ARS | Publication request: Flat mites of the world [Lucid Key]

Submitted to: Identification Technology Program, USDA/APHIS
Publication Type: Government Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: January 20, 2012
Publication Date: March 5, 2012
Citation: Beard, J.J., Ochoa, R., Trice, M., Bauchan, G.L., Redford, A. 2012. Flat mites of the world [Lucid Key]. Identification Technology Program, USDA/APHIS. 1(1):1-50.

Interpretive Summary: The citrus-tea-coffee flat mite complex of species is the most commonly intercepted group of mites at U.S. ports-of-entry. This species complex is also the most complicated and part of the most diverse group in the flat mite family. Three of the most economically important species in the family are consistently confused and misidentified. The red palm mite is of major concern to quarantine worldwide due to its rapid spread. This product includes an interactive key, fact sheets, descriptions, and images to aid in the identification of flat mites. It will help identify 36 genera of flat mites present throughout the world, including specific diagnostics for 13 species in the red palm mite group, 14 species in the common red flat mite complex, and mite species associated with orchid plants. This interactive key will be useful to scientists, quarantine, and extension officers worldwide.

Technical Abstract: The Flat Mites of the World has an interactive key, fact sheets, descriptions, and images to aid in the identification of flat mites (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tetranychoidea: Tenuipalpidae) worldwide. The tool will help identify 36 genera of flat mites, including specific diagnostics for 13 species of Raoiella, 14 species of Brevipalpus and Tenuipalpus pacificus. Raoiella is of major concern to quarantine worldwide because the red palm mite (RPM), R. indica Hirst, has spread rapidly. Brevipalpus is the most commonly intercepted genus of Tenuipalpidae in quarantine worldwide, but it is also the most complicated and by far the most diverse genus in the family. The three most important species in the family Brevipalpus californicus, B. obovatus and B. phoenicis can be identified with this tool. Tenuipalpus pacificus is the name most commonly applied, correctly or incorrectly, to intercepted species of Tenuipalpus.