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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Systematic Entomology Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #308806
Title: Brevipalpus Phoenicis (Geijskes) species complex – a closer look

Author
item BEARD, J. - University Of Maryland
item Ochoa, Ronald - Ron
item BRASWELL, W. - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
item BAUCHAN, G. - US Department Of Agriculture (USDA)

Submitted to: Zootaxa
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/2/2015
Publication Date: 4/17/2015
Citation: Beard, J.J., Ochoa, R., Braswell, W., Bauchan, G.R. 2015. Brevipalpus Phoenicis (Geijskes) species complex – a closer look. Zootaxa. 3944(1):1-67.

Interpretive Summary: The Brevipalpus phoenicis complex is one of the most important species group of the false spider mites. It is important for the feeding damage that it causes to its host and it is also a vector of the highly destructive citrus leprosis virus. Several new species are described and identified, including the cryptic species within the Brevipalpus phoenicis group. This paper will be important to researchers, control and quarantine programs, integrated pest management specialists, phytopathologist, citrus growers, ecologists, and persons involved in mite studies.

Technical Abstract: Brevipalpus phoenicis sensu stricto is redescribed and the species diagnosis established. Two former synonyms of B. phoenicis sensu lato, B. yothersi and B. papayensis, are resurrected and redescribed, and their species diagnoses established. Four new species, previously misidentified as B. phoenicis sensu lato are described, B. azores sp. nov., B. feresi sp. nov., B. ferraguti sp. nov., and B. tucuman sp. nov. A key is provided to separate these species.