PHORETIC MITES FOUND ON BEETLES ASSOCIATED WITH STORED GRAIN IN MANITOBA

Abstract

AbstractMites of 10 genera and one undescribed taxon of Pyemotidae were found on specimens of 10 genera of beetles of farm-stored grain or grain residues. Four species of the mites are known to be associated with stored products. Almost 10% of beetles carried mites. Most of the mites were found on the abdominal tergites, under the wings of the beetles, but Tarsonemus spp. were found on external surfaces of beetles. Hypopi of Acarus farris (Ouds.) are recorded for the first time as subelytral phoronts of grain beetles. Mites can occasionally be found in fungal mycelia attached to beetles.