Mite fauna on Dittrichia species (Asteraceae) in Syrian costal region: new records and primary observations on the behavior of Typhloseiella isotricha (Athias-Henriot) (Meostigmata: Phytoseiidae)

Surveys of mite fauna on Dittrichia viscosa and D. graveolens (Asteraceae) were conducted at multiple locations in Tartous Latakia governorates, Syria, 2021 2022. A total 13 species belonging to seven families (Acaridae, Camerobiidae, Erythraeidae, Phytoseiidae, Raphignathidae, Tenuipalpidae, Tetranychidae) collected. Among them, Erythraeus (Zaracarus) passidonicus (Erythraeidae), Raphignathus collegiatus (Raphignathidae), Brevipalpus rotai (Tenuipalpidae) are recorded for the first time Syria. The most abundant family observed was Phytoseiidae with four representing about 86% collected specimens. Typhloseiella isotricha dominant species. It mainly big leaves viscosa, highly infected by rust spots Coleosporium inulae. Results suggest that spores could be a potential food this predator.