Experimental and Applied Acarology (2001) 25, 225-229

R.L. Jolly, M.G. Solomon and J.D. Fitzgerald (2001)
Distortion of the spermathecae of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in slide preparation
Experimental and Applied Acarology 25 (3), 225-229
Abstract: The shape and dimensions of the spermathecae are taxonomically important characteristics in phytoseiid mites. In experiments with Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) and Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten, the shape of the cervix of the spermatheca changed considerably and its diameter was increased by 42-49% when mites were flattened, compared to being mounted with 140 mm spacers underneath the coverslips. Dimensions of the dorsal shield were also affected by flattening, increasing by 3-5%.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Mike G. Solomon, Jean D. Fitzgerald

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
identification/taxonomy

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Neoseiulus californicus (predator)
Typhlodromus pyri (predator)