A.H. de Sousa, G.R.Q. Mendonça, L.M. Lopes, L.R.D. Faroni
Published: August 30, 2020
Genet. Mol. Res. 19(3): GMR18548
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/gmr18548
Cite this Article:
A.H. de Sousa, G.R.Q. Mendonça, L.M. Lopes, L.R.D. Faroni (2020). Widespread infestation of Pyemotes tritici (Acari: Pyemotidae) in colonies of seven species of stored-product insects. Genet. Mol. Res. 19(3): GMR18548. https://doi.org/10.4238/gmr18548
About the Authors
A.H. de Sousa, G.R.Q. Mendonça, L.M. Lopes, L.R.D. Faroni
Corresponding Author
A.H. de Sousa
Email: adalberto@ufac.br
ABSTRACT
Pyemotidae mites are ectoparasites of a large number of arthropods, and Pyemotes tritici (Acari: Pyemotidae) is often found parasitizing insects in various habitats, including in the laboratory. Here we report widespread infestation of P. tritici in laboratory colonies of various species of stored-products insects. P. tritici infestations were observed in laboratory colonies (MIPGrains/UFV) of Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), Acanthoscelides obtectus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), Ephestia sp. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The widespread infestation of P. tritici in laboratory colonies of these species is a serious problem. This mite can substantially reduce insect populations or even kill them, making it impossible to rear the insects, as observed in this research. This ectoparasite is not recommended as a biological control agent in integrated pest management of stored-product pests because P. tritici can attack bees, mammals, and other animals and cause dermatitis in humans. In consideration of the above, the widespread infestation of P. tritici in colonies of S. zeamais, A. diaperinus, L. serricorne, A. obtectus, R. dominica, Ephestia sp., and T. castaneum indicates that this mite should be monitored when raising stored-products insects to ensure the development of the insect populations and ensure that the laboratory environment is safe.
Keywords: Coleoptera, Ecotoparasitism, Natural enemy, Storage, Straw itch mite.