New Records and Morphological Description of Phytoseiidae (Acari) Species Associated with Ornamental Greenhouse Plants

Abstract

Predatory mites belonging to the family Phytoseiidae (Acari) are important natural enemies widely recognized for their role in the biological control of phytophagous mites and small arthropod pests in greenhouse production systems. Ornamental greenhouse plants provide favorable habitats for diverse mite communities; however, information regarding the taxonomy and distribution of phytoseiid species associated with these environments remains limited in many regions. The present study was conducted to investigate the diversity, morphological characteristics, and new distributional records of Phytoseiidae species associated with ornamental greenhouse plants. Systematic surveys were carried out in commercial and research greenhouse facilities cultivating a variety of ornamental plant species. Mite specimens were collected from leaves, stems, and flowers using standard sampling and extraction techniques and were subsequently mounted and examined under compound microscopy for taxonomic identification. Morphological characterization was performed based on diagnostic features including dorsal shield ornamentation, setal arrangement, spermathecal structure, and leg chaetotaxy. The results revealed the occurrence of several phytoseiid mite species inhabiting ornamental greenhouse plants, including multiple new regional records not previously documented from the surveyed areas. Considerable morphological variation was observed among collected species, allowing accurate differentiation using standard taxonomic keys and comparative descriptions. Some species were frequently associated with populations of spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies, suggesting their ecological importance as potential biological control agents in greenhouse ecosystems. Differences in species abundance and distribution were influenced by host plant type, greenhouse conditions, and pest availability. The findings of this study contribute valuable information to the taxonomy, biodiversity, and distribution of Phytoseiidae mites associated with ornamental plants under protected cultivation. Documentation of new records and detailed morphological descriptions enhances current knowledge of predatory mite fauna and supports future biological control and integrated pest management programs aimed at sustainable greenhouse crop protection.