The pest status and distribution of three cryptic blue oat mite species (Penthaleus spp.) and redlegged earth mite (Halotydeus destructor) in southeastern Australia

Abstract

Earth mites are pests of crops and pastures in southeastern Australia. Recent studies show differences between earth mite species in their mode of reproduction, preferred hosts and pesticide tolerance. This paper examines the distribution and pest status of each species. The southeastern Australian distribution for each species is mapped, incorporating new data from eastern New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. A new population of an undescribed species previously identified from northwestern Victoria was found in northern New South Wales. CLIMEX was used to identify climatic factors limiting the distribution of P. major and P. falcatus, the most broadly distributed species. This an..