First Report of Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) in Amazonas State, Brazil

Abstract

The occurrence of Raoiella indica Hirst, the red palm mite, found infesting coconut plants in Aug 2011, is reported for the first time in the urban area of Manaus, state of Amazonas, central region of the Amazon Basin. Additional hosts found infested were Dwarf Royal Palm, Veitchia merrillii (Becc.) H. E.Moore and Fishtail Palm Tree, Caryota mitis Lour. Despite quarantine efforts this mite has become established in the Southern Hemisphere in the Americas. The mite presents an imminent threat to coconut palm and banana plantations, as well as natural trees, located in the Northeast and Central regions of Brazil.