Pentamerismus taxi (Haller, 1877) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae): A New Pest in the Conditions of Kyiv

Abstract

The article considers information about discovery of the mite Pentamerismus taxi (Haller) on a yew tree in the Fomin Botanical Garden, Kyiv. This is the extreme point on the northern border (51°31′ W) of distribution of this phytophage in Ukraine. Trophic connections of this species were investigated. Mostly, the plants of Taxus baccata L. and all their kinds cultivated in the botanical garden were damaged by the mite. Single individuals of Pentamerismus taxi (Haller) were noticed on Taxus × media Rehder ‘Hicksii.’ The phytophagous insect was not found on plants of Taxus canadensis March. and Taxus cuspidata Siebold et Zucc. It was established that Pentamerismus taxi (Haller) has one generation in the conditions of the city of Kyiv. The mite has a tendency to extand its natural range and form stable population under new conditions. Therefore, the emergence of a new dangerous pest requires further careful study and development and implementation of measures to monitor the state of its population.