New Records of Predatory Mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) Associated with Phytophagous Mites on Ornamental Plants

Abstract

New records of predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) associated with phytophagous mites on ornamental plants were documented to update regional biodiversity and assess their potential role in natural pest regulation. Surveys were conducted across ornamental plant nurseries and landscaped environments, and mite fauna were collected from leaf surfaces exhibiting spider mite infestations. Specimens were identified using detailed morphological examination focusing on dorsal shield setation, ventrianal shield structure, spermathecal morphology, and leg chaetotaxy. The study recorded several phytoseiid species previously unreported from ornamental plant systems, indicating an expanded distribution range and habitat adaptability. Predatory mites were frequently associated with populations of phytophagous mites such as Tetranychus spp., suggesting a naturally occurring biological control complex within ornamental ecosystems. Relative abundance and frequency analyses showed variation in species dominance depending on host plant species and microclimatic conditions. The presence of diverse predatory mite assemblages highlights their ecological importance in suppressing pest mite populations and maintaining plant health. Observations also indicated that higher humidity and dense foliage structure favored predator establishment and persistence. These new distributional records contribute to the existing taxonomic knowledge of Phytoseiidae and emphasize their potential integration into biological control programs in ornamental plant protection systems. The findings support conservation of native predatory mite populations as a sustainable strategy for managing phytophagous mite outbreaks in ornamental horticulture.