The oribatid mite family Zetomotrichidae is represented in warm regions of world, including Austr... more The oribatid mite family Zetomotrichidae is represented in warm regions of world, including Australia, South Africa, Mexico, South America and across the Palaearctic from southern Europe to Asia, but has been unreported from the USA and Canada. We describe a new zetomotrichid species, Ghilarovus robisoni n. sp., on the basis of adults, the first record of the genus and family from temperate North America. Specimens were collected from dry, usually rocky, vertical microhabitats in forests in southern USA. We provide a revised and expanded diagnosis for adults of Ghilarovus, discuss characters in Zetomotrichidae unique to the family, and provide a key to world Ghilarovus species.
The phoretic mite communities of prominent bark beetle pests associated with pine stands of south... more The phoretic mite communities of prominent bark beetle pests associated with pine stands of southern Portugal were sampled to determine whether they vary across bark beetle species and stand type. Bark beetles were sampled for mites from two primary (aggressive) bark beetle species (Ips sexdentatus and Orthotomicus erosus) and the most common secondary species (Hylurgus ligniperda) in maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and stone pine (Pinus pinea) in the SetĂºbal province of Portugal. Twelve mite species, spanning diverse ecological roles, are found associated with these bark beetle systems. The relative abundances of the 12 species that make up the phoretic mite communities of maritime and stone pine varied significantly between host beetle species as well as between stand type, indicating that the phoretic host and dominant tree type are important drivers of mite community composition. The functional roles of these mites are outlined and their ecological significance in pine forest ecosystems is discussed.
Summaries of taxonomic knowledge are provided for all acarine groups in Canada, accompanied by re... more Summaries of taxonomic knowledge are provided for all acarine groups in Canada, accompanied by references to relevant publications, changes in classification at the family level since 1979, and notes on biology relevant to estimating their diversity. Nearly 3000 described species from 269 families are recorded in the country, representing a 56% increase from the 1917 species reported by Lindquist et al. (1979). An additional 42 families are known from Canada only from material identified to family- or genus-level. Of the total 311 families known in Canada, 69 are newly recorded since 1979, excluding apparent new records due solely to classification changes. This substantial progress is most evident in Oribatida and Hydrachnidia, for which many regional checklists and family-level revisions have been published. Except for recent taxonomic leaps in a few other groups, particularly of symbiotic mites (Astigmata: feather mites; Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae), knowledge remains limited for most other taxa, for which most species records are unpublished and may require verification. Taxonomic revisions are greatly needed for a large majority of families in Canada. Based in part on species recorded in adjacent areas of the USA and on hosts known to be present here, we conservatively estimate that nearly 10,000 species of mites occur in Canada, but the actual number could be 15,000 or more. This means that at least 70% of Canada’s mite fauna is yet unrecorded. Much work also remains to match existing molecular data with species names, as less than 10% of the ~7500 Barcode Index Numbers for Canadian mites in the Barcode of Life Database are associated with named species. Understudied hosts and terrestrial and aquatic habitats require investigation across Canada to uncover new species and to clarify geographic and ecological distributions of known species.
Mites (Acari: Acariformes, Parasitiformes) are one of the most diverse and abundant groups of art... more Mites (Acari: Acariformes, Parasitiformes) are one of the most diverse and abundant groups of arthropods associated with birds. Several families of mites have colonised the respiratory tract of birds, the Rhinonyssidae (Mesostigmata) being the most diverse. There are 66 species of rhinonyssids (59 named, seven undescribed species) reported from Canadian birds. Two new species of rhinonyssids were discovered while surveying nasal mites from birds in Manitoba, Canada, and are herein described as Sternostoma gallowayi sp. n. from the Horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), and Vitznyssus erici sp. n. from the common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor).
Burying beetles (Silphidae, Nicrophorus) are hosts to a broad diversity of mites (Acari), includi... more Burying beetles (Silphidae, Nicrophorus) are hosts to a broad diversity of mites (Acari), including several species of Macrocheles Latreille, 1829 (Mesostigmata, Macrochelidae). The macrochelid fauna associated with silphids primarily in North America was surveyed; in total, 1659 macrochelids representing seven species were collected from 112 Nicrophorus beetles representing nine host species. Three new species of Macrocheles were discovered during the survey and described as Macrocheles willowae sp. n., M. pratum sp. n., and M. kaiju sp. n. The barcode region of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was amplified from the three new described species, as well as M. nataliae and M. praedafimetorum, and analysed in a small phylogeny.
Mites of the family Epidermoptidae (Acariformes) are permanent parasites dwelling on or in
the sk... more Mites of the family Epidermoptidae (Acariformes) are permanent parasites dwelling on or in the skin of birds. Myialges Trouessart species are epidermoptids that have a hyperparasitic relationship with chewing lice (Phthiraptera) or louse flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae). During 1993–2016 in Manitoba, Canada, 668 ducks (20 species), geese (five species), and swans (two species) were examined for lice.A total of 157 males, 191 females, and 539 nymphs of the menoponid louse Trinoton querquedulae (Linnaeus) (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) were collected, of which 25 adult lice from three hosts (Mergus merganser Linnaeus, Lophodytes cucullatus (Linnaeus), Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus; Aves: Anatidae) were infested with 38 female Myialges trinotoni (Cooreman). Overall prevalence and intensity of M. trinotoni was low, and mites showed no statistically significant preference between male and female lice. Myialges trinotoni is recorded from Canada (Manitoba) and United States of America (Alaska) for the first time, and two novel avian host species records (Lophodytes cucullatus and Anas platyrhynchos) are reported. The male of M. trinotoni (loose in bird washing) is illustrated and described. The barcode region of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was amplified from M. trinotoni and compared with that of Myialges caulotoon Speiser, the only congeneric species for which COI is available, and interspecific divergence was high (25%).
Birds are host to a wide assemblage of parasitic arthropods, including mites (Acari), lice (Phira... more Birds are host to a wide assemblage of parasitic arthropods, including mites (Acari), lice (Phiraptera) and fleas (Siphonaptera). A new species of nasal mite, Sternostoma zini n. sp. (Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae), collected from the Common Cuckoo, Cuculus canorus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cuculiformes: Cuculidae) from Leningrad province, Russia, is described and illustrated. Sternostoma zini n. sp. is most similar to Sternostoma cuculorum Fain, 1956, which was also described from Cuculus canorus. These two species are distinguishable by several characteristics, such as the shape of the opisthosomal and genital shields, as well as opisthosomal and hypostomal chaetotaxy.
Four accipitriform bird species of the family Accipitridae are reported as new hosts for quill mi... more Four accipitriform bird species of the family Accipitridae are reported as new hosts for quill mites (Acari: Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae): Megasyringophilus aquilus Skoracki, Lontkowski and Stawarczyk,
The diversity of plant-feeding mites of the Canadian Prairies Ecozone is reviewed using the liter... more The diversity of plant-feeding mites of the Canadian Prairies Ecozone is reviewed using the literature and collection records. At least 101 species of strictly phytophagous mites (Trombidiformes: 57 Eriophyoidea, 41 Tetranychoidea, three Tarsonemidae) and fi ve presumed moss feeders (four Stigmaeidae, one Cryptognathidae) are present in the ecozone. In addition, species from at least two genera (Astigmata: Rhizoglyphus, Tyrophagus) that are primarily fungivorous can feed facultatively on plants, and approximately 40 species from several genera live in stored plant products, feeding on grains or associated fungi. A diversity of mites from at least 11 families in three orders (Mesostigmata, Trombidiformes, Sarcoptiformes) feed facultatively or obligatorily on fl oral products (pollen or nectar), including 15 species that are obligate associates of bees, mostly Bombus species. On the basis of records from the United States and the dearth of distribution and host association records for Canada, we predict the diversity of strict phytophages in the Canadian Prairies Ecozone to be at least 200 species. While many species (29) are associated with Poaceae (true grasses), we suspect that the poorer records for other plant families (e.g., Fabaceae (pea family), Asteraceae (aster or daisy family), Cyperaceae (sedges), Brassicaceae (crucifers)) common in the Prairies Ecozone merely refl ect a lower collecting effort. At least 11 species were recorded on fi eld cereal crops (including three fungivorous Siteroptes spp. (Siteroptidae), vectors of fungal pathogens), 11 on fruit crops, six from greenhouses (and three predicted to occur), six on weeds, nine on conifers, and 27 species on other hardwood trees and shrubs, including many urban ornamental plants. The biology and distribution of nearly all of these potential pests, and other species on native or naturalized hosts, are poorly documented. Their taxonomy is also poorly understood, since about two-thirds of the species are undescribed or have uncertain identities. Efforts targeting the taxonomy and biology of plant-feeding mites of the Canadian Prairies are needed to better understand, protect, control, and exploit the plant-associated mites of this region.
Certain parasite species have free-living stages, so habitat range may influence host-species ran... more Certain parasite species have free-living stages, so habitat range may influence host-species range. We tested whether regional occurrence and habitat use of parasitic water mites were related to their host-species range. We collected 7445 Arrenurus Dugès, 1834 mites from 7107 coenagrionid damselflies, representing 11 host species from 13 sites in southeastern Ontario and southwestern Quebec. Because larval water mites are difficult to identify morphologically to species, we chose to amplify the barcode fragment of cytochrome oxidase subunit I to explore host-species ranges. Fifteen operational taxonomic units or clades were identified based on the amplification from 217 larval mites. The Arrenurus clades that were present in both bog and marsh habitats had a broader host-species range than clades found only in marshes (the comparison with one clade found only in bogs lacked statistical power). As predicted, host-species range increased with the regional occurrence of an Arrenurus clade. Additionally, the most commonly barcoded species also have high host-species ranges. This result could be because species with broader host-species ranges are more common and were more likely to be sampled and barcoded (an explanation we favor), or due to sampling bias. Although this is the first study exploring whether habitat range affects host-species range, further investigation is needed to tease apart which habitat factors influence host-species ranges the most.
Understanding the ecology and evolutionary history of symbionts and their hosts requires accurate... more Understanding the ecology and evolutionary history of symbionts and their hosts requires accurate taxonomic knowledge, including clear species boundaries and phylogenies. Tortoise mites (Mesostigmata: Uropodoidea) are among the most diverse arthropod associates of bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae), but their taxonomy and host associations are largely unstudied. We tested the hypotheses that (1) morphologically defined species are supported by molecular data, and that (2) bark beetle uropodoids with a broad host range comprise cryptic species. To do so, we assessed the species boundaries of uropodoid mites collected from 51 host species, across 11 countries and 103 sites, using morphometric data as well as partial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA (28S). Overall, morphologically defined species were confirmed by molecular datasets, with a few exceptions. Twenty-nine of the 36 uropodoid species (Trichouropoda, Nenteria and Uroobovella) collected in this study had narrow host ranges, while seven species had putative broad host ranges. In all but one species, U. orri, our data supported the existence of these host generalists, which contrasts with the typical finding that widespread generalists are actually complexes of cryptic specialists.
Uroobovella (Mesostigmata: Uropodoidea: Urodinychidae) species are among the most common mites as... more Uroobovella (Mesostigmata: Uropodoidea: Urodinychidae) species are among the most common mites associated with carrion-feeding Nicrophorus (Silphidae) beetles. Previous taxonomic understanding suggests that a single host generalist, U. nova, disperses and lives with Nicrophorus species worldwide (reported from at least seven host species). Using morphometrics and morphological characteristics, as well as partial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and the entire internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) markers, we tested whether this apparent generalist is truly a generalist or rather a complex of cryptic species with narrower host ranges. Based on deutonymph mites collected from 14 host species across six countries and 17 provinces or states, we show that U. nova represents at least five morphologically similar species with relatively restricted host ranges. Except for one species which yielded no molecular data (but did exhibit morphological differences), both molecular and morphological datasets were congruent in delimiting species boundaries. Moreover, comparing the mite phylogeny with the known ecology and phylogenetic relationships of their host species suggests that these mites are coevolving with their silphid hosts rather than tracking ecologically similar species.
Closely related host species are known to show variation in the level of resistance towards the s... more Closely related host species are known to show variation in the level of resistance towards the same or similar parasite species, but this phenomenon is understudied. Such studies are important for understanding the ecological factors that might promote susceptibility or resistance to parasites: in particular, whether one host species is a larger target of selection for the parasite by virtue of being more abundant locally or more regionally widespread than another host species. In this study, we examined the expression of resistance by two closely related species of damselflies (Nehalennia irene and Nehalennia gracilis) against an Arrenurus water mite species. We show that the host species at each of two isolated sphagnum bogs have statistically indistinguishable levels of prevalence and intensity of infection by mite larvae. Despite having similar measures of parasitism, the regionally less represented species (N. gracilis) showed total resistance, whereas the regionally well-represented species (N. irene) was completely susceptible. Moreover, the form of resistance expressed by N. gracilis was unique, in that the oral glands of the mite were melanised. Also, this mite species was not found outside of isolated bog habitats. These results suggest that there might have been strong historical selection from this mite on the bog specialist, N. gracilis, and that this selection may have resulted in resistance evolving to fixation in a series of isolated populations.
The oribatid mite family Zetomotrichidae is represented in warm regions of world, including Austr... more The oribatid mite family Zetomotrichidae is represented in warm regions of world, including Australia, South Africa, Mexico, South America and across the Palaearctic from southern Europe to Asia, but has been unreported from the USA and Canada. We describe a new zetomotrichid species, Ghilarovus robisoni n. sp., on the basis of adults, the first record of the genus and family from temperate North America. Specimens were collected from dry, usually rocky, vertical microhabitats in forests in southern USA. We provide a revised and expanded diagnosis for adults of Ghilarovus, discuss characters in Zetomotrichidae unique to the family, and provide a key to world Ghilarovus species.
The phoretic mite communities of prominent bark beetle pests associated with pine stands of south... more The phoretic mite communities of prominent bark beetle pests associated with pine stands of southern Portugal were sampled to determine whether they vary across bark beetle species and stand type. Bark beetles were sampled for mites from two primary (aggressive) bark beetle species (Ips sexdentatus and Orthotomicus erosus) and the most common secondary species (Hylurgus ligniperda) in maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and stone pine (Pinus pinea) in the SetĂºbal province of Portugal. Twelve mite species, spanning diverse ecological roles, are found associated with these bark beetle systems. The relative abundances of the 12 species that make up the phoretic mite communities of maritime and stone pine varied significantly between host beetle species as well as between stand type, indicating that the phoretic host and dominant tree type are important drivers of mite community composition. The functional roles of these mites are outlined and their ecological significance in pine forest ecosystems is discussed.
Summaries of taxonomic knowledge are provided for all acarine groups in Canada, accompanied by re... more Summaries of taxonomic knowledge are provided for all acarine groups in Canada, accompanied by references to relevant publications, changes in classification at the family level since 1979, and notes on biology relevant to estimating their diversity. Nearly 3000 described species from 269 families are recorded in the country, representing a 56% increase from the 1917 species reported by Lindquist et al. (1979). An additional 42 families are known from Canada only from material identified to family- or genus-level. Of the total 311 families known in Canada, 69 are newly recorded since 1979, excluding apparent new records due solely to classification changes. This substantial progress is most evident in Oribatida and Hydrachnidia, for which many regional checklists and family-level revisions have been published. Except for recent taxonomic leaps in a few other groups, particularly of symbiotic mites (Astigmata: feather mites; Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae), knowledge remains limited for most other taxa, for which most species records are unpublished and may require verification. Taxonomic revisions are greatly needed for a large majority of families in Canada. Based in part on species recorded in adjacent areas of the USA and on hosts known to be present here, we conservatively estimate that nearly 10,000 species of mites occur in Canada, but the actual number could be 15,000 or more. This means that at least 70% of Canada’s mite fauna is yet unrecorded. Much work also remains to match existing molecular data with species names, as less than 10% of the ~7500 Barcode Index Numbers for Canadian mites in the Barcode of Life Database are associated with named species. Understudied hosts and terrestrial and aquatic habitats require investigation across Canada to uncover new species and to clarify geographic and ecological distributions of known species.
Mites (Acari: Acariformes, Parasitiformes) are one of the most diverse and abundant groups of art... more Mites (Acari: Acariformes, Parasitiformes) are one of the most diverse and abundant groups of arthropods associated with birds. Several families of mites have colonised the respiratory tract of birds, the Rhinonyssidae (Mesostigmata) being the most diverse. There are 66 species of rhinonyssids (59 named, seven undescribed species) reported from Canadian birds. Two new species of rhinonyssids were discovered while surveying nasal mites from birds in Manitoba, Canada, and are herein described as Sternostoma gallowayi sp. n. from the Horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), and Vitznyssus erici sp. n. from the common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor).
Burying beetles (Silphidae, Nicrophorus) are hosts to a broad diversity of mites (Acari), includi... more Burying beetles (Silphidae, Nicrophorus) are hosts to a broad diversity of mites (Acari), including several species of Macrocheles Latreille, 1829 (Mesostigmata, Macrochelidae). The macrochelid fauna associated with silphids primarily in North America was surveyed; in total, 1659 macrochelids representing seven species were collected from 112 Nicrophorus beetles representing nine host species. Three new species of Macrocheles were discovered during the survey and described as Macrocheles willowae sp. n., M. pratum sp. n., and M. kaiju sp. n. The barcode region of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was amplified from the three new described species, as well as M. nataliae and M. praedafimetorum, and analysed in a small phylogeny.
Mites of the family Epidermoptidae (Acariformes) are permanent parasites dwelling on or in
the sk... more Mites of the family Epidermoptidae (Acariformes) are permanent parasites dwelling on or in the skin of birds. Myialges Trouessart species are epidermoptids that have a hyperparasitic relationship with chewing lice (Phthiraptera) or louse flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae). During 1993–2016 in Manitoba, Canada, 668 ducks (20 species), geese (five species), and swans (two species) were examined for lice.A total of 157 males, 191 females, and 539 nymphs of the menoponid louse Trinoton querquedulae (Linnaeus) (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) were collected, of which 25 adult lice from three hosts (Mergus merganser Linnaeus, Lophodytes cucullatus (Linnaeus), Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus; Aves: Anatidae) were infested with 38 female Myialges trinotoni (Cooreman). Overall prevalence and intensity of M. trinotoni was low, and mites showed no statistically significant preference between male and female lice. Myialges trinotoni is recorded from Canada (Manitoba) and United States of America (Alaska) for the first time, and two novel avian host species records (Lophodytes cucullatus and Anas platyrhynchos) are reported. The male of M. trinotoni (loose in bird washing) is illustrated and described. The barcode region of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was amplified from M. trinotoni and compared with that of Myialges caulotoon Speiser, the only congeneric species for which COI is available, and interspecific divergence was high (25%).
Birds are host to a wide assemblage of parasitic arthropods, including mites (Acari), lice (Phira... more Birds are host to a wide assemblage of parasitic arthropods, including mites (Acari), lice (Phiraptera) and fleas (Siphonaptera). A new species of nasal mite, Sternostoma zini n. sp. (Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae), collected from the Common Cuckoo, Cuculus canorus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cuculiformes: Cuculidae) from Leningrad province, Russia, is described and illustrated. Sternostoma zini n. sp. is most similar to Sternostoma cuculorum Fain, 1956, which was also described from Cuculus canorus. These two species are distinguishable by several characteristics, such as the shape of the opisthosomal and genital shields, as well as opisthosomal and hypostomal chaetotaxy.
Four accipitriform bird species of the family Accipitridae are reported as new hosts for quill mi... more Four accipitriform bird species of the family Accipitridae are reported as new hosts for quill mites (Acari: Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae): Megasyringophilus aquilus Skoracki, Lontkowski and Stawarczyk,
The diversity of plant-feeding mites of the Canadian Prairies Ecozone is reviewed using the liter... more The diversity of plant-feeding mites of the Canadian Prairies Ecozone is reviewed using the literature and collection records. At least 101 species of strictly phytophagous mites (Trombidiformes: 57 Eriophyoidea, 41 Tetranychoidea, three Tarsonemidae) and fi ve presumed moss feeders (four Stigmaeidae, one Cryptognathidae) are present in the ecozone. In addition, species from at least two genera (Astigmata: Rhizoglyphus, Tyrophagus) that are primarily fungivorous can feed facultatively on plants, and approximately 40 species from several genera live in stored plant products, feeding on grains or associated fungi. A diversity of mites from at least 11 families in three orders (Mesostigmata, Trombidiformes, Sarcoptiformes) feed facultatively or obligatorily on fl oral products (pollen or nectar), including 15 species that are obligate associates of bees, mostly Bombus species. On the basis of records from the United States and the dearth of distribution and host association records for Canada, we predict the diversity of strict phytophages in the Canadian Prairies Ecozone to be at least 200 species. While many species (29) are associated with Poaceae (true grasses), we suspect that the poorer records for other plant families (e.g., Fabaceae (pea family), Asteraceae (aster or daisy family), Cyperaceae (sedges), Brassicaceae (crucifers)) common in the Prairies Ecozone merely refl ect a lower collecting effort. At least 11 species were recorded on fi eld cereal crops (including three fungivorous Siteroptes spp. (Siteroptidae), vectors of fungal pathogens), 11 on fruit crops, six from greenhouses (and three predicted to occur), six on weeds, nine on conifers, and 27 species on other hardwood trees and shrubs, including many urban ornamental plants. The biology and distribution of nearly all of these potential pests, and other species on native or naturalized hosts, are poorly documented. Their taxonomy is also poorly understood, since about two-thirds of the species are undescribed or have uncertain identities. Efforts targeting the taxonomy and biology of plant-feeding mites of the Canadian Prairies are needed to better understand, protect, control, and exploit the plant-associated mites of this region.
Certain parasite species have free-living stages, so habitat range may influence host-species ran... more Certain parasite species have free-living stages, so habitat range may influence host-species range. We tested whether regional occurrence and habitat use of parasitic water mites were related to their host-species range. We collected 7445 Arrenurus Dugès, 1834 mites from 7107 coenagrionid damselflies, representing 11 host species from 13 sites in southeastern Ontario and southwestern Quebec. Because larval water mites are difficult to identify morphologically to species, we chose to amplify the barcode fragment of cytochrome oxidase subunit I to explore host-species ranges. Fifteen operational taxonomic units or clades were identified based on the amplification from 217 larval mites. The Arrenurus clades that were present in both bog and marsh habitats had a broader host-species range than clades found only in marshes (the comparison with one clade found only in bogs lacked statistical power). As predicted, host-species range increased with the regional occurrence of an Arrenurus clade. Additionally, the most commonly barcoded species also have high host-species ranges. This result could be because species with broader host-species ranges are more common and were more likely to be sampled and barcoded (an explanation we favor), or due to sampling bias. Although this is the first study exploring whether habitat range affects host-species range, further investigation is needed to tease apart which habitat factors influence host-species ranges the most.
Understanding the ecology and evolutionary history of symbionts and their hosts requires accurate... more Understanding the ecology and evolutionary history of symbionts and their hosts requires accurate taxonomic knowledge, including clear species boundaries and phylogenies. Tortoise mites (Mesostigmata: Uropodoidea) are among the most diverse arthropod associates of bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae), but their taxonomy and host associations are largely unstudied. We tested the hypotheses that (1) morphologically defined species are supported by molecular data, and that (2) bark beetle uropodoids with a broad host range comprise cryptic species. To do so, we assessed the species boundaries of uropodoid mites collected from 51 host species, across 11 countries and 103 sites, using morphometric data as well as partial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA (28S). Overall, morphologically defined species were confirmed by molecular datasets, with a few exceptions. Twenty-nine of the 36 uropodoid species (Trichouropoda, Nenteria and Uroobovella) collected in this study had narrow host ranges, while seven species had putative broad host ranges. In all but one species, U. orri, our data supported the existence of these host generalists, which contrasts with the typical finding that widespread generalists are actually complexes of cryptic specialists.
Uroobovella (Mesostigmata: Uropodoidea: Urodinychidae) species are among the most common mites as... more Uroobovella (Mesostigmata: Uropodoidea: Urodinychidae) species are among the most common mites associated with carrion-feeding Nicrophorus (Silphidae) beetles. Previous taxonomic understanding suggests that a single host generalist, U. nova, disperses and lives with Nicrophorus species worldwide (reported from at least seven host species). Using morphometrics and morphological characteristics, as well as partial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and the entire internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) markers, we tested whether this apparent generalist is truly a generalist or rather a complex of cryptic species with narrower host ranges. Based on deutonymph mites collected from 14 host species across six countries and 17 provinces or states, we show that U. nova represents at least five morphologically similar species with relatively restricted host ranges. Except for one species which yielded no molecular data (but did exhibit morphological differences), both molecular and morphological datasets were congruent in delimiting species boundaries. Moreover, comparing the mite phylogeny with the known ecology and phylogenetic relationships of their host species suggests that these mites are coevolving with their silphid hosts rather than tracking ecologically similar species.
Closely related host species are known to show variation in the level of resistance towards the s... more Closely related host species are known to show variation in the level of resistance towards the same or similar parasite species, but this phenomenon is understudied. Such studies are important for understanding the ecological factors that might promote susceptibility or resistance to parasites: in particular, whether one host species is a larger target of selection for the parasite by virtue of being more abundant locally or more regionally widespread than another host species. In this study, we examined the expression of resistance by two closely related species of damselflies (Nehalennia irene and Nehalennia gracilis) against an Arrenurus water mite species. We show that the host species at each of two isolated sphagnum bogs have statistically indistinguishable levels of prevalence and intensity of infection by mite larvae. Despite having similar measures of parasitism, the regionally less represented species (N. gracilis) showed total resistance, whereas the regionally well-represented species (N. irene) was completely susceptible. Moreover, the form of resistance expressed by N. gracilis was unique, in that the oral glands of the mite were melanised. Also, this mite species was not found outside of isolated bog habitats. These results suggest that there might have been strong historical selection from this mite on the bog specialist, N. gracilis, and that this selection may have resulted in resistance evolving to fixation in a series of isolated populations.
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Papers by Wayne Knee
collected from dry, usually rocky, vertical microhabitats in forests in southern USA. We provide a revised and expanded diagnosis for adults of Ghilarovus, discuss characters in Zetomotrichidae unique to the family, and provide a key to world Ghilarovus species.
to relevant publications, changes in classification at the family level since 1979, and notes on biology
relevant to estimating their diversity. Nearly 3000 described species from 269 families are recorded in the
country, representing a 56% increase from the 1917 species reported by Lindquist et al. (1979). An additional
42 families are known from Canada only from material identified to family- or genus-level. Of the
total 311 families known in Canada, 69 are newly recorded since 1979, excluding apparent new records
due solely to classification changes. This substantial progress is most evident in Oribatida and Hydrachnidia,
for which many regional checklists and family-level revisions have been published. Except for recent
taxonomic leaps in a few other groups, particularly of symbiotic mites (Astigmata: feather mites; Mesostigmata:
Rhinonyssidae), knowledge remains limited for most other taxa, for which most species records are
unpublished and may require verification. Taxonomic revisions are greatly needed for a large majority of families in Canada. Based in part on species recorded in adjacent areas of the USA and on hosts known to
be present here, we conservatively estimate that nearly 10,000 species of mites occur in Canada, but the
actual number could be 15,000 or more. This means that at least 70% of Canada’s mite fauna is yet unrecorded.
Much work also remains to match existing molecular data with species names, as less than 10%
of the ~7500 Barcode Index Numbers for Canadian mites in the Barcode of Life Database are associated
with named species. Understudied hosts and terrestrial and aquatic habitats require investigation across
Canada to uncover new species and to clarify geographic and ecological distributions of known species.
the skin of birds. Myialges Trouessart species are epidermoptids that have a hyperparasitic relationship with
chewing lice (Phthiraptera) or louse flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae). During 1993–2016 in Manitoba,
Canada, 668 ducks (20 species), geese (five species), and swans (two species) were examined for lice.A total
of 157 males, 191 females, and 539 nymphs of the menoponid louse Trinoton querquedulae (Linnaeus)
(Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) were collected, of which 25 adult lice from three hosts (Mergus merganser
Linnaeus, Lophodytes cucullatus (Linnaeus), Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus; Aves: Anatidae) were infested
with 38 female Myialges trinotoni (Cooreman). Overall prevalence and intensity of M. trinotoni was low,
and mites showed no statistically significant preference between male and female lice. Myialges trinotoni is
recorded from Canada (Manitoba) and United States of America (Alaska) for the first time, and two novel
avian host species records (Lophodytes cucullatus and Anas platyrhynchos) are reported. The male of
M. trinotoni (loose in bird washing) is illustrated and described. The barcode region of cytochrome oxidase
subunit I (COI) was amplified from M. trinotoni and compared with that of Myialges caulotoon Speiser, the
only congeneric species for which COI is available, and interspecific divergence was high (25%).
collected from dry, usually rocky, vertical microhabitats in forests in southern USA. We provide a revised and expanded diagnosis for adults of Ghilarovus, discuss characters in Zetomotrichidae unique to the family, and provide a key to world Ghilarovus species.
to relevant publications, changes in classification at the family level since 1979, and notes on biology
relevant to estimating their diversity. Nearly 3000 described species from 269 families are recorded in the
country, representing a 56% increase from the 1917 species reported by Lindquist et al. (1979). An additional
42 families are known from Canada only from material identified to family- or genus-level. Of the
total 311 families known in Canada, 69 are newly recorded since 1979, excluding apparent new records
due solely to classification changes. This substantial progress is most evident in Oribatida and Hydrachnidia,
for which many regional checklists and family-level revisions have been published. Except for recent
taxonomic leaps in a few other groups, particularly of symbiotic mites (Astigmata: feather mites; Mesostigmata:
Rhinonyssidae), knowledge remains limited for most other taxa, for which most species records are
unpublished and may require verification. Taxonomic revisions are greatly needed for a large majority of families in Canada. Based in part on species recorded in adjacent areas of the USA and on hosts known to
be present here, we conservatively estimate that nearly 10,000 species of mites occur in Canada, but the
actual number could be 15,000 or more. This means that at least 70% of Canada’s mite fauna is yet unrecorded.
Much work also remains to match existing molecular data with species names, as less than 10%
of the ~7500 Barcode Index Numbers for Canadian mites in the Barcode of Life Database are associated
with named species. Understudied hosts and terrestrial and aquatic habitats require investigation across
Canada to uncover new species and to clarify geographic and ecological distributions of known species.
the skin of birds. Myialges Trouessart species are epidermoptids that have a hyperparasitic relationship with
chewing lice (Phthiraptera) or louse flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae). During 1993–2016 in Manitoba,
Canada, 668 ducks (20 species), geese (five species), and swans (two species) were examined for lice.A total
of 157 males, 191 females, and 539 nymphs of the menoponid louse Trinoton querquedulae (Linnaeus)
(Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) were collected, of which 25 adult lice from three hosts (Mergus merganser
Linnaeus, Lophodytes cucullatus (Linnaeus), Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus; Aves: Anatidae) were infested
with 38 female Myialges trinotoni (Cooreman). Overall prevalence and intensity of M. trinotoni was low,
and mites showed no statistically significant preference between male and female lice. Myialges trinotoni is
recorded from Canada (Manitoba) and United States of America (Alaska) for the first time, and two novel
avian host species records (Lophodytes cucullatus and Anas platyrhynchos) are reported. The male of
M. trinotoni (loose in bird washing) is illustrated and described. The barcode region of cytochrome oxidase
subunit I (COI) was amplified from M. trinotoni and compared with that of Myialges caulotoon Speiser, the
only congeneric species for which COI is available, and interspecific divergence was high (25%).