Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi reconhecer a acarofauna associada a pomares de macieira no sul do Brasil e apresentar uma chave dicotômica das espécies amostradas e daquelas já relatadas em macieiras no sul do Brasil. Os estudos foram realizados na safra 2020/2021 em sete pomares de macieiras das cultivares Eva, Fuji e Gala localizados nos municípios de Muitos Capões, Antônio Prado (RS) e São Joaquim (SC). Os pomares foram divididos em quadrantes e a amostragem foi realizada mensalmente. Em cada pomar foram amostradas 40 plantas, sendo três folhas de cada planta coletadas nas regiões apical, mediana e basal de um ramo mediano. Além disso, mensalmente foram amostradas cinco espécies de vegetação espontânea por pomar. Foram encontrados 8.425 ácaros, com maior abundância em Antônio Prado (50%), seguido por Muitos Capões (35,5%) e São Joaquim (14,5%). Os exemplares encontrados pertencem a 29 famílias, 64 gêneros e 99 espécies, além de ácaros da ordem Oribatida. A maior abundância foi encontrada em vegetação espontânea (59 espécies), sendo 19 exclusivas de macieiras e 21 espécies comuns a macieiras e vegetação espontânea. Phytoseiidae foi a família que apresentou maior riqueza, com 16 espécies, das quais sete eram comuns em macieiras e vegetação espontânea. A espécie mais abundante foi Aculus schlechtendali Nalepa (Eriophyidae) (39,5%), seguida por Panonychus ulmi (Koch) (Tetranychidae) (14,6%), Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Tarsonemidae) (9,4%) e Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Phytoseiidae) (7,4%). Esses resultados sugerem que a acarofauna presente em pomares de macieira em diferentes paisagens e manejos são distintas, com maior diversidade de ácaros fitoseídeos presentes em áreas orgânicas. Portanto, para manter uma maior diversidade de ácaros predadores nesses pomares, o manejo orgânico parece ser o mais adequado. Além disso, a elevada diversidade de ácaros encontrada na vegetação espontânea demonstra a importância da manutenção destas plantas em pomares que servem como refúgios e reservatórios, favorecendo a permanência de inimigos naturais nestes ambientes. 20202021 2020 2021 2020/202 Eva RS (RS SC. SC . (SC) 4 apical mediano disso 8425 8 425 8.42 50%, 50 50% , (50%) 35,5% 355 35 5 (35,5% 14,5%. 145 14,5% 14 (14,5%) 2 famílias 6 9 Oribatida 59 (5 espécies) 1 riqueza Eriophyidae (Eriophyidae 39,5%, 395 39,5% 39 (39,5%) Koch (Koch Tetranychidae (Tetranychidae 14,6%, 146 14,6% (14,6%) Banks (Banks Tarsonemidae (Tarsonemidae 9,4% 94 (9,4% McGregor (McGregor (Phytoseiidae 7,4%. 74 7,4% 7 (7,4%) distintas orgânicas Portanto adequado reservatórios ambientes 2020202 202 2020/20 (SC 842 42 8.4 (50% 35,5 3 (35,5 14,5 (14,5% ( 39,5 (39,5% 14,6 (14,6% 9,4 (9,4 7,4 (7,4% 202020 20 2020/2 84 8. (50 35, (35, 14, (14,5 39, (39,5 (14,6 9, (9, 7, (7,4 20202 2020/ (35 (14, (39, (9 (7, (3 (14 (39 (7 (1

Abstract The aim of this study was to recognize the mite fauna associated with apple orchards in southern Brazil and present a dichotomous key of the species sampled and those already reported in apple trees in southern Brazil. The studies were carried out in the 2020/2021 harvest in seven apple orchards of the Eva, Fuji and Gala cultivars located in the municipalities of Muitos Capões, Antônio Prado (Rio Grande do Sul state) and São Joaquim (Santa Catarina state). The orchards were divided into quadrants and sampling was carried out monthly. In each orchard, 40 plants were sampled, with three leaves of each plant collected in apical, median and basal regions of a median branch. In addition, monthly five species of spontaneous plants per orchard were sampled. A total of 8,425 mites were found, with the greatest abundance in Antônio Prado (50%), followed by Muitos Capões (35.5%) and São Joaquim (14.5%). The specimens found belong to 29 families, 64 genera and 99 species, in addition to mites of the order Oribatida. The greatest diversity was found in spontaneous vegetation (59 species), being 19 exclusives to apple trees and 21 species common to apple trees and spontaneous vegetation. Phytoseiidae was the family that presented the greatest richness, with 16 species, of which seven were common in apple trees and spontaneous plants. The most abundant species was Aculus schlechtendali Nalepa (Eriophyidae) (39.5%), followed by Panonychus ulmi (Koch) (Tetranychidae) (14.6%), Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Tarsonemidae) (9.4%) and Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Phytoseiidae) (7.4%). These results suggest that the mite fauna present in apple orchards in different landscapes and management are distinct, with a greater diversity of phytoseiid mites present in organic areas. Therefore, to maintain a greater diversity of predatory mites in these orchards, organic management seems to be the most appropriate. Furthermore, the high acarine diversity found in spontaneous vegetation demonstrates the importance of maintaining these plants in orchards that serve as refuges and reservoirs, favoring the permanence of natural enemies in these environments. 20202021 2020 2021 2020/202 Eva Rio state Santa state. . 4 apical branch 8425 8 425 8,42 50%, 50 50% , (50%) 35.5% 355 35 5 (35.5% 14.5%. 145 14.5% 14 (14.5%) 2 families 6 9 Oribatida 59 (5 species) 1 richness Eriophyidae (Eriophyidae 39.5%, 395 39.5% 39 (39.5%) Koch (Koch Tetranychidae (Tetranychidae 14.6%, 146 14.6% (14.6%) Banks (Banks Tarsonemidae (Tarsonemidae 9.4% 94 (9.4% McGregor (McGregor (Phytoseiidae 7.4%. 74 7.4% 7 (7.4%) distinct areas Therefore appropriate Furthermore reservoirs environments 2020202 202 2020/20 842 42 8,4 (50% 35.5 3 (35.5 14.5 (14.5% ( 39.5 (39.5% 14.6 (14.6% 9.4 (9.4 7.4 (7.4% 202020 20 2020/2 84 8, (50 35. (35. 14. (14.5 39. (39.5 (14.6 9. (9. 7. (7.4 20202 2020/ (35 (14. (39. (9 (7. (3 (14 (39 (7 (1

ABSTRACT. Predictive studies project the geographic distribution of species and can be used to infer climatic niches. However, only a few studies have been conducted on mites. This approach helps map areas with potential for the occurrence of endemic, threatened, or potentially invasive species. Panonychus ulmi (Tetranychidae) is of global economic importance, commonly associated with apple orchards and grapevines. Potential distribution modeling is used to predict areas with environmental suitability for the distribution of a species and/or group. Considering that predictive models on national or regional scales present better data reliability, the present study aimed to analyze the distribution of P. ulmi in Brazil through bioclimatic inferences. The presence of species, bioclimatic variables, and MaxEnt algorithm were used to define a predictive model. The median performance rate of the model was 0.992, indicating its robustness. The variable that made the greatest contribution to the model was the average temperature of the coldest quarter (Bio11). The predictive model of the ecological niche indicated that the southern region of Brazil is environmentally favorable for the adaptation of this mite. The data obtained helped us understand the geographical distribution of P. ulmi in Brazil, and climatically suitable areas for its occurrence were inferred. We believe that this tool can offer indirect assistance to the agricultural sector, especially the producers of apples and grapes in Brazil regarding the presence of P. ulmi. ABSTRACT niches However mites endemic threatened Tetranychidae (Tetranychidae importance grapevines andor group reliability P inferences variables 0992 0 992 0.992 robustness Bio11. Bio11 Bio . (Bio11) mite inferred sector 099 99 0.99 Bio1 (Bio11 09 9 0.9 (Bio1 0. (Bio

ABSTRACT Aiming to the red mite Oligonychus yothersi control in yerba-mate, the systemic action of an azadirachtin-based product (12 g of azadirachtin.L-1) was evaluated in the laboratory. To assess the activity on oviposition and mortality of the mite (1), three weekly applications of the product in an aqueous solution (30, 48, and 66 mg i.a..L-1) were performed. The applications were carried out in the soil, next to the base of yerba mate seedlings. After seven days of each application, leaves were removed for infestation with 15 adult mite females. To evaluate the activity in the development, survival, and reproduction of the progeny (2), yerba mate seedlings were irrigated with azadirachtin solution of 30 mg i.a..L-1 (recommended concentration). After seven days, leaves were removed and infested with adult females for oviposition and observation of the progeny. Reduction in fecundity (from 23.7 to 44.2%), fertility (27.4 to 48.1%), and an increase in mortality from 14.6 to 47.5% were observed in females fed on azadirachtin-treated plants. Continuous feeding on plants treated with azadirachtin solution significantly reduced oviposition, pre-oviposition period, and longevity of males. In addition, the viability of the egg-adult, and the duration of the egg-adult period increased. The potential of azadirachtin for the control of O. yothersi and its action from the irrigation of yerba mate plants was confirmed. yerbamate, yerbamate mate, yerba-mate azadirachtinbased based 12 (1 azadirachtin.L1 azadirachtinL1 azadirachtinL azadirachtin.L 1 L azadirachtin.L-1 laboratory 1, , (1) 30, (30 48 6 i.a..L1 iaL1 iaL i.a..L i a performed soil application development survival 2, 2 (2) 3 i.a..L- recommended concentration. concentration . concentration) 237 23 7 23. 44.2%, 442 44.2% 44 44.2%) 27.4 274 27 4 (27. 48.1%, 481 48.1% 48.1%) 146 14 14. 475 47 5 47.5 azadirachtintreated preoviposition pre males addition eggadult, eggadult egg adult, increased O confirmed ( L1 azadirachtin.L- (3 (2 44.2 27. (27 48.1 47. 44. 48.

Abstract Brazil is among the largest apple producers in the world (Malus domestica Bork, Rosaceae), with production concentrated mainly in the southern of the country. Panonychus ulmi (Koch) (Tetranychidae) have economic importance in apple and, recently, Aculus schlechtendali (Nalepa) (Eriophyidae), was reported in Brazil. This review aims to delineate the distribution of the acarofauna associated to apple, with emphasis on the main groups of economic importance and their potential natural enemies and highlight the problems related to phytophagous species and management possibilities. Searches were carried out in databases, and the principal keywords were Aculus schlechtendali, Malus domestica and Panonychus ulmi. After the exclusion criteria resulted 166 publications. The social and economic importance of the apple has been increasing on the world, however, due to environmental imbalance, phytophagous mites are increasing their populations and acquiring resistance against acaricides. Panonychus ulmi has been reported in America for decades, being of economic importance for Brazil and the record of A. schlechtendali alerts to the possibility of damage in orchards in the country. Therefore, it is important that the literature be evaluated, that the mite species are identified and that forms of conscious management are developed. Prioritizing the human and animal health and environmental balance. Bork Rosaceae, Rosaceae , Rosaceae) country Koch (Koch Tetranychidae (Tetranychidae recently Nalepa (Nalepa Eriophyidae, Eriophyidae (Eriophyidae) possibilities databases 16 publications however imbalance acaricides decades A Therefore evaluated developed balance (Eriophyidae 1

Resumen Ornithonyssus bursa es un ácaro hematófago que se encuentra comúnmente en aves silvestres y domésticas y podría parasitar temporalmente a los humanos. Las infestaciones en humanos ocurren cuando cualquiera de las aves abandona sus nidos. Los especímenes fueron recolectados en una residencia en el área urbana del municipio de Cruzeiro do Sul con la ayuda de una toalla de papel y mantenidos a baja refrigeración para su montaje e identificación. Los ácaros se identificaron como O. bursa, que se considera una plaga aviar importante. Este es el primer reporte de parasitismo en humanos por este ácaro en la región del Valle del Río Taquari, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

Abstract Ornithonyssus bursa hematophagous mite whose main host is wild and domestic birds, which can temporarily parasitize humans in the absence of the main host. Infestations occur when birds abandon nests or direct contact with infected birds. The specimens were collected in a house in the urban area, with the help of a paper towel and kept under low refrigeration for later identification. The mites were identified as O. bursa, considered an important poultry pest. The present report is the first case of hematophagous parasitism in humans in the region of Vale do Taquari, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

ABSTRACT. Phytophagous mites can cause economic losses in many crops, including grapevines. The changes in their population levels may be associated with changes in the predator-prey relationship. Knowledge of the distribution of mites in plants is important for planning sampling strategies and facilitating control decisions. The aims of this study were to (i) evaluate the abundances of Tetranychus urticae (Tetranychidae) and Neoseiulus californicus (Phytoseiidae), and the correlations between them and environmental factors; (ii) determine their distribution on the top, middle, or base strata of the evaluated grapevines (Vitis vinifera, Chardonnay cultivar) and, additionally, report the first occurrence of damage caused by T. urticae in grapevine leaves in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. Sixteen samplings were conducted, divided between the 2018 and 2019 seasons. In each sampling, three leaves from the three strata of the plant (top, middle, and base) were collected from 20 plants, totaling 60 leaves per sampling. The predator-prey relationship and their association with environmental variables were evaluated with multivariate correlation, whereas the number of mites per plant leaf strata was compared using a generalized linear mixed model in R software. It was possible to observe the symptoms of damage caused by T. urticae attacks on grapevines in Southern Brazil, characterized by the presence of yellow spots and general yellowing of the vineyard. Our findings indicate that T. urticae and N. californicus individuals are strongly associated with each other regardless of the environmental variables, and such relationship occurs mainly on the lower strata (middle and base leaves) of grapevines. Thus, by taking into account the damage on the leaves of grapevines and the occurrence of T. urticae and N. californicus majorities on specific strata of these vineyards, we suggest that the lower strata of grapevines should be the priority targets for management strategies to control such mites.

Resumo: Muitos estudos relatam que a interação entre as larvas parasitas e seus hospedeiros Odonata afetam o sucesso do acasalamento, o voo e a longevidade. Foram analisados machos e fêmeas de espécies de Odonata coletados nas estepes e planícies costeiras do bioma Pampa do Rio Grande do Sul. Os ácaros foram removidos quando presentes e a prevalência e intensidade dos parasitas foram calculadas. O objetivo deste estudo foi pesquisar e relatar novas espécies hospedeiras de Odonata que estão parasitadas por larvas de ácaros aquáticos, avaliar as taxas de prevalência e intensidade; avaliar a diferença na ocorrência e frequência de ácaros em fêmeas e machos e entre o tórax e abdômen de libélulas e libelulinhas no bioma Pampa meridional localizado no Rio Grande do Sul. Um total de 162 ácaros foram encontrados associados a duas famílias de Odonata: Coenagrionidae (Acanthagrion lancea Selys, 1876, Ischnura capreolus Hagen, 1861 e Ischnura fluviatilis Selys, 1876) e Libelullidae (Micrathyria ocellata Martin, 1897 e Perithemis mooma, 1889) Kirby. Todos os ácaros foram identificados como Arrenurus (Arrenurus) sp. (Arrenuridae) e apresentaram números elevados quando anexados a I. capreolus (55,5%), I. fluviatilis (33,3%), seguido por números baixos em M. ocellata (6,1%), A. lancea (3,7%) e P. mooma (1,2%). Os ácaros foram encontrados em machos e fêmeas de I. capreolus e I. fluviatilis, fêmeas de A. lancea e P. mooma e em M. ocellata apenas em machos. Como as espécies de Odonata parasitadas são generalistas e abundantes em todos os tipos de corpos d’água, acredita-se que características associadas ao acasalamento e oviposição ou comportamento larval explicam a frequência de parasitismo nessas espécies.

Abstract: Many studies have reported that the interaction between water mite larvae and their Odonata hosts affects mating success, flight, and longevity. Males and females of Odonata species collected in the steppes and coastal plains (Pampa Biome) of Rio Grande do Sul were analyzed. Mites were removed when present and the prevalence and intensity of parasites was calculated. The aim of this study was to search and report new Odonata hosts species that are parasitized by water mite larvae and also to evaluate the prevalence and intensity rates; the differences in mite occurrence and frequency between males and females, and between thorax and abdomen of the dragonflies and damselflies in the southern Pampa biome located in Rio Grande do Sul. A total of 162 larval mites were found associated to two Odonata families: Coenagrionidae (Acanthagrion lancea Selys, 1876, Ischnura capreolus Hagen, 1861 and Ischnura fluviatilis Selys, 1876) and Libelullidae (Micrathyria ocellata Martin, 1897 and Perithemis mooma Kirby, 1889). All mites were identified as Arrenurus (Arrenurus) sp. (Arrenuridae) and showed high numbers when attached to I. capreolus (55.5%), I. fluviatilis (33.3%), followed by low numbers on M. ocellata (6.1%), A. lancea (3.7%), and P. mooma (1.2%). Mites were found on males and females of I. capreolus and I. fluviatilis, females of A. lancea and P. mooma and in M. ocellata only in males. As the parasitized Odonata species are generalist and abundant in all water body types, traits associated with mating and oviposition or larval behavior are believed to explain the frequency of parasitism in these species.

Resumo A resistência de algumas espécies de Anopheles a inseticidas químicos está se espalhando rapidamente por todo o mundo e tem dificultado as ações de prevenção e controle da malária. O principal mecanismo responsável pela resistência nestes insetos parece ser o sítio-alvo conhecido como resistência knock-down resistance (kdr), que causa mutações no canal de sódio. Mesmo assim, muitos países fizeram progressos significativos na prevenção da malária, concentrando-se em grande parte no controle do vetor através redes inseticidas de longa duração (RILD), e de pulverização residual interna (PRI) de inseticidas. O objetivo desta revisão é contribuir com informações sobre os inseticidas mais aplicados para o controle dos principais vetores da malária, seus efeitos, e os diferentes mecanismos de resistências. Atualmente é necessário olhar para outras alternativas, como por exemplo, controle biológico e produtos derivados de plantas e fungos, pela utilização de outros organismos como um possível regulador de populações de vetores da malária em surtos críticos.

Abstract The resistance of some species of Anopheles to chemical insecticides is spreading quickly throughout the world and has hindered the actions of prevention and control of malaria. The main mechanism responsible for resistance in these insects appears to be the target site known as knock-down resistance (kdr), which causes mutations in the sodium channel. Even so, many countries have made significant progress in the prevention of malaria, focusing largely on vector control through long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying and (IRS) of insecticides. The objective of this review is to contribute with information on the more applied insecticides for the control of the main vectors of malaria, its effects, and the different mechanisms of resistance. Currently it is necessary to look for others alternatives, e.g. biological control and products derived from plants and fungi, by using other organisms as a possible regulator of the populations of malaria vectors in critical outbreaks.

Resumo A resistência de algumas espécies de Anopheles a inseticidas químicos está se espalhando rapidamente por todo o mundo e tem dificultado as ações de prevenção e controle da malária. O principal mecanismo responsável pela resistência nestes insetos parece ser o sítio-alvo conhecido como resistência knock-down resistance (kdr), que causa mutações no canal de sódio. Mesmo assim, muitos países fizeram progressos significativos na prevenção da malária, concentrando-se em grande parte no controle do vetor através redes inseticidas de longa duração (RILD), e de pulverização residual interna (PRI) de inseticidas. O objetivo desta revisão é contribuir com informações sobre os inseticidas mais aplicados para o controle dos principais vetores da malária, seus efeitos, e os diferentes mecanismos de resistências. Atualmente é necessário olhar para outras alternativas, como por exemplo, controle biológico e produtos derivados de plantas e fungos, pela utilização de outros organismos como um possível regulador de populações de vetores da malária em surtos críticos.

Abstract The resistance of some species of Anopheles to chemical insecticides is spreading quickly throughout the world and has hindered the actions of prevention and control of malaria. The main mechanism responsible for resistance in these insects appears to be the target site known as knock-down resistance (kdr), which causes mutations in the sodium channel. Even so, many countries have made significant progress in the prevention of malaria, focusing largely on vector control through long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying and (IRS) of insecticides. The objective of this review is to contribute with information on the more applied insecticides for the control of the main vectors of malaria, its effects, and the different mechanisms of resistance. Currently it is necessary to look for others alternatives, e.g. biological control and products derived from plants and fungi, by using other organisms as a possible regulator of the populations of malaria vectors in critical outbreaks.

Introduction: The infestation by mites of stored products is of great economic importance and public health, with consequences to human health. Objectives: To describe the mite species associated to food and stored products that cause implications to human health as well as to analyze the loss of quality and nutritional composition of infested food. Method: Literature review in LILACS-BIREME, SciELO and MEDLINE databases for publications in English, Portuguese and Spanish with the descriptors “mites”, “foods”, “storage mites”, “store product mites”, “dust mites”, “quality control”, “quality foods”, “chemical composition”, “chemistry”, “allergens” and “health”. There were identified 80 articles, but only 55 were related to the objectives of the study. Sixteen references were mentioned in the articles that were found after checked for relevance. Results and discussion: The activity of the mites causes loss of sanitary quality, weight and nutritional composition of the infested products, with great economic loss in the grain industry. Inhalation, ingestion or contact of mites, byproducts of metabolism and feces may sensitize susceptible individuals and cause asthma, allergic rhinitis, contact dermatitis, enteritis and lead to anaphylaxis. The monitoring of temperature and humidity is essential for the control of mites, as well as better conservation and hygiene of the units of grain storage.

Introducción: La infestación por ácaros de productos almacenados es de gran importancia económica y de salud pública, con consecuencias para la salud humana. Objetivos: Describir las especies de ácaros asociados a los productos alimenticios almacenados y que causan consecuencias para la salud humana, así como para analizar la pérdida de la calidad y la composición nutricional de los alimentos infestados. Método: Revisión de la literatura en LILACS-BIREME, SciELO y MEDLINE bases de datos de las publicaciones en Inglés, portugués y español con los descriptores “ácaros”, “alimentos”, “ácaros de almacenamiento”, “los ácaros del producto de su tienda”, “los ácaros del polvo”, “calidad control “,” alimentos de calidad “,” composición química “,” química “,” alérgenos “y” salud “. Se identificaron 80 artículos, pero sólo 55 estaban relacionados con los objetivos del estudio. Dieciséis referencias fueron mencionados en los artículos que se encontraron después de verificado su relevancia. Resultados y discusión: La actividad de los ácaros causan pérdida de calidad sanitaria, el peso y la composición nutricional de los productos infestados, con grandes pérdidas económicas en la industria del grano. La inhalación, ingestión o contacto de los ácaros, subproductos del metabolismo y las heces pueden sensibilizar individuos susceptibles y causar asma, rinitis alérgica, dermatitis de contacto, enteritis y conducir a la anafilaxis. El control de la temperatura y la humedad es esencial para el control de ácaros, así como una mejor conservación y la higiene de las unidades de almacenamiento de grano.

Background Strawberry is a pseudofruit mainly cultivated in temperate climate regions. Considering its high levels of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds, the consumption of strawberry fruit can be beneficial to health. The Brazilian strawberry production revolves around 3000 tons per year, significantly influencing the food market and generating income to farmers. However, this production can be partially impaired by two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) Tetranychus urticae Koch infestations, due to decreases in the quality and quantity of fruit. Since there are no data in the literature about alterations caused by TSSM infestation in strawberry plants, our work aimed towards evaluating nutritional and physicochemical parameters of TSSM-infested strawberry plants, along with the related chemical treatment (CT) (acaricide) or biological treatment (predatory mite Phytoseiulus macropilis Banks). Results Strawberry fruit from TSSM-infested plants present the highest levels of acidity and exhibit low levels of anthocyanin and phenolic compounds, while fruit from TSSM-infested plants + biological control using predatory mite shows high levels of soluble solids, phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid, along with a high soluble solid content/titratable (SSC/TA) acidity ratio, which indicates high quality fruit. Conclusions Our results suggest that TSSM infestation decreases fruit quality and that the biological control of TSSM using a predatory mite is a suitable alternative to organic production, since the presence of predatory mite does not affect fruit quality and development.

Neoseiulus HUGHES, 1948 is currently one of the largest genus of Phytoseiidae Berlese. Neoseiulus demitei sp. nov., a new species of phytoseiid mite from Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, is illustrated and described based on specimens collected on Tibouchina sp. (Melastomataceae) plants. This new species differs from others by having most of propodossomal setae reaching the base of nearby setae and a constriction of ventrianal shield at level of preanal pores. Nevertheless, this new species is the first of the species subgroup kennetti described from Brazil. A key of Neoseiulus species reported in Brazil is also included.

Apesar da grande importância da cultura do pêssego [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] no Rio Grande do Sul, pouco se conhece sobre a diversidade e a flutuação populacional de ácaros considerados importantes para esta cultura. O objetivo deste trabalho foi conhecer a flutuação populacional das espécies acarinas associadas às cultivares Premier e Eldorado nos municípios de Roca Sales e Venâncio Aires, Rio Grande do Sul. O estudo foi realizado no período de julho de 2008 a junho de 2009, quando foram amostradas 15 plantas escolhidas ao acaso numa área em cada município. As plantas foram divididas em quadrantes, e de cada quadrante foi escolhido um galho de onde foram retiradas três folhas das regiões apical, mediana e basal, totalizando 180 folhas/área. Foram coletadas, mensalmente, parte de cinco plantas não cultivadas mais abundantes. O período de uma hora sob microscópio estereoscópio foi suficiente para se obter uma amostra representativa. Um total de 1.124 ácaros foi coletado pertencentes a 14 famílias e 28 espécies. Tetranychus ludeni Zacher, 1913, Panonychus ulmi (Koch, 1836) e Mononychellus planki (McGregor, 1950) foram os ácaros fitófagos mais abundantes, enquanto Typhlodromalus aripo Deleon, 1967 e Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks, 1904) os ácaros predadores mais comuns. O esforço amostral foi suficiente. Nos dois pomares avaliados, os índices ecológicos foram baixos, mas um pouco superiores em Premier (H' 0,56; EqJ: 0,43) quando comparados a Eldorado (H' 0,53; EqJ 0,40). Em Premier não foram observadas espécies constantes, apenas acessórias com Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939), T. ludeni e T. aripo. Maior abundância foi observada em dezembro e janeiro, e maior quantidade em abril. Em Eldorado, T. ludeni e P. ulmi foram constantes. Maior abundância foi observada em novembro e dezembro, e maior quantidade em dezembro e janeiro. Não foram observados ácaros nas gemas. Tetranychus ludeni é o ácaro fitófago mais comum, com picos populacionais em novembro, dezembro e janeiro. Alta diversidade de ácaros predadores foi observada tanto em plantas associadas como em plantas de pessegueiro, indicando mobilidade das espécies predadoras na cultura.

Despite the importance of peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) in Rio Grande do Sul, little is known about mites fluctuation population considered important to this crop. The objective of this study was to know the population diversity and fluctuation of mite species associated with Premier and Eldorado varieties in Roca Sales and Venâncio Aires counties, Rio Grande do Sul. The study was conducted from July 2008 to June 2009 when 15 plants were randomly chosen in each area. The plants were divided in quadrants and from each one a branch was chosen from which three leaves were removed: one collected in the apical region, another in the medium and the other in the basal region, totalizing 180 leaves/area. Five of the most abundant associated plants were collected monthly in enough amounts for the screening under the stereoscopic microscope during an hour. A total of 1,124 mites were found belonging to 14 families and 28 species. Tetranychus ludeni Zacher, 1913, Panonychus ulmi (Koch, 1836) and Mononychellus planki (McGregor, 1950) were the most abundant phytophagous mites, whereas Typhlodromalus aripo Deleon, 1967 and Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks, 1904) the most common predatory mites. The period of one hour under stereoscopic microscope was enough to get a representative sample. In both places evaluated the ecologic indices were low, but little higherin Premier (H' 0.56; EqJ: 0.43) when compared to Eldorado (H' 0.53; EqJ 0.40). In Premier constant species were not observed and accessory only Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939), T. ludeni and T. aripo. Higher abundance was observed in December and January and bigger amount in April. Already in Eldorado, T. ludeni and P. ulmi were constants. Greater abundance was observed in November and December, whereas grater richness in December and January. In both orchards were not found mites in buds. Tetranychus ludeni is the most abundant phytophagous mites with outbreak population in November, December and January and high predator diversity was observed on associated plants and on peach plants, indicating the existence of species mobility in peach orchard.

Ácaros das famílias Eriophyidae, Tarsonemidae e Tetranychidae são citados como de importância econômica na cultura de amora-preta (Rubus fruticosus, Rosaceae), framboesa e outras frutas pequenas. Este estudo foi conduzido de novembro de 2001 a outubro de 2003 nas cultivares Brazos, Caigangue e Tupy no município de Ilópolis, Rio Grande do Sul, com o objetivo de conhecer a acarofauna e sua dinâmica populacional em amora-preta. Foram coletados 36.094 ácaros pertencentes a 11 famílias. A maioria dos ácaros coletados pertence às famílias Diptilomiopidae (80,9%) e Tetranychidae (13,9%), compostas por espécies fitófagas. Chakrabartiella sp. (Diptilomiopidae), foi a espécie mais abundante, seguida por Neotetranychus asper Feres & Flechtmann, 2000 (Tetranychidae). Stigmaeidae (2,1%) e Phytoseiidae (0,4%) foram os ácaros predadores mais comuns, sendo Agistemus brasiliensis Matioli, Ueckermann & Oliveira, 2002 (Stigmaeidae) e Typhlodromalus aripo DeLeon, 1967 (Phytoseiidae), as espécies de predadores mais abundantes.

Mites of the families Eriophyidae, Tarsonemidae and Tetranychidae are considered of economic importance in the blackberry (Rubus fruticosus, Rosaceae), raspberry and other small fruit crops. This study was conducted from November of 2001 to October of 2003 on Brazos, Caigangue and Tupy cultivars in Ilópolis municipality, state of Rio Grande do Sul, to describe the mitefauna and its population fluctuation in blackberry crops. A total of 36,094 mites belonging to 12 families was collected. Most of the mites belong to Diptilomiopidae (80.9%) and Tetranychidae (13.9%), composed predominantly of phytophagous species. Chakrabartiella sp. (Diptilomiopidae) was the most abundant species, followed by Neotetranychus asper Feres & Flechtmann, 2000 (Tetranychidae). Stigmaeidae (2.1%) and Phytoseiidae (0.4%) were the most common families of predaceous mites, and Agistemus brasiliensis Matioli, Ueckermann & Oliveira, 2002 (Stigmaeidae) and Typhlodromalus aripo DeLeon, 1967 (Phytoseiidae) the most common predaceous species.

We tested the functional response of the phytoseiid predator Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks, 1904) to different population densities of Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836 (the two-spotted spider mite - TSSM) in the laboratory. We evaluated the curve that best fits the data obtained, based on the reduced X². The predators were obtained from leaves of Oso Grande strawberries at the municipality of Bom Princípio, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Fifteen seemingly healthy females of P. macropilis were randomly chosen and individualized in each of the arenas with different TSSM densities. The following prey densities were tested: 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 35, 45, 55, 70 and 125 females. The tests were performed in a germination chamber with photoperiod of 12 hours at 28 ± 1ºC per day and 22 ± 1ºC at night and 80 ± 5% relative humidity. In all tests with up to three prey items, P. macropilis showed low functional response, whereas higher rates were observed when more prey items were offered. There was a strong positive correlation between increased prey numbers and daily prey consumption (r = 0.84 and p = 0.0006). A significant correlation was found between prey consumption and total oviposition (r = 0.70, p = 0.01). The daily oviposition rate was lower when few prey items were offered, increasing significantly with increased prey availability. The results showed a positive correlation between the number of prey items offered to the predator and its oviposition rate (r = 0.66, p = 0.01). Nevertheless, a strong correlation was observed between the daily consumption of prey and eggs/female/day (r = 0.92, p < 0.0001). A shorter oviposition period was reported when up to three prey items were offered. The oviposition period and the increase in prey numbers were positively correlated (r = 0.30, p = 0.34), but the difference was not statistically significant. Nevertheless, the longer the egg-laying period, the greater the oviposition rate (r = 0.90, p < 0.0001). The curve that best fits the data obtained in each case was also calculated, based on the least square method.