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Research Project: Systematics of Acari and Hemiptera: Plant Pests, Predators, and Disease Vectors

Location: Systematic Entomology Laboratory

Title: Redescription of Brevipalpus spp. (Trombidiformes Tenuipalpidae) types from the Berlese collection (Florence, Italy)

Author
item DEGIOSA, MARCELLO - Bari University
item TASSI, ALINE - Federal University Of Sao Paulo
item CASTRO, E. - Sao Paulo State University (UNESP)
item Ochoa, Ronald
item TARCHI, FRANCA - Agricultural Research Council (CRA)
item GOGGIOLI, DONATELLA - Agricultural Research Council (CRA)
item GUIDI, SILVIA - Agricultural Research Council (CRA)
item SIMONI, SAURO - Agricultural Research Council (CRA)

Submitted to: Systematic and Applied Acarology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/20/2025
Publication Date: 3/7/2025
Citation: Degiosa, M., Tassi, A.D., Castro, E.B., Ochoa, R., Tarchi, F., Goggioli, D., Guidi, S., Simoni, S. 2025. Redescription of Brevipalpus spp. (Trombidiformes Tenuipalpidae) types from the Berlese collection (Florence, Italy). Systematic and Applied Acarology. 30(3):423-458. https://doi.org/10.11158/saa.30.3.1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.11158/saa.30.3.1

Interpretive Summary: Flat mites or false spider mites, are phytophagous and include many important economic pest species of fruit and forestall trees, crops and ornamentals. Several species can cause cracking of the epidermis of the fruits, yellowing and necrosis on leaves and in some cases galls. A couple of genera in the family are known to vector plant viruses. They are overlooked because of their small size and cryptic behavior of hiding in the cracks and crevices of their plant hosts. The importance of this study is to identified and organized collection specimens, including plant host associations, and distribution data. This manuscript will be a key reference for biologists, ecologists, entomologists and persons involved in mite systematics and plant protection.

Technical Abstract: Micrographs and detailed drawings of the holotypes of Brevipalpus olivicola Pegazzano Castagnoli, Brevipalpus rotai (Castagnoli & Pegazzano), and Brevipalpus mitrofanovi (Pegazzano) are provided, showcasing refined morphological features, including ontogenetic changes in leg chaetotaxy, to enhance modern morphological keys. Brevipalpus olivicola is compared with Brevipalpus oleae Baker, as it has been suspected to be a synonym of Brevipalpus oleae.