First report of the Eriophyoid mite Abacarus doctus (Prostigmata: Eriophyidae) infesting sugarcane in El Salvador

Abstract

This is the first report of Abacarus doctus Navia & Flechtmann in El Salvador and the second report of this species in the world. Morphological variability between Salvadoran population and the type material is pointed out and detailed studies are suggested to allow a better understanding of this variability with regard to Eriophyoidea systematics. Field observations on A. doctus infestations in El Salvador are presented, and the need for further studies of its status as a pest in El Salvador and on its possible occurrence in other sugarcane-producing countries in Central America are elaborated.