Edaphic predatory mites from different biomes in Brazil and digital identification keys

Abstract

An activity of extreme importance in this project refers to the preparation of the taxonomic keys by the "Lucid"® program, foreseen in the larger project in which this proposal fits. This is a time-consuming activity that requires the collaboration of a properly trained and qualified postdoctoral fellow. The present plan refers in large part to the identification of mites collected from soil samples of all the ecosystems considered in the study. It is estimated that about 10.000-20.000 mites will be collected and mounted. An effort will be made by all researchers of the project to carry out the identification of all these mites, at least up to the genus level, but preferably up to species. This is a slow process, due to the need to compare the mites found with all species described in each genus. The feasibility of this task will be possible if we count on the participation in this process of a postdoctoral researcher properly trained and able to collaborate with the identification of the genera. The objective of the present project is to facilitate the preparation of taxonomic keys at the level of genera, to be used in the identification of the collected material, as well as to lead the identification of the genera, increasing the total scientific production of the project. (AU)