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Title: New species of Daidalotarsonemus and Excelsotarsonemus (Acari: Tarsonemidae) from the Brazilian rainforest including new morphological characters

Author
item REZENDE, J. - Sao Paulo State University (UNESP)
item LOFEGO, A. - Sao Paulo State University (UNESP)
item Ochoa, Ronald - Ron
item Bauchan, Gary

Submitted to: Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2015
Publication Date: 1/22/2015
Citation: Rezende, J.M., Lofego, A.C., Ochoa, R., Bauchan, G.R. 2015. New species of Daidalotarsonemus and Excelsotarsonemus (Acari: Tarsonemidae) from the Brazilian rainforest including new morphological characters. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 475(1):1-36.

Interpretive Summary: Plant feeding mites cause severe damage to agricultural crops around the world, costing billions of dollars annually. This paper addresses the identification and biology of white mites associated with the rain forest. Many white mite species carry fungi and bacteria on their body and their role in forestry and agriculture is poorly known. This study will be important to and used by scientists, plant quarantine officers, plant protection and extension workers, state agriculture departments and the ornamental industry,

Technical Abstract: Three new species, Daidalotarsonemus oliveirai Rezende, Lofego & Ochoa, sp. nov.,Excelsotarsonemus caravelis Rezende, Lofego & Ochoa, sp. nov. and E. tupi Rezende, Lofego & Ochoa, sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Measurements for these species are provided, as well as drawings, phase contrast, differential interference contrast (DIC) and low temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT-SEM) micrographs. Some morphological characters which have not been clearly understood in previous studies, because of the limited microscopy technology available at that time include a more accurate conception of the reticulation pattern of the dorsal tegument, and complexities of the setae e and f. Biological, ecological and agricultural aspects of the role of these species in the forests and surrounding environments are discussed.