Incidence of predatory phytoseiid mites in Saudi Arabia: New records and a key to the Saudi Arabian species (Acari: Mesostigmata: Gamasina)

Abstract

Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski & Amitai, 1961), Neoseiulus paspalivorus (De Leon, 1957) and Proprioseiopsis beatus (Chaudhri, 1968) are reported for the first time from Saudi Arabia. The mite genus Cydnoseius Muma, 1967 is also new to the Saudi Arabian fauna. Cydnoseius negevi was collected from various host plants in three different regions (Riyadh, Hail, Eastern region) while N. paspalivorus and P. beatus were collected from Cynodon dactylon L. (Poaceae) in date palm orchards in Riyadh and Eastern region respectively. A key is provided to the adult females of the known species of Phytoseiidae of Saudi Arabia. © 2012 Systematic & Applied Acarology Society.