Distribution and Abundance of Phoretic Mites (Astigmata, Mesostigmata) on <em>Rhynchophorus ferrugineus</em> (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Abstract
The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier, is the most important insect pest on date palms. Weevils were collected from randomly selected infested date palms in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Mites from three families were recorded. Uroobovella sp. (Acari: Urodinychidae) were the most common phoretic mites. Curculanoetus sp. (Acari: Histiostomatidae) were second in abundance. Uropoda orbicularis (Acari: Uropodidae) was recorded on one beetle. The abundance of phoretic mites varied among body parts of R. ferrugineus, and the maximum numbers occurred in the subelytral space. The mean intensity, mean abundance, and prevalence of Uroobovella and Curculanoetus mites did not differ between male and female weevils. Uroobovella had significantly greater mean intensity, abundance and prevalence compared to Curculanoetus. Most Uroobovella and Curculanoetus aggregated under the sublytral space, which presumably offers protection from the hot and dry environment. This study is the first to document the presence of phoretic mites onR. ferrugineus in UAE and will help to direct future research on their interactions.El picudo rojo de la palma, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier, es el insecto plaga más importante de la palmera de dátiles. Picudos fueron colectados de palmas de dátiles infestadas seleccionadas al azar en Al Ain, Emiratos Árabes Unidos (EAU). Ácaros de tres familias fueron encontrados. Los ácaros foréticos más comunes fueron Uroobovella sp. (Acari: Urodinychidae). Curculanoetus sp. (Acari: Histiostomatidae) fueron segundos en orden de abundancia. Uropoda orbicularis (Acari: Uropodidae) se encontró en solo un picudo. La abundancia de ácaros foréticos en las diferentes partes del cuerpo de R. ferrugineus fue variable, los números más altos se encontraron el espacio subelitral. La intensidad promedio, abundancia promedio, y prevalencia de los ácaros Uroobovella y Curculanoetus no fue diferente entre picudos macho o hembra. Uroobovella tuvo una mayor intensidad promedio, abundancia y prevalencia que Curculanoetus. La mayoría de Uroobovella y Curculanoetus se agregaron en el espacio subelitrico, el cual presumiblemente ofrece protección de un ambiente caliente y seco. Este es el primer estudio que documenta la presencia de ácaros foréticos sobre R. ferrugineus en los EAU y servirá para direccionar futuras investigaciones sobre sus interacciones.
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