MAPLE TREES – HOST PLANTS FOR SOME PHYTOSEIID MITES

Phytoseiid mite communities on Acer pseudoplatanus, A. platanoides, and A. campestre were monitored in 2013–2014. Totally 3657 specimens of phytoseiid mites belonging to seven species (Euseius finlandicus, Neoseiulella aceri, N. tuberculata, Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) pyri, Paraseiulus soleiger, P. triporus, and Phytoseius echinus) were found on the examined maple leaves. N. aceri, the most common species, was dominant and frequently present on the leaves of both A. platanoides and A. campestre. The leaves of A. pseudoplatanus were favourable habitats for both E. finlandicus and N. tuberculata. Thus, maple trees may serve as suitable host plants for some native phytoseiid mites, particularly N. aceri and E. finlandicus.