Diversity of mites (Arachnida: Acari) associated with Olive trees in Southern Brazil

The study aimed to identify the mite communities present on olive trees (Olea europaea L.) of three varieties (Arbequina, Arbosana, and Koroneiki) in Barra do Ribeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Samples were collected seasonally in 2016 and 2017. During each sampling event, four plants of each variety were randomly selected, and two branches (approximately 20 cm in length) were collected from each plant. A total of 5,164 mites were identified, representing 15 species/morphospecies from 10 families (Acaridae, Cheyletidae, Eriophyidae, Eupalopsellidae, Phytoseiidae, Tarsonemidae, Tetranychidae, Tydeidae, Siteroptidae, and Stigmaeidae). Tydeus linarocatus (Schiess), a predatory/fungivorous mite, was the most abundant species, accounting for 83.2% of all mites collected and being classified as a constant and eudominant species.