Microscopic analysis of the microbiota of three commercial Phytoseiidae species (Acari: Mesostigmata)

• DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00520-3
• Publication Date: 2020-07-07T08:06:42Z
• Authors: Jason C. Sumner-K...; Ian Baxter; M. Alejandra Perotti
• Keywords: Mesostigmata; Animal ecology; Parasitiformes

Microbes associated with the external and internal anatomy of three commercially available predatory mite species—Phytoseiulus persimilis, Typhlodromips (= Amblyseius) swirskii, Neoseiulus cucumeris—were examined using light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). Four microbe morphotypes were observed on body regions. These included microfungi-like organisms (named T1, T2 T3) rod-shaped bacteria (T4). Morphotypes showed unique distributions regions certain microbes found only one host species. Microfungi-like T1 present in all species whereas T3 P. persimilis T. respectively. most abundant ventral structures idiosoma legs, frequently coxae, coxal folds, ventrianal shields epigynal shields. legs dorsal idiosoma. T4 less attached to N. cucumeris swirskii. Significant differences distribution between batches suggest temporal fluctuations microbiota phytoseiids mass-reared systems. FISH within alimentary tract, Malpighian tubules anal atria. may aid absorption excretory products or maintaining gut physiology. We a mechanism by which be transmitted offspring throughout populations. This study aims improve our knowledge this poorly understood area highlights necessity understanding Acari.