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Mapping brazilian acarological biodiversity: the taxonomic catalogue of the brazilian fauna as a tool for knowledge and outreach

Fernando de Castro, Jacinavicius


2026 - Volume: 66 Issue: Suppl pages: 206

https://doi.org/10.24349/37l0-z3k7

ICA 2026 - XVII International Congress of Acarology, 20-24 July 2026, Montpellier

Keywords

Acarofauna Biodiversity database Taxonomy Biological collections Neotropical region

Abstract

Mites represent one of the most diverse groups of arthropods, occupying nearly all terrestrial and aquatic environments and playing essential roles in ecosystem functioning, agriculture, and public health. Despite their enormous diversity, mites remain largely invisible to society due to their microscopic size and the complexity of their taxonomy. Bridging the gap between specialized acarological research and society requires accessible and organized biodiversity information. The objective of this study is to present how the Taxonomic Catalogue of the Brazilian Fauna contributes to documenting and disseminating knowledge on the national acarofauna, highlighting its importance as a scientific and public resource. Data were compiled through an extensive survey of taxonomic literature, species descriptions, catalogues, and biodiversity databases reporting mites from Brazil. These records were incorporated into the Taxonomic Catalogue of the Brazilian Fauna, where taxonomic names were verified and updated according to current classifications, including revisions of nomenclature and synonymy. Whenever available, information on geographic distribution, host associations, and ecological roles was also integrated. The catalogue is continuously curated by taxonomic specialists responsible for different groups of mites, ensuring accuracy and long-term data reliability. The current dataset documents thousands of species of mites recorded in Brazil, representing multiple ecological guilds, including predators, phytophagous species, parasites of vertebrates and invertebrates, and decomposers that play key roles in nutrient cycling and ecosystem stability. The analysis also reveals important knowledge gaps, particularly in poorly sampled regions and understudied groups, suggesting that the true diversity of Brazilian mites is still significantly underestimated. By organizing dispersed taxonomic information into an accessible digital platform, the Taxonomic Catalogue of the Brazilian Fauna provides an essential tool for researchers, educators, environmental managers, and the general public. The initiative strengthens the visibility of acarology, promotes scientific transparency, and facilitates the integration of taxonomic knowledge into biodiversity conservation strategies and environmental policies. In this context, the catalogue represents an important step toward bringing acarology closer to society by transforming specialized taxonomic knowledge into an accessible resource that supports research, education, and public awareness of Brazil’s remarkable but often overlooked mite diversity.

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Article editorial history
Date published:
2026-07-20

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
2026 Fernando de Castro, Jacinavicius
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