Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939)

Ueckermann, Edward A., Palevsky, Eric, Gerson, Uri, Recht, Eitan & Theron, Pieter D., 2018, The Tenuipalpidae (Acari: Trombidiformes) of Israel, Acarologia 58 (2), pp. 483-525 : 494

Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) ( Figure 9 )

Diagnosis (Female) — Prodorsum centrally with strong areolae, mediolateral reticulations with large round cells posteriorly, small round cells anteriorly, but smooth near anterior margin, setae short serrate; opisthosoma between setae c1 and d1 strongly wrinkled to weakly areolate, cuticle between d1 and e1 strongly wrinkled with few transverse folds, between e1 and h1 with transverse folds, mediolateral reticulations with large round cells; transverse folds behind setae e1, setae f2 absent, marginal and 3 pairs of dorsocentral setae short, serrate ( Fig 9A ); rostrum extends to about middle of femur I; venter verrucose laterally behind 4a with transverse bands centrally becoming weaker to smooth towards 4a, ventral shield with cells forming transverse bands, genital shield covered with large cells ( Fig 9B ); palp tarsus II with 2 solenidia distally, palp femorogenu with dorsal setae broad, flat, serrate; spermatheca terminates into a membranous bulb ( Fig 9C ).

Deutonymph — Prodorsal setae v2 short and sc1-2 broadly lanceolate; opisthosomal setae

c1, d1, d3, e1, e3 minute, setae c3, f3, h1, h2 large and broadly lanceolate ( Fig 9 D ).

Host and localities — Material for the designation of a neotype was collected from Phoenix canariensis Chabaud (Arecaceae) , The Netherlands. However, it is also present in Turkey, New

Zealand, Brazil, and South Africa. Its presence in Israel remains to be determined (Personal communication between Dr. Jenny Beard and Prof. Uri Gerson).

Symptoms — Its main economic damage is to smaller orange fruits. In Italy, its feeding resulted in grayish scabby patches and in medial cracks on the apical epidermis of mandarins.

Many lesions were located on the oil glands, which were emptied and dried; affected oranges show rounded reddish patches. In heavy infestations, the mite attacks all above-ground citrus parts, causing the leaves to turn brownish, dry and drop ( Gerson, 2017).

Figures

Figure 9 Brevipalpus phoenicis(Geijskes) – Female: A – dorsal view; B – opisthogaster; C – spermatheca; Deutonymph: D – dorsal view.