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Mesostigmata (Monogynaspida)

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DAVE WALTER: [email protected]

This is a key to mesostigmatic mites likely to be found in quarantine intercepts compiled by Dr David Evans Walter of Colorado State University and the University of Alberta ([email protected]).

About one-quarter of all mite species belong to the Mesostigmata, including many economically important pests (e.g. varroa mite of bees, fowl mites, rat mites) and even more economically useful biocontrol agents (especially in the families Phytoseiidae, Laelapidae and Macrochelidae).  Because of their pervasiveness, mesostigmatans are commonly found in quarantine inspections, but primarily because few are plant parasites, there are few taxonomic specialists to help in their identification.  This key is designed to support the identification of members of the largest suborder of Mesostigmata, the Monogynaspida (See the key Major Mite Taxa to identify Mesostigmata to suborder).  Monogynaspids are the mesostigmatans most likely to be found in a quarantine intercept and the Monogynaspida contains all of the economically important species.