Molecular variation of the cytochrome b DNA and protein sequences in Phytoseiulus macropilis and P. persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) reflect population differentiation

Several phytoseiid mite species are important natural enemies used in biological control strategies. In the present study, Cytb mtDNA sequences of various populations two species, Phytoseiulus macropolis and P. persimilis, were compared to determine whether specimens collected Brazil could belong persimilis as this latter is reported South America but not Brazil. The marker was because its high evolution rate, assumed capture intraspecific variation. No overlap between intra- interspecific distances observed quite low for This can be due particular biology shows difficulty apply a universal threshold genetic conclude about existence one or several species. also considered assess DNA very similar, probably they all originated from West Palearctic region prevalence commercialized natura. For macropilis, higher differentiation noted according geographic location and, smaller extent, pyrethroid resistance. To how variation might impact protein function (CytB fragment considered), amino acid compositions studied compared. diagnostic mutation resistant susceptible populations, whereas four mutations identified macropilis separated by 1300 km (different climatic conditions). such discussed knowledge scarce, which makes it difficult root testable hypotheses. analysis clearly opens new perspectives Phytoseiidae studies.