First report of Amblyseius tamatavensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in the United States of America

ABSTRACT

Amblyseius tamatavensis Blommers (Acari: phytoseiidae) is reported for the first time in the United States of America, based on specimens collected from Laportea aestuans (Urticaceae) and Solanum americanum (Solanaceae) where it was found in association with the banded-wing whitefly Trialeurodes abutiloneus (Haldeman) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in southern Florida. Further observations confirmed that this predator can feed and reproduce on sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), and ficus whitefly, Singhiella simplex (Singh). This species may be an important predator as a potential biological control agent of whiteflies. Amblyseius tamatavensis from Florida was re-described and illustrated based on female specimens to access intraspecific variation as well as to secure further diagnosis.

KEYWORDS:

• Biological control
• whitefly
• predatory mite
• new record
• North America

Acknowledgement

We are grateful to Dr. Cliff G. Martin (UF-TREC) for host plant identifications.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.