DNA extraction from phytoseiid specimens preserved on glass slide

Abstract

Mites belonging to the family of Phytoseiidae are important biocontrol agents of phytophagous mites (McMurtry and Croft, 1997). But the species used for controlling harmful mites have to be correctly identified. Sometimes using the traditional identification methods it is difficult or uncertain to identify a species especially as various Authors use different characters, very often not stable in the time. In the 60’s M.me Athias-Henriot (Athias-Henriot 1968; 1969) took into consideration the insemination apparatus that is considered a stable character in the time. According to her, the shape of this apparatus could be considered a major criterion for genus distinction; but other scientists do not agree with her as they consider mainly the setae (Chant and McMurtry, 1994). The aim of the present study is to establish, using molecular investigation, which one of the two theories is more correct.