Mites groups (arthropoda, acari) found on arecaceae in the Atlantic Forest of the state of São Paulo

Abstract

This work reports 96 mite species belonging to 54 genera in 22 families and 4 suborders (Prostigmata, Mesostigmata, Metastigmata and Astigmata) found on inflorescences, fruits, terminal shoots and foliage of native Arecaceae plants in the Atlantic Forest of the State of São Paulo, in Cananéia, Pariquera-Açu, Piracicaba and São Pedro. Samplings were conducted in January and February (summer) April and May (fall), July and August (winter) and October and November (spring). Mites were more numerous in the fall. The majority of the mites were found in the inflorescences (50,2% of the mites collected). Mesostigmata was the most abundant suborder, representing 62,4% of the mites collected (Eriophyoidea and Oribatida were not considered in this study). Prostigmata was the most diverse suborder (13 families). Ameroseiidae was the most numerous family (49,2% of the mites collected); more than 99% of the mites of this family were found in the inflorescences of Geonoma brevispatha Barb. Rodr. e Geonoma schottiana Mart.. Phytoseiidae was the second most numerous family (11,2% of the mites collected); it was the most abundant family on the folioles.