Diversity of predatory mites at the Nazareno localities, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque

Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine the diversity of predatory mites in the Nazareno locality, belonging to the San José de las Lajas municipality. For them, systematic samplings were carried out on different species of plants and the collected mites were identified. Seven families of mites were detected, two from phytophagous mites (Tenuipalpidae and Tetranychidae), four from predatory mites (Bdellidae, Cunaxidae, Stigmaiedae and Phytoseiidae) and one from mites with varied eating habits (Acaridae). The Phytoseiidae family presented the highest richness, with six species. Ricoseius loxocheles was listed as very abundant and frequent, while Amblyseius largoensis was abundant and very frequent. A. largoensis is listed as one of the most frequent and abundant phytoseids in the country. It feeds on tetranychid, tenuipalpid and tarsonemid mites. The complex of detected predatory mites ensures that there are favorable conditions for biological control. To favor this ecosystem service, it is suggested to increase agricultural practices that favor the increase and stability of their populations in agricultural systems. These results constitute a contribution to the knowledge of the diversity of predatory mites in the locality.