First report of the red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), in Brazil

Abstract

The presence of the red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, is reported for the first time in Brazil. This invasive mite was found in July 2009 infesting coconut palms and bananas in urban areas of Boa Vista, State of Roraima, in northern Brazil. Comments on the possible pathways of R. indica into the country, present and potential impact of its introduction and mitigating measures to prevent or to delay the mite spread in Brazil are presented. © 2011 Sociedade Entomológica do Brasil.