Description of a new species of the Amblydromalus limonicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) species group based on morphological and molecular evidences

A new phytoseiid species, Amblydromalus zannouin. sp., is described based on specimens collected from Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) in Tocantins state, central Brazil. This species fits the characteristics of the previous established limonicus species group, within which it is morphologically most similar to Amblydromalus manihoti Moraes. To ascertain that the specimens collected belonged to a species distinct from A. manihoti, analyses of both species using multivariate analysis of 35 morphometric characters and DNA sequences were carried out. The morphometric differences between those two groups were determined to be small for all characters except for the seta Z5 and the macroseta St IV. Amblydromalus zannouin. sp. was shown to have Z5 longer and the macroseta St IV shorter than A. manihoti and spermathecal calyx with a distinct constriction along most of its extension (tubular in A. manihoti). DNA sequences analysis based on the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) confirmed A. zannouin. sp. to be distinct from A. manihoti. A morphological description of the new species is provided. The known potential of A. limonicus and A. manihoti as bio-control agents of pest arthropods warrants evaluations of the potential of the species here described for practical use in biological control. (AU)