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Advances in the Bio-Ecology and Control of Plant-Damaging Acari

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A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450). This special issue belongs to the section "Other Arthropods and General Topics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 July 2026 | Viewed by 12986

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Prof. Dr. Enrico De Lillo

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Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences (Di.S.S.P.A.), Entomology and Zoology Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
Interests: eriophyoidea; systematics of eriophyoidea; agricultural acarology; integrated pest management in orchards and vineyards

Dr. Haralabos Tsolakis

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Department of Agricultural and Forest Science, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
Interests: phytoseiidae; systematics of phytoseiidae; agricultural acarology; biological control of mites; botanical acaricides

Dr. Sauro Simoni

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CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification (CREA-DC), Via di Lanciola 12/a, 50125 Firenze, Italy
Interests: acarology; pest control; behavioral ecology; multi-trophic interactions; prey-predator system
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mites include numerous species with various functional and trophic habitus: they live in a wide range of habitats. Many are pests of economic prominence, others critically important predators and biological control agents, functioning as fungivorous and saprophytic detritivores, vectors of diseases, and ecosystem engineers playing vital roles in soil formation and structure. In spite of their impressive diversity, there are several knowledge contexts that still require investigation. This Special Issue aims to provide an update on aspects of their biology, life history, reproduction and ecology to fill gaps in understanding these intriguing organisms especially for pest management, including detection strategies. Hence, we are pleased to welcome submissions of research and review articles to this Special Issue of Insects. Papers that consider bio-ecological aspects, detection methods and control techniques are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Enrico De Lillo
Dr. Haralabos Tsolakis
Dr. Sauro Simoni
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Insects is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

mites
biology
ecology
ethology
mite detection
integrated mite management
biological control of mites

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 818 KB

Open AccessArticle

Temperature Effects on the Efficacy of Phytoseiulus persimilis and Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae) Against Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Strawberry Crops

by Lassaad Mahmoud Mdallel, Abderrahman Mquiteb, Abdallah Guerban, Bader Sulaiman Sudayri, Selman Al-Oudah and Soltan Mohamed Al-Eid

Insects 2026, 17(4), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17040366 - 29 Mar 2026

Viewed by 698

Abstract

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a major arthropod pest that causes substantial economic losses in strawberry and other crops worldwide. Its management often relies on intensive acaricide applications, which may negatively affect human health, the environment, and beneficial organisms. Biological control using predatory mites has been widely adopted under greenhouse conditions, and its success is influenced by several factors, particularly temperature, T. urticae population density, and predator release methods. During the 2023–2024 season, this study evaluated the effects of ambient greenhouse temperature on the population dynamics of T. urticae and on the efficacy of two phytoseiid predators, Phytoseiulus persimilis (Athias-Henriot) and Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot). The predators were released individually and in combination on strawberry plants. The efficacy of single and combined releases was assessed under three temperature ranges: 25–27 °C, 28–30 °C, and 30–32 °C. The results showed that the mean number of motile T. urticae per plant increased from 21.7 to 95.66, while the mean number per leaf increased from 2.33 to 6.05 during the experimental period. The mean greenhouse temperature ranged from 23.83 °C to 31.88 °C. Temperature was strongly and positively correlated with T. urticae population density, with higher temperatures generally accelerating development and population growth. Both predator species, whether released individually or in combination, significantly reduced T. urticae populations compared with untreated control plants. Amblyseius swirskii demonstrated greater efficacy than P. persimilis at temperatures above 28 °C. However, the combined release consistently achieved the highest level of mite suppression across all temperature ranges. Significantly greater population reduction was observed at approximately 25–26 °C compared with single-species releases, while maximum effectiveness occurred at temperatures above 28 °C. These findings indicate that the combined use of P. persimilis and A. swirskii represents an effective biological control strategy for managing T. urticae in greenhouse-grown strawberries, particularly under elevated and fluctuating temperature conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Bio-Ecology and Control of Plant-Damaging Acari)

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12 pages, 2147 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tiny Trouble, Unknown Risk: International Interceptions Highlight Cross-Border Movement and Biosecurity Threat of Cenopalpus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)

by Marcello De Giosa, Sauro Simoni, Tobias E. Glik, Michael Ormsby, Helen Nahrung, Aline D. Tassi, Ronald Ochoa and Davina L. Saccaggi

Insects 2026, 17(3), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17030290 - 6 Mar 2026

Viewed by 707

Abstract

Mite species of the genus Cenopalpus are phytophagous pests associated with fruit and ornamental crops. Although the genus is primarily distributed in the Palearctic region, increasing international trade of plant material has created repeated opportunities for its unintentional transport across borders. To support improved awareness of emerging biosecurity risks, international quarantine interception records were analyzed from Australia, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States of America. A total of 98 interceptions were documented between 1981 and 2024, exclusively reported by New Zealand, South Africa, and the USA, while no Cenopalpus spp. mites were intercepted in Australia, Laos, Malaysia, or Singapore. Six species were identified, with Cenopalpus pulcher being the most frequently detected, followed by C. lanceolatisetae and C. officinalis. Interceptions were primarily associated with fruit crops, particularly apples and stone fruits, frequently with origins in Europe and the Middle East. Several records represent the first detection of Cenopalpus in trade originating from countries within Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. Taxonomic uncertainty associated with Cenopalpus mites likely limits accurate identification in interception records, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic expertise. The implications of these findings for plant biosecurity programs, including surveillance and diagnostic priorities, are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Bio-Ecology and Control of Plant-Damaging Acari)

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22 pages, 19552 KB

Open AccessArticle

Convergent Evolution of Silk Webbing in Eriophyoid Mites (Eriophyoidea) and Aceria–Cisaberoptus Sympatry on Mango

by Philipp E. Chetverikov, Charnie Craemer, Alexey G. Desnitskiy, Nikita S. Kopylov, Andrey T. Kudrjavtzev, Viert D. Nguen, Anna E. Romanovich, Hoat X. Trinh, Andrey E. Vishnyakov and James Amrine

Insects 2026, 17(3), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17030259 - 28 Feb 2026

Viewed by 666

Abstract

Several lineages within the Eriophyoidea, an ancient group of phytoparasitic acariform mites, produce large protective silk webs on plant surfaces. This study examined the diversity and phylogeny of web-spinning eriophyoids associated with the leaves of Mangifera indica (mango) in Asia, Africa, and North America and Lepisanthes rubiginosa (mertajam) in Vietnam. We report, for the first time, silk-producing structures in Aceria aegyptindicae and Aculops knorri, as well as the presence of tibial seta l’ I and a lobular unpaired prosomal gland in Cisaberoptus kenyae. Molecular and morphological data indicate female dimorphism in A. knorri and reveal cryptic diversity within Cisaberoptus and mango-associated Aceria. The web-spinning species C. kenyae and Ac. aegyptindicae form a strongly supported clade and frequently coexist in syntopy on mango leaves, likely co-producing silk web. Phylogenetic analyses of COI and 28S genes place this clade as sister to Cecidophyinae, while grouping Aberoptus and A. knorri with Anthocoptini and Aceriini. These results demonstrate convergence, cryptic speciation, and unexpected mutualism in web-spinning eriophyoids, providing a framework for future research on the evolution of silk producing organs in this economically important mite group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Bio-Ecology and Control of Plant-Damaging Acari)

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13 pages, 1308 KB

Open AccessArticle

Colonization Priority of Spider Mites Modulates Antioxidant Defense of Bean Plants

by Tairis Da-Costa, Julia Renata Schneider, Aline Marjana Pavan, Luana Fabrina Rodighero, Anderson de Azevedo Meira, Noeli Juarez Ferla and Geraldo Luiz Gonçalves Soares

Insects 2026, 17(2), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17020145 - 27 Jan 2026

Viewed by 658

Abstract

The first species of herbivore to colonize the plant can obtain advantages and displace other organisms to less favorable substrates. This study evaluated whether the colonization order of the herbivores Tetranychus ludeni Zacher and T. urticae Koch (Tetranychidae) influences their population dynamics and antioxidant enzymatic activity of bean plants (Phaseoulus vulgaris L.). Experiments manipulating the colonization priority were performed, and the activities of the enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated. The results indicated priority for T. urticae led to a significant reduction in T. ludeni abundance, suggesting that the order of species influences the total abundance of mites. The presence of mites affected the antioxidant enzymatic activities APX, CAT, and SOD. These findings provide important insights into the response of bean plants to herbivorous mite infestation, highlighting the role in plant defense against T. ludeni and T. urticae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Bio-Ecology and Control of Plant-Damaging Acari)

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13 pages, 2657 KB

Open AccessArticle

How Do Host Plants Mediate the Development and Reproduction of Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) When Fed on Tetranychus evansi or Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)?

by Yannan Zhang, Sijin Bi, Chuqin Huang, Li Ran, Li Yang, Lan Xiao, Qiumei Tan and Endong Wang

Insects 2026, 17(2), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17020133 - 23 Jan 2026

Viewed by 656

Abstract

In this study, P. persimilis was provided with T. evansi and T. urticae that had been reared on either bean or potato plants to investigate the effects of both prey and host plant species on the predator’s growth, development, and fitness. The results indicate that the reproductive potential of P. persimilis populations fed T. evansi was significantly lower than that of populations fed T. urticae from the same host plant (p < 0.01). Phytoseiulus persimilis fed T. evansi that had been reared on potatoes showed poorer performance in oviposition period, post-oviposition period, daily egg production, and total egg production compared to those fed T. evansi reared on beans (p < 0.01). The intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) of P. persimilis fed on T. evansi reared on potato was 0.08, which was 55.56% lower than that of populations fed on T. evansi reared on beans. This study sheds light on the complex interactions among host plants, pests, and their natural enemies, thereby providing a theoretical basis for developing more effective and sustainable management strategies against T. evansi that take these intricate ecological relationships into account. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Bio-Ecology and Control of Plant-Damaging Acari)

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14 pages, 7546 KB

Open AccessArticle

Laboratory and Field Bioassays of Arthropod Pathogenic Fungi Application for the Control of the Hazelnut Big Bud Mite, Phytoptus avellanae s. l.

by Domenico Valenzano, Ilaria Laterza, Mario Contarini, Stefano Speranza, Roberto Masturzi, Eustachio Tarasco and Enrico de Lillo

Insects 2025, 16(11), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16111182 - 20 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1799

Abstract

Phytoptus avellanae is a key hazelnut pest, causing the swelling of mixed buds during the autumn–winter period and a compromised nut yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of commercial biopesticides based on Beauveria bassiana and Akanthomyces muscarius in controlling this pest. Specific laboratory and field protocols were developed. In the laboratory, bud galls were disinfected, dissected, immersed for 30 s in a water suspension of the products and in water (control), dried in a laminar flow hood, incubated for 7 days and inspected to assess mite mortality. Intermediate observations were also recorded. Significantly higher mortality was recorded in the treatment with B. bassiana. Infection with B. bassiana was confirmed by a culture in medium and slide-mounting of infected mites. The orchard assay was performed by immersing buds and nuts in the fungal suspensions applied in the laboratory without separating any organ from the plant. Two weeks after application, the treated plant organs were removed and examined to assess mite mortality. The organs treated with B. bassiana showed higher mite mortality than the control for both buds and nuts. Treatments with arthropod pathogenic fungi appear to be promising for inclusion in the control strategy of P. avellanae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Bio-Ecology and Control of Plant-Damaging Acari)

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13 pages, 1401 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prey Preference of Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) When Offered Two Strawberry Pests, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

by Allan Busuulwa, Abigail Campos Gutiérrez and Sriyanka Lahiri

Insects 2025, 16(11), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16111077 - 22 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1329

Abstract

Mites and thrips often infest strawberry crops across the globe, with devastating outcomes for growers. In fact, Tetranychus urticae Koch and Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood are major pests of strawberries in Florida, USA, often infesting plants at the same time. Chemical control is ineffective because both pests have developed resistance to many pesticides; therefore, many growers are presently utilizing predatory mites. Currently, Amblyseius swirskii Anthis-Henriot is released for S. dorsalis and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot for T. urticae, but this dual-release strategy is costly and can reduce effectiveness since A. swirskii can prey on P. persimilis. This study evaluated whether Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) could provide a single practical alternative for managing both pests. We assessed its feeding preference in laboratory using no-choice and choice tests where an adult predator was offered different life stages of T. urticae and larvae of S. dorsalis. Results showed that in no-choice tests, N. californicus consumed more T. urticae eggs compared to T. urticae adults. Also, S. dorsalis larvae and T. urticae deutonymphs were consumed in similar proportions. In choice tests, feeding shifted toward mobile prey with higher consumption of S. dorsalis larvae and T. urticae deutonymphs and adults. These results demonstrate that N. californicus is a flexible predator with potential to control both pests and should be investigated further for its potential as a cost-effective tool in strawberry pest management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Bio-Ecology and Control of Plant-Damaging Acari)

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13 pages, 302 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Carlina Oxide and Acmella oleracea Extract Enriched in N-Alkylamides on Aculops lycopersici (Acari: Eriophyidae) and Its Predator Typhlodromus exhilaratus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in Laboratory Tests

by Thomas Giordano, Giuliano Cerasa, Ilaria Marotta, Mauro Conte, Ernesto Ragusa, Simona Tortorici, Gabriella Lo Verde, Filippo Maggi, Riccardo Petrelli, Marta Ferrati, Eleonora Spinozzi, Luigi Botta, Roberto Rizzo and Haralabos Tsolakis

Insects 2025, 16(9), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090879 - 24 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1126

Abstract

The tomato russet mite, Aculops lycopersici, is considered one of the most important crop pests globally. The main control strategy is based on synthetic acaricides; however, they create resistant strains and ecological risks. In this context, biopesticides could be a viable and sustainable alternative for eriophyid control. In the present study, the toxic effects of a N-alkylamides-enriched extract obtained from Acmella oleracea and of carlina oxide, the main bioactive component of Carlina acaulis, on A. lycopersici were evaluated, as well as their side effects on the phytoseiid Typhlodromus exhilaratus under laboratory conditions. Six concentrations were tested for each product against A. lycopersici adults (0, 320, 640, 1280, 2500, and 5000 μL L⁻¹), and the median concentration (1280 μL L⁻¹) was evaluated against eggs and females of the phytoseiid T. exhilaratus. Both the N-alkylamides-enriched extract and carlina oxide showed total lethal effects (100% of mortality) towards A. lycopersici at the two highest concentrations. Moderate-to-high mortality was also recorded with the lower concentrations: from 42.22 to 97.78%. Probit analysis identified LC₅₀ values of 205.32 μL L⁻¹ for carlina oxide and 253.79 μL L⁻¹ for the N-alkylamides-enriched extract, respectively. Carlina oxide showed a moderate ovicidal effect on T. exhilaratus eggs (50.00% hatching rate) on T. exhilaratus, and caused 39.13% mortality on females, whereas the N-alkylamides-enriched extract was less toxic, with a hatching rate of 88.00% and a mortality rate of 18.75% on females. In conclusion, carlina oxide and the N-alkylamides-enriched extract showed high toxicity on A. lycopersici, with a reduced effect on phytoseiid. These results highlight the potential of these products as sustainable means for the management of tomato russet mite. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Bio-Ecology and Control of Plant-Damaging Acari)

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18 pages, 957 KB

Open AccessArticle

Potential of Commercial Biorational and Conventional Pesticides to Manage the Ruellia Erinose Mite in Ornamental Landscapes

by Marcello De Giosa, Adam G. Dale, Xingbo Wu and Alexandra M. Revynthi

Insects 2025, 16(8), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080801 - 2 Aug 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2426

Abstract

Acalitus simplex is an eriophyoid mite pest of the ornamental plant Ruellia simplex. Acalitus simplex compromises the esthetics of R. simplex by inducing erinea formation. Management practices for A. simplex are currently lacking. This study assessed the potential of commercial biorational (citric acid, potassium salt of fatty acids, garlic, thyme, and mineral oil) and conventional (abamectin, fenpyroximate, bifenthrin, spiromesifen) pesticides under laboratory conditions, using two types of spray applications: (A) curative, after erinea formation, and (B) prophylactic, before erinea formation. In the curative application, abamectin, garlic oil, and mineral oil were most effective; in the prophylactic application, abamectin and mineral oil showed the highest efficacies. Abamectin and mineral oil were further tested under greenhouse conditions. Both treatments effectively controlled A. simplex by preventing erinea formation over a four-week post-application period, regardless of the application type. At the end of the experiment, mites were extracted from R. simplex plants. In the curative application, significantly fewer mites were extracted from abamectin and mineral oil treatments than in the control. In the prophylactic application, mites were absent in abamectin and mineral oil treatments but present in the control. Abamectin and mineral oil can be used to manage A. simplex in landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Bio-Ecology and Control of Plant-Damaging Acari)

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14 pages, 2566 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Short-Term Heat Stress on the Development, Reproduction, and Demographic Parameters of Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

by Hajar Pakyari and Rostislav Zemek

Insects 2025, 16(6), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16060596 - 5 Jun 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1796

Abstract

Temperature is a critical factor affecting the development and population dynamics of many organisms. An organism’s ability to withstand extreme temperature events, such as heat waves, will become increasingly important as the severity, duration, and frequency of these events continue to rise worldwide due to global warming. Knowledge on the effects of heat stress on both pests and their natural enemies will thus be crucial for keeping biological control and pest control programs effective in future. This research aimed to study the effect of short-term heat stress on the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, which is one of the important natural enemies utilized as a biocontrol agent against spider mites such as Tetranychus urticae. The experiments assessed the immature developmental time of P. persimilis after a four-hour incubation of eggs at high temperatures, namely 36, 38, 40, and 42 °C, as well as 85 ± 5% RH and a 16:8 h photoperiod (L:D). After adult females emerged, they were exposed to the same conditions again and the population parameters were monitored. The results demonstrated that the immature development time decreased as temperature increased, with the shortest development duration of 5.30 days seen in eggs exposed to 40 °C, while the eggs exposed to 42 °C did not hatch. Female and male adult longevity decreased significantly as the temperature increased. Fecundity, the adult pre-ovipositional period, and the total pre-ovipositional period were lowest following the 40 °C treatment. The population parameters of P. persimilis, including r and λ, reached their highest values in mites treated at 36 °C, and were significantly higher than in the control group. Addressing these challenges through targeted research and adaptive management is essential to sustaining the efficiency of P. persimilis in biocontrol programs, particularly in the context of global climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Bio-Ecology and Control of Plant-Damaging Acari)

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