The phytophagous and predatory mites (Acari) on Prunus (Rosaceae) in southeastern Canada

During summer 2015, 192 samples of foliage were taken from 13 different Prunus species found mostly along the Ottawa River (Quebec, Ontario; 148 samples) and in the Vineland region (Ontario; 44 samples). A total of 39 mites species were collected. Estimators of the true species diversity indicated that most of the mite fauna in the areas sampled was captured. One eriophyid mite species appears to represent a new species for science. In terms of host range, phytoseiids appear to be less specific than eriophyoids and both taxa can exhibit host preferences. In addition to providing an overview of the mite fauna of Prunus foliage and galls, this project provides two identification keys to the eriophyid mite species associated with galls, one based on the mite morphology, and the other based on the morphology of the galls.Keywords:Prunus; phytophagous mites; predatory mites; survey; biodiversity.