The Genus Neoseiulus Hughes (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in Shanxi, China †

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Phytoseiid mites are widely distributed on plants and in soil; they can prey on many phytophagous mites and pests and play an important role in biological control programs. The genus Neoseiulus Hughes is one of the largest genera within the Phytoseiidae family, comprising 14.6% of the family’s species worldwide. At present, there are few reports investigating Neoseiulus from Shanxi Province; however, the study on the species diversity of Neoseiulus is helpful to enrich the resource species bank of Phytoseiidae and provide more detailed basis for species identification. We report the discovery of five additional species in Shanxi, and redescribed four of them. Neoseiulus paraki (Ehara) is recorded for the first time in China, and N. neoreticuloides (Liang and Hu) is considered a new junior synonym of N. bicaudus (Wainstein). We provide a key to assist in the identification of the known species of Neoseiulus in Shanxi. ABSTRACT: The genus Neoseiulus in Shanxi Province is reviewed and seven species are recorded from the province. Four of these are redescribed and detailed taxonomic information are provided. Neoseiulus paraki (Ehara) is recorded for the first time in China and Neoseiulus neoreticuloides (Liang and Hu) is considered a new junior synonym of Neoseiulus bicaudus (Wainstein). Additionally, a diagnostic key to the known species of Neoseiulus in Shanxi is provided.