Chromosome studies of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Gamasida)

Abstract

Abstract Chromosome numbers have been determined for 11 species of Phytoseiidae, bringing the total of karyotyped species for this family to 57. A haploid number of n = 4 occurs in 48species, and n = 3 in only 5 species. Phytoseiid chromosomes have localized centromeres. The bisexual species are haplodiploid. Female diploidy with 2n = 8 has been demonstrated for Typhlodromus transvaalensis and Amblyseius salish, both species reproducing by thelytokous parthenogenesis.