First report of two Eriophyid mite genera (Acariformes, Eriophyidae) from Saudi Arabia with description of a new species and a key to known Cosetacus species

2026/05/20 by E. Khan, Jawwad Mirza, Fahad Alatawi · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Study of Mite Species #Insect-Plant Interactions and Control #Phytochemistry and biological activities of Ficus species

paper · pdf · doi:10.3897/bdj.14.e194689

openalex publication_date 2026/05/20 · openalex created_date 2026/05/21 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/26

Abstract

Two eriophyoid mite genera, Cosetacus Keifer and Neserella Meyer & Ueckermann, are reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia (SA). A new species, Cosetacus javanicus sp. nov ., is described and illustrated, based on the female specimens. Two species, Cecidophyopsis vermiformis (Nalepa) and Neserella capreifoliae Meyer & Ueckermann, are newly recorded for the eriophyid mite fauna of SA. In addition, a key to known species of Cosetacus is provided. Two eriophyid mite genera, Cosetacus Keifer and Neserella Meyer & Ueckermann (Acariformes, Eriophyidae, Cecidophyinae) are herein recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia (SA), with a new species, C. javanicus sp. nov ., collected from Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) (Amaranthaceae). Moreover, two species, Cecidophyopsis vermiformis (Nalepa) collected from Conocarpus erectus (Combretaceae R. Br.), and Neserella capreifoliae Meyer & Ueckermann collected from Ficus carica (Moraceae Link), are reported as new records for the eriophyoid mite fauna of SA. The individuals of these species are vagrants on the abaxial leaf surface, causing no apparent symptoms to the host plant species. Additionally, a key to known species of Cosetacus is provided.

Discussions

• Two eriophyoid #mite genera have been recorded for the first time in Saudi Arabia, including a #newspecies, Cosetacus javanicus, collected from Aerva javanica. Two further species are also newly repor [bsky, 0 points, 0 comments]

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