Hematological values and parasite fauna in free-rangingMacaca hecki and theM. hecki/M. tonkeana hybrid group of Sulawesi Island, Indonesia

Hematological values and parasitological fauna of free-rangingMacaca hecki and the hybrid group betweenM. hecki/M. tonkeana of Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, were investigated. The hematological values, especially the red cell number (RBC), were lower than those of other macaque species, indicating that Sulawesi macaques are slightly anemic. Several parasites including Plasmodium sp., trombiculid mites, andTrichuris trichiura were identified. Although infection by Plasmodium was observed with considerable frequency, no clear relationship between its infection and the occurrence of anemia was found. Trombiculid mites and eggs ofAnatrichosoma sp. were detected in foci of the ears of most monkeys. The infection with a trombiculid mite is the first recorded occurrence in free-ranging wild Sulawesi macaques. Gastrointestinal parasites were identified from their eggs in fecal samples, where five species of nematoda and one trematoda species were found.     

Plant structural changes due to herbivory: Do changes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aceria</Emphasis>-infested coconut fruits allow predatory mites to move under the perianth?

Being minute in size, eriophyoid mites can reach places that are small enough to be inaccessible to their predators. The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis, is a typical example; it finds partial refuge under the perianth of the coconut fruit. However, some predators can move under the perianth of the coconut fruits and attack the coconut mite. In Sri Lanka, the phytoseiid mite Neoseiulus baraki, is the most common predatory mite found in association with the coconut mite. The cross-diameter of this predatory mite is c. 3 times larger than that of the coconut mite. Nevertheless, taking this predator’s flat body and elongated idiosoma into account, it is—relative to many other phytoseiid mites—better able to reach the narrow space under the perianth of infested coconut fruits. On uninfested coconut fruits, however, they are hardly ever observed under the perianth. Prompted by earlier work on the accessibility of tulip bulbs to another eriophyoid mite and its predators, we hypothesized that the structure of the coconut fruit perianth is changed in response to damage by eriophyoid mites and as a result predatory mites are better able to enter under the perianth of infested coconut fruits. This was tested in an experiment where we measured the gap between the rim of the perianth and the coconut fruit surface in three cultivars (‘Sri Lanka Tall’, ‘Sri Lanka Dwarf Green’ and ‘Sri Lanka Dwarf Green × Sri Lanka Tall’ hybrid) that are cultivated extensively in Sri Lanka. It was found that the perianth-fruit gap in uninfested coconut fruits was significantly different between cultivars: the cultivar ‘Sri Lanka Dwarf Green’ with its smaller and more elongated coconut fruits had a larger perianth-fruit gap. In the uninfested coconut fruits this gap was large enough for the coconut mite to creep under the perianth, yet too small for its predator N. baraki. However, when the coconut fruits were infested by coconut mites, the perianth-rim-fruit gap was not different among cultivars and had increased to such an extent that the space under the perianth became accessible to the predatory mites.     

Factors affecting the distribution of a predatory mite on greenhouse sweet pepper

The predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris is used for biological control of phytophagous mites and thrips on greenhouse cucumber and sweet pepper. In a previous study, N. cucumeris provided effective control of broad mite but was only rarely found on the sampled leaves, raising questions about the factors affecting N. cucumeris distribution. To determine the distribution of N. cucumeris, leaves of pepper plants were sampled three times per day: just after sunrise, at noon and just before sunset for two years and throughout a 24 h period in one year. The presence of other mites and insects was recorded. Biotic (pollen) and abiotic (temperature, humidity) factors were monitored from the three plant levels. The effect of direct and indirect sunlight on the mites was assessed. N. cucumeris was found primarily in flowers; however, the mite’s distribution was affected by other predators (intraguild predation); in the presence of the predatory bug Orius laevigatus virtually no mites occurred in the flowers. Whereas temperature and humidity varied from the top to the lower level of the plants, apparently neither these factors nor the presence of pollen outside the flowers influenced mite distribution. N. cucumeris was found to be negatively phototropic; therefore N. cucumeris were pre-conditioned to light by rearing under light conditions for 4 months before being released. The light-reared mites were initially more numerous during the noon sampling period, however, rearing conditions caused only a temporary and non-significant change in distribution.     

SEX RATIO AND AGE STRUCTURE OF GAMASID MITES FROM SMALL MAMMALS IN WESTERN YUNNAN,CHINA*

Abstract A total of 70 species of gamasid mites (7485 individuals) were collected from the body surface of 38 species of small mammals (3023 individuals) during an investigation of 13 counties of western Yunnan, China, from 1990 to 1996. Most species of gamasid mites have more females (80% 100%) than males (P <0.01). Exceptions are Haemogamasus gongshanensis where males outnumber females (P < 0.01) and Haemolaelaps glasgowi where there are similar numbers of males and females (P > 0.05). No larva was found in most of the mite species. The proportion of individuals at the immature stages (mainly protonymphs and deutonymphs) in most mite species is small (0–12.84%) compared to the adults (P < 0.01). Exceptions are Ornithonyssus bacoti and Haemolaelaps glasgowi where 62.84% and 49.48% respectively are nymphs. The biased sex ratios may reflect the probable different bloodsucking preferences and parthenogenesis of the gamasid mites. The absence of larvae and a low proportion of nymph stages in most mite species probably reflect that the larvae or nymphs of most mite species are non‐feeding or non‐blood sucking and are in their hosts' nests. Another possibility is that some species directly produce protonymphs or even deutonymphs without eggs and larvae which makes it difficult to find the larval stage.     

Effect of ectoparasitic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pimeliaphilus plumifer</Emphasis> mites (Acari: Pterygosomatidae) on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meccus pallidipennis</Emphasis> (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and several other Chagas’ disease vectors under laboratory conditions

Several biological parameters were evaluated to determine the capacity of Pimeliaphilus plumifer as biological control agent of Triatominae bugs. When P. plumifer and bugs of a variety of triatomine species were forced together in cages in the laboratory, the incidence of mite infestation was the following: Meccus pallidipennis > M. bassolsae > Triatoma rubida > M. longipennis > M. picturatus, and practically no mites were found on T. infestans and Rhodnius prolixus. Adults and hexapod larvae of P. plumifer were the only stages found to parasitize on M. pallidipennis. Fourth and fifth instar nymphs of this bug appeared most susceptible to mite infestation. P. plumifer mites located preferably on the coxae, ventral abdomen and pronotum of M. pallidipennis bugs. The number of blood meals, amount of ingested blood, and resistance to starvation of M. pallidipennis were similar in both the control and the mite infested groups. On the other hand, mite infection reduced molting rate in nymphs and longevity in adults, increased mortality in third-fifth instar nymphs, and fewer viable eggs were laid by females infected with P. plumifer. These effects could be related with nutritional deficiencies. Our results support the use of P. plumifer mites as control agents of host Triatominae species.     

The role of volatiles in aggregation and host-seeking of the haematophagous poultry red mite <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dermanyssus gallinae</Emphasis> (Acari: Dermanyssidae)

Infestations with ectoparasitic poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) pose an increasing threat to poultry health and welfare. Because of resistance to acaricides and higher scrutiny of poultry products, alternative and environmentally safe management strategies are warranted. Therefore, we investigated how volatile cues shape the behavior of D. gallinae and how this knowledge may be exploited in the development of an attract-and-kill method to control mite populations. A Y-tube olfactometer bio-assay was used to evaluate choices of mites in response to cues related to conspecific mites as well as related to their chicken host. Both recently fed and starved mites showed a strong preference (84 and 85%, respectively) for volatiles from conspecific, fed mites as compared to a control stream of clean air. Mites were also significantly attracted to ‘aged feathers’ (that had remained in the litter for 3–4 days), but not to ‘fresh feathers’. Interestingly, an air stream containing 2.5% CO₂, which mimics the natural concentration in air exhaled by chickens, did attract fed mites, but inhibited the attraction of unfed mites towards volatiles from aged feathers. We conclude that both mite-related cues (aggregation pheromones) and host-related cues (kairomones) mediate the behavior of the poultry mite. We discuss the options to exploit this knowledge as the ‘attract’ component of attract-and-kill strategies for the control of D. gallinae.     

Parasite-host associations and life cycles of spring-living water mites (Hydrachnidia, Acari) from Luxembourg

Larval water mites are parasites of various insect species. The main aim of the present study was to analyse the host range of spring dwelling water mites. The investigation focuses on seven spring sites in Luxembourg. Some 24 water mite species were recorded either from the benthos or as parasites attached to flying insects captured in emergence traps. For 20 mite species 35 host species from four Nematocera (Diptera) families were recorded. About 80% of the host species and over 90% of the host individuals were Chironomidae, the others were Limoniidae, Dixidae and Simuliidae. For all water mite species recorded we present the observed host spectrum and/or potential hosts as well as the intensity of parasitism and the phenology of the mites. For 10 mite species the hosts were previously unknown. For another ten species the known host spectrum can be confirmed and extended. The host spectrum ranged from one host species (e.g. for Sperchon insignis) to at least 10 host species (for Sperchon thienemanni, Ljania bipapillata), but the effective host range could not be definitively estimated due to the lack of corresponding data. The hypothesised host preference of the water mites, of which most are strictly confined to spring habitats, for similarly spring-preferring hosts could not be proven. The mean intensity of parasitism was highest for Thyas palustris (10.8 larvae/host) and lowest for Sperchon insignis and Hygrobates norvegicus (1.2 larvae per host for each). The hydryphantid mite Thyas palustris occurred at maximal intensity (41 larvae per host) and the two abdominal parasites Ljania bipapillata and Arrenurus fontinalis showed higher mean intensities than the thoracic parasites did. Larval water mites parasitising chironomids did not exhibit a preference for host sex. The phenology of the larval mite species was varied, some species were only present in samples early in the year and others exclusively in the summer. Another species showed two peaks of occurrence, springtime/early summer and late summer/autumn. In conclusion, the water mite larvae in the studied springs showed differences in host spectra and phenology but there are no clear evidences in both for host partitioning. Maybe, the relative low species diversity of water mites in individual springs and the low inter-specific competition for suitable hosts in combination with the high host abundances and species richness makes springs such favourable habitats for the mites.     

Determinants of ectoparasite assemblage structure on rodent hosts from South American marshlands: the effect of host species,locality and season

The relative effects of host species identity, locality and season on ectoparasite assemblages (relative abundances and species richness) harboured by four cricetid rodent hosts (Akodon azarae, Oligoryzomys flavescens, Oxymycterus rufus and Scapteromys aquaticus) were assessed across six closely located sites in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Relative abundances of ectoparasites (14 species including gamasid mites, an ixodid tick, a trombiculid mite, lice and fleas), as well as total ectoparasite abundance and species richness, were determined mainly by host species and to a lesser extent by locality (despite the small spatial scale of the study), whereas seasonal effect was weak, albeit significant. The abundances of some ectoparasites were determined solely by host, whereas those of other ectoparasites (sometimes belonging to the same higher taxon) were also affected by locality and/or season. In gamasids, there was a significant effect of locality for some species, but not for others. In fleas and lice, the effect of locality was similar in different species, suggesting that this effect is related to the characteristic life history strategy.     

Rust mite resistance in apple assessed by quantitative trait loci analysis

The aim of this study was to assess the genetic basis of rust mite (Aculus schlechtendali) resistance in apple (Malus × domestica). A. schlechtendali infestation of apple trees has increased as a consequence of reduced side effects of modern fungicides on rust mites. An analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) was carried out using linkage map data available for F₁ progeny plants of the cultivars ‘Fiesta’ × ‘Discovery’. Apple trees representing 160 different genotypes were surveyed for rust mite infestation, each at three different sites in two consecutive years. The distribution of rust mites on the individual apple genotypes was aggregated and significantly affected by apple genotype and site. We identified two QTLs for A. schlechtendali resistance on linkage group 7 of ‘Fiesta’. The AFLP marker E35M42-0146 (20.2 cM) and the RAPD marker AE10-400 (45.8 cM) were closest positioned to the QTLs and explained between 11.0% and 16.6% of the phenotypic variability. Additionally, putative QTLs on the ‘Discovery’ chromosomes 4, 5 and 8 were detected. The SSR marker Hi03a10 identified to be associated to one of the QTLs (AFLP marker E35M42-0146) was traced back in the ‘Fiesta’ pedigree to the apple cultivar ‘Wagener’. This marker may facilitate the breeding of resistant apple cultivars by marker assisted selection. Furthermore, the genetic background of rust mite resistance in existing cultivars can be evaluated by testing them for the identified SSR marker. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Belowground microbial symbiont enhances plant susceptibility to a spider mite through change in soybean leaf quality

To examine how rhizobia affect the chemical and nutrient status in leaves of soybean (Glycine max L.), and how rhizobia change plant susceptibility to a generalist spider mite (Tetranycus urticae), we cultivated root-nodulating soybeans (R+) and their non-nodulating mutant (R−) in a common garden. We experimentally fertilized the plants with nitrogen to examine effects of rhizobia on the plant traits and plant susceptibility to spider mites at different nitrogen levels. R+ plants produced more leaves containing greater nitrogen and less total phenolics than R− plants. Spider mites fed on R+ leaves produced more eggs than those fed on R− leaves. The positive effect of rhizobia on spider mite fecundity could be due to an increase in foliar N content and/or to a decrease in concentration of phenolics. Although root nodule mass did not differ among different nitrogen levels, ureide-N, an indicator of nitrogen provided by rhizobia, in xylem sap decreased at moderate and high soil nitrogen levels. Therefore, we expected that rhizobia effects on egg production of the spider mite would decrease in high soil nitrogen conditions. However, the effect of rhizobia was still maintained even at high soil nitrogen levels. Thus, soil nitrogen and rhizobia may independently affect the reproductive performance of the spider mite.     

Diet‐dependent intraguild predation between the predatory mites Neoseiulus californicus and Neoseiulus cucumeris

Based on the hypothesis that matching diets of intraguild (IG) predator and prey indicate strong food competition and thus intensify intraguild predation (IGP) as compared to non‐matching diets, we scrutinized diet‐dependent mutual IGP between the predatory mites Neoseiulus cucumeris and N. californicus. Both are natural enemies of herbivorous mites and insects and used in biological control of spider mites and thrips in various agricultural crops. Both are generalist predators that may also feed on plant‐derived substances such as pollen. Irrespective of diet (pollen or spider mites), N. cucumeris females had higher predation and oviposition rates and shorter attack latencies on IG prey than N. californicus. Predation rates on larvae were unaffected by diet but larvae from pollen‐fed mothers were a more profitable prey than those from spider‐mite fed mothers resulting in higher oviposition rates of IG predator females. Pollen‐fed protonymphs were earlier attacked by IG predator females than spider‐mite fed protonymphs. Spider mite‐fed N. californicus females attacked protonymphs earlier than did pollen‐fed N. californicus females. Overall, our study suggests that predator and prey diet may exert subtle influences on mutual IGP between bio‐control agents. Matching diets did not intensify IGP between N. californicus and N. cucumeris but predator and prey diets proximately influenced IGP through changes in behaviour and/or stoichiometry.     

The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis, in Benin and Tanzania: occurrence, damage and associated acarine fauna

The coconut mite Aceria guerreronis (Eriophyidae) is considered the most important pest of coconut fruits in Africa; however, quantitative knowledge about its distribution and abundance is lacking. We conducted four diagnostic surveys—three in Southern Benin and one along the coast of Tanzania—to determine the distribution of A. guerreronis and the severity of its damage to coconut fruits, as well as the diversity and abundance of other associated mites and potential natural enemies. Aceria guerreronis was found in all visited plantations with the percentage of damaged fruits varying considerably among plantations—67–85% in Benin and 43–81% in Tanzania. Overall, 30–40% of the fruit surfaces were damaged by A. guerreronis. Damage severity increased with fruit age and negatively affected fruit weight of 7- to 12-months-old fruits. Aceria guerreronis was by far the most abundant mite on coconut fruits but its abundance depended on fruit age. The highest densities of A. guerreronis were observed on 3- to 4-months-old fruits. Neocypholaelaps sp. (Ameroseiidae) was the most abundant mite on inflorescences. Three species of predatory mites (Phytoseiidae)—Neoseiulus baraki, N. neobaraki and N. paspalivorus—were the most commonly found predatory mites beneath the coconut bracts in association with A. guerreronis. Neoseiulus neobaraki was the prevailing predator in Tanzania while N. paspalivorus was the most frequent predator in Benin. Other mites found beneath the bracts were the herbivore Steneotarsonemus furcatus (Tarsonemidae) and the detritivore and fungivore Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acaridae).     

Host Selection by the Herbivorous Mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Acari: Tarsonemidae)

This study examined the host-selection ability of the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae). To make long-distance-shifts from one host plant patch to another, broad mites largely depend on phoretic association with whiteflies. However, the host plants of whiteflies and broad mites are not necessarily the same. We determined the host-preference and acceptance of free-moving and phoretic broad mites using two behavioral bioassays. We used a choice test to monitor host selection by free-moving mites. In the case of phoretic mites, we compared their rate of detachment from the phoretic vector Bemisia tabaci placed on leaves taken from various host plants. The suitability of the plant was further determined by monitoring mite’s fecundity and its offspring development. We compared the mites’ responses to young and old cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. ‘Kfir’) leaves (3rd and 8–9th leaf from the apex, respectively), and two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cvs. ‘M82’ and ‘Moneymaker’). Free-moving mites of all stages and both sexes preferred young cucumber leaves to old cucumber leaves and preferred young cucumber rather than young tomato leaves, demonstrating for the first time that broad mites are able to choose their host actively. As for phoretic mated females, although eventually most of the mites abandoned the phoretic vector, the rate of detachment from the whitefly vector was host dependent and correlated with the mites’ fitness on the particular host. In general, host preference of phoretic female mites resembled that of the free-moving female. Cues used by mites for host selection remain to be explored.     

Mite pockets of lizards, a possible means of reducing damage by ectoparasites

Many scattered lizard groups have small skin invaginations in such places as the neck, axilla, groin and postfemoral region. These frequently contain feeding chiggers (the larvae of trombiculid mites) which, in general, are much commoner on species with pockets than on those without. Mite pockets appear to have evolved many times, being found in at least five families (Iguanidae, Chamaeleonidae, Gekkonidae, Lacertidae, Scincidae) and are most abundant in warm areas that are not extremely dry. They are present in newly hatched animals and embryos of viviparous forms and so cannot be produced in direct response to the mites. Typically, the epidermis of infested pockets is hyperplastic and resilient, rapidly repairing damage caused by feeding mites, and the dermis contains dense concentrations of lymphoid cells. It is suggested that mite pockets have evolved in forms prone to trombiculid infestation and ameliorate the damage that this causes by concentrating chiggers in places that are equipped to minimize the harm they do.     

北方常见农业土地利用方式对土壤螨群落结构的影响

土壤螨群落与土壤健康状况密切相关,农业土地利用方式会影响土壤螨的生存环境,进而影响螨的群落分布。在北方传统农业区研究了小麦玉米常规轮作农田,1年温室蔬菜大棚、4年温室蔬菜大棚和4年露天菜地下土壤主要理化指标和螨群落结构。研究结果表明露天菜地和温室大棚的利用方式均会提高土壤碱解氮和有机质含量,同时温室大棚的长期利用会增加土壤有效磷含量。螨群落分析显示常规农田中甲螨亚目为优势类群;常规农田转变为温室大棚后,由于施肥造成土壤营养物质含量增加,以及人类对土壤扰动程度的提高,无气门亚目取代甲螨亚目成为温室内螨优势类群。但随着温室年限的延长,螨多样性和粉螨科丰度都要有所下降,这可能是磷累积和强扰动效应的共同后果。常规农田转变为露天菜地后,加强的人类扰动也会降低甲螨亚目丰度,但与温室螨群落相比,4个亚目分布要相对均匀。温室在3种土地利用类型中对土壤螨的负面影响最为明显,从土壤功能的自我维持和修复方面来讲是十分不利的,温室内土壤生物多样性的保护尤其值得人们关注和重视。     

Nests of the black stork Ciconia nigra as a habitat for mesostigmatid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata)

We surveyed the Mesostigmatid mite fauna of nests of the black stork Ciconia nigra, to determine the role of these mites in the biology of their hosts. We present preliminary results obtained on the basis of material collected from 31 nests. A total of 1,615 mite specimens was recorded, belonging to 39 species. The most abundant species were Dendrolaelaps strenzkei, Apionoseius infirmus, Macrocheles merdarius and Macrocheles ancyleus, which constituted more than 65% of all the specimens recorded. The presence of large numbers of predatory mites could be beneficial to the birds, if they feed on the eggs and larvae of the bird’s parasites. It is likely that many of the mite species found in these nests were carried there by phoresy on insects, mainly Coleoptera.     

Efficacy,prey stage preference and optimum predator–prey ratio of the predatory mite,Neoseiulus longispinosus Evans (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to control the red spider mite,Oligonychus coffeae Nietner (Acari: Tetranychidae) infesting tea

The predatory mite, N. longispinosus preys up on red spider mite, O. coffeae infesting tea in south India. An attempt has been made to determine the predatory potential, prey stage preference and optimum predator–prey ratio of N. longispinosus under laboratory and green house conditions. When 50 adult female O. coffeae were given, the number of adults reduced by eight days along with an increase in the number of predators. The larvae hatched from the eggs laid by O. coffeae were fed by predatory mite. N. longispinosus preyed up on all life stages with a preference to larvae and nymphs of red spider mite. Predator–prey ratios of 1:33 and 1:50 were effective in lab, and 1:25 was found to be effective in green house. These results revealed that N. longispinosus could be used as a successful biocontrol candidate of O. coffeae in tea through augmentation or mass rearing and field release.     

新疆天山森林公园土壤螨类群落多样性与环境因子的相关性

为探讨西北干旱区森林土壤螨类群落和环境因子的相互关系,于2014年对新疆天山森林公园七种不同生境进行土壤螨类群落调查与环境因子测定,并采用除趋势对应分析法(DCA)和冗余分析法(RDA)对土壤螨类群落结构和多样性特征及其与环境因子之间的关系进行相关分析。结果表明,共捕获土壤螨类成体标本24399只,隶属4目56科108属(包括9个中国新记录属),其中小甲螨属Oribatella为优势类群。方差分析表明,在7种不同生境之间土壤螨类群落多样性指标均存在显著差异(P<0.05),Shannon-Wiener多样性指数(H)依次为针叶林>苗圃林>阔叶林>灌木林>针阔混交林>草甸草原>林中草地。RDA分析结果表明,第一主轴和第二主轴分别解释了土壤螨类主要群落总变量的34.8%和27.3%,所有环境因子共解释了土壤螨类群落物种组成变异的82.1%。蒙特卡罗置换检验显示,十种环境因子与全部排序轴(F=7.355,P=0.002)均存在极显著的相关性。研究表明,海拔、土壤含水量和有机质含量对螨类群落结构和多样性的影响显著。     

Neotrombicula autumnalis (Acari, Trombiculidae) as a vector for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato?

Larvae of the trombiculid mite Neotrombicula autumnalis were collected at 18 sites in and around Bonn, Germany, to be screened for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. by means of PCR. Questing larvae numbering 1380 were derived from the vegetation and 634 feeding ones were removed from 100 trapped micromammals including voles, mice, shrews and hedgehogs. In a laboratory infection experiment, a further 305 host-seeking larvae from the field were transferred onto Borrelia-positive mice and gerbils, and examined for spirochete infection at various intervals after repletion. In three cases borrelial DNA could be amplified from the mites: (1) from a larva feeding on a wild-caught greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula), (2) from a pool of four larvae feeding on a B. garinii-positive laboratory mouse, and (3) from a nymph that had fed on a B. afzelii-positive laboratory gerbil as a larva. In the first case, borrelial species determination by DNA hybridization of the PCR product was only possible with a B. burgdorferi complex-specific probe but not with a species-specific one. In the second case, probing showed the same borrelial genospecies (B. garinii) as the laboratory host had been infected with. In the latter case, however, DNA hybridization demonstrated B. valaisiana while the laboratory host had been infected with B. afzelii. Subsequent DNA sequencing confirmed much higher similarity of the PCR product to B. valaisiana than to B. afzelii indicating an infection of the mite prior to feeding on the laboratory host. The negligible percentage of positive mites found in this study suggests that either the uptake of borrelial cells by feeding trombiculids is an extremely rare event or that ingested spirochetes are rapidly digested. On the other hand, the results imply a possible transstadial and transovarial transmission of borreliae once they are established in their trombiculid host. However, unless the transmission of borreliae to a given host is demonstrated, a final statement on the vector competence of trombiculid mites is not possible.