Observations on parasitism, development and phenology of Johnstoniana tuberculata Schweizer 1951 (Acari, Parasitengonae, Johnstonianidae) including a redescription of all active instars
1994 - Volume: 35 Issue: 2 pages: 153-166
Keywords
Morphology
Johnstoniana tuberculata
biology
diapause
Abstract
All active instars of Johnstoniana tuberculata Schweizer 1951 are described morphologically. J. tuberculata is a relatively small species of the genus Johnstoniana. It inhabits wet places near limnic waters and lives quite concealed, just beneath the surface of the litter layer. J. tuberculata is clearly univoltine. Eggs are deposited in autumn after sperm uptake by the females; adults die soon after reproduction. The diapausing egg constitutes the main hibernating instar, the larva emerges in May/June in strongly synchronized relations to its host, Limonia sp. After undergoing the parasitic phase, the mites develop quite rapidly to the adult instar within the same year. The postlarval active instars prey on dipteran larvae and pupae.
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