | 1424-2818 |