Some Phytoseiidae (Parasitiformes: Mesostigmata) from Argentina: new records, complementary descriptions, and an updated key to the species known from the country

Abstract

Phytoseiid mites (Parasitiformes: Mesostigmata) are key natural enemies of phytophagous mites and other small arthropods, playing an important role in the biological control of pests in crops and natural plants. Despite their ecological importance, the knowledge of this family in Argentina remains incomplete, regarding taxonomy and distribution. In this study, we present a survey of phytoseiid mites on native plants from Argentina. The phytoseiid mites were collected from different plant species and localities, mainly in Santa Fe province. As a result, a total of nine species from seven genera were recorded. Among these, Euseius sibelius (De Leon), Galendromimus (Galendromimus) paulista Zacarias & Moraes, and Metaseiulus (Metaseiulus) eiko (El-Banhawy) are new records for Argentina. Complementary descriptions are provided for the three newly recorded species as well as for E. inouei (Ehara & Moraes). An updated dichotomous key to the phytoseiid species currently known from Argentina is also presented.