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Review
. 2014 Jul 24;5(3):615-28.
doi: 10.3390/insects5030615.

Anystis baccarum: An Important Generalist Predatory Mite to be Considered in Apple Orchard Pest Management Strategies

Andrew G S Cuthbertson  1 , Bao-Li Qiu  2 , Archie K Murchie  3
Affiliations
Review

Anystis baccarum: An Important Generalist Predatory Mite to be Considered in Apple Orchard Pest Management Strategies

Andrew G S Cuthbertson et al. Insects. .

Abstract

The increasing concern over the continued use of pesticides is pressurising apple growers to look for alternatives to chemical pest control. The re-discovery, and subsequent conservation, of the beneficial predatory mite, Anystis baccarum (Linnaeus) (Acari: Anystidae), in Bramley apple orchards in Northern Ireland offers a potential alternative control component for incorporation into integrated pest management strategies. Anystis baccarum readily feeds upon economically important invertebrate pest species including European fruit tree red spider mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae) and show a level of compatibility with chemical pesticides. Recent mis-identification by apple growers of this beneficial mite species had resulted in unnecessary pesticide applications being applied within Northern Irish apple orchards. However, dissemination of information to the apple growers and promotion of the benefits this mite offers in apple orchards has helped to conserve its populations. Apple growers, across the United Kingdom, must be encouraged to be aware of A. baccarum, and indeed all predatory fauna, within their orchards and seek to conserve populations. In doing so, it will ensure that the British apple market remains an environmentally sustainable production system.

Keywords: Anystis baccarum; apple orchard; chemical; predatory mite.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Adult female of the beneficial whirligig mite, Anystis baccarum (Photo: Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson©).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Scab-infected fruit and foliage (Photo: Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson©).
Figure 3
Figure 3
(A) Egg batch of Anystis baccarum; (B) Eggshells splitting and juveniles emerging; (C) Six-legged larval stage (Photos: Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson©).
Figure 4
Figure 4
The phenology of Anystis baccarum in a Northern Irish apple orchard [23].
Figure 5
Figure 5
Scanning electron micrograph showing dorsal view of Anystis baccarum. Anterior margin bears a pair of sensilla (sa); prodorsal shield bears two pairs of long setae (lsa + lsb) and a pair of sensilla (sp); two pairs of eyes are located postero-lateral to prodorsal shield (e) (Photo: Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson©).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Scanning electron micrograph showing anterior view of Anystis baccarum. Legs densely covered in short smooth setae (ss); anterior margin of idiosoma bearing sensilla (sa); prodorsal shield bearing pair of sensilla (sp); eyes located postero-lateral to prodorsal shield (e) (Photo: Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson©).
Figure 7
Figure 7
Scanning electron micrograph of Anystis baccarum claw. Each tarsus terminates in two claws (c) and an empodium (e); two brush like setae present at base of claws (bs) (Photo: Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson©).
Figure 8
Figure 8
Scanning electron micrograph of gnathosoma region of Anystis baccarum. Palptibia bears three claws (pc); palptarsus bears four small solenidia (s) and many long serrated setae of which the terminal setae is the longest (ts); the chelicerae each bear two setae (cs) (Photo: Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson©).
Figure 9
Figure 9
Scanning electron micrograph showing the distal half of the reticulated peritremes (p) flared on Anystis baccarum (Photo: Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson©).
Figure 10
Figure 10
The European fruit tree red spider mite, Panonychus ulmi (Photo: Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson©).
Figure 11
Figure 11
Anystis baccarum attacking (A) Collembola and (B) apple-grass aphid prey (Photos: Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson©).
Figure 12
Figure 12
Anystis baccarum feeding on an overwintering Rhopalosiphum insertum egg (Photo: Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson©).
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