Eriophyidae on Brassicaceae: a new species of Metaculus from Turkey and remarks on the brassicaceous associated species

Populations of eriophyoid mites infesting Brassicaceae were surveyed and two species belonging to the genus Metaculus Keifer were found in an attempt to find enemies of some brassicaceous weeds in Turkey. A new species, Metaculus lepidifolii n. sp., was collected on Lepidium latifolium L., commonly known as broadleaved or perennial pepperweed, manifesting leaf curling and deformation. In addition, Metaculus rapistri Carmona, was collected and redescribed from Isatis tinctoria L., dyer’s woad, as a new host record and report for the Turkish fauna. This species also causes leaf deformation. A key to all known species of Metaculus found worldwide is provided. Because only a few eriophyoid species have been recorded on brassicaceous vegetables and weeds so far and the mite taxonomy appears to be confusing, remarks are given about the current state of knowledge. The new genus combination for Aculops lepidii is also given.