Taxonomy and Morphological Redescription of Tetranychus turkestani (Acari: Tetranychidae) Populations on Strawberry

Abstract

Tetranychus turkestani (Ugarov & Nikolski) is an economically significant phytophagous mite species that poses a persistent threat to strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cultivation worldwide. Despite its widespread distribution, taxonomic ambiguities and insufficient morphological documentation across geographically distinct populations have hindered accurate identification and effective pest management strategies. This study provides a comprehensive taxonomic reassessment and detailed morphological redescription of T. turkestani populations collected from strawberry fields across multiple agro-ecological zones. Specimens were examined using phase-contrast light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to characterize key diagnostic morphological structures, including idiosomal chaetotaxy, leg segmentation, empodial claw morphology, and genital structures of both sexes. Morphometric analyses of adult females, males, deutonymphs, protonymphs, and larvae were conducted to establish reliable identification criteria distinguishing T. turkestani from closely related congeners, particularly T. urticae Koch and T. cinnabarinus Boisduval. Intraspecific variation among strawberry-associated populations was documented and evaluated in relation to host-plant influence and geographic origin. Taxonomic keys incorporating newly identified morphological characters are proposed to facilitate accurate field and laboratory identification. The findings confirm the validity of T. turkestani as a distinct species and highlight morphological plasticity that may contribute to historical misidentifications. These results provide a robust morphological framework essential for ecological studies, resistance monitoring programs, and the development of integrated pest management strategies targeting tetranychid mites in strawberry production systems.