Phytoseiid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) from Apulia (Southern Italy), with a key to the species reported from Italy

The objective of this paper is to provide a taxonomic appraisal of the phytoseiids mainly from Apulia, Italy, through the examination of 1055 specimens collected in the areas of that district. Reports of occasional collection in Basilicata and Molise areas are also listed (16 specimens). The mite specimens were collected on the main cultivated and ornamental plants, and on spontaneous plants as well. Complementing the morphological characterization of the species collected is provided. This is the first wide report survey on the phytoseiid fauna in Apulian territories. This study reports on nine new records of Phytoseiidae for Apulia region (Southern Italy). Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) exhilaratus Ragusa was the most frequent or abundants species sampled. Also, some other species, i.e. Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot and Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot, were collected and are potential taxa for biocontrol. In addition, a dichotomous key to separate phytoseiid mite species listed from Italy was provided.