A Faunistic Survey of Insect-associated Laelapidae Mites (Mesostigmata) from Kermanshah County, Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 1Department of Plant Protection, Agriculture faculty, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

2 Department of Plant Protection, Agriculture faculty, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.

Abstract

Mites of the family Laelapidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) are a diverse group of soil-dwelling and insect-associated mites that play key roles in soil ecology and natural regulation of insect populations. Identifying species of this family in different habitats, especially in understudied areas such as Kermanshah County, can provide valuable information on biodiversity, geographic distribution, and symbiotic relationships. Sampling of mites was conducted during 2021–2022 from various habitats in Kermanshah County, including ant nest soil and the bodies of insect hosts, particularly beetles of the genus Polyphylla. Mites were extracted using Berlese-Tullgren funnels, cleared, and mounted on permanent slides for morphological studies and species identification based on established taxonomic references. Six species from six genera of Laelapidae were identified: Gaeolaelaps aculeifer, Hypoaspis maryamae, Euandrolaelaps karawaiewi, Haemolaelaps shealsi, Pseudoparasitus missouriensis, Laelaspis pennatus, and Coleolaelaps costai. Most specimens were collected from ant nest soil, and several species are reported for the first time from Kermanshah Province. The findings indicate that Kermanshah hosts a relatively rich and diverse Laelapidae fauna. The presence of certain species and their associations with insect hosts highlight their ecological significance and potential application in the biological control of soil-dwelling pests. This study provides a baseline for future research on biodiversity, ecology, and integrated pest management of mite species.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Biodiversity and Animal Taxonomy
Volume 2, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
March 2023
Pages 378-395

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 October 2024
  • Revise Date: 01 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 29 January 2025

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