The mango leaf-coating mite, Cisaberoptus kenyae K. (Eriophyidae, Aberoptinae).
Hassan E. F. O., Keifer H. H.
Author Affiliation: Khartoum University, Shambat, Sudan.
Pan-Pacific Entomologist 54 : 185-193
Abstract : The eriophyid mite Cisaberoptus kenyae Keifer is widespread in the tropics, having been transported on its food-plant, mango. Investigations on examples on leaves from Thailand showed that the activities of the mite can begin inconspicuously on the underside of the petiole. Petioles thus attacked become covered with a typical coating [see RAE/A 65, 3896] and show roughening of the surface under the coating. As the colonies enlarge, the mites move up the petiole and transfer mainly to the upper surface of the leaf, and as the coatings they produce become more extensive, the leaves tend to yellow and drop prematurely. Although the mite was though to be a leaf-miner, no evidence for such activity was found in investigations in the Sudan. The structure of the leaf coating is described and its chemistry is discussed. The nymphal stages and 3 kinds of adults (males, females and deutogynes (which are the most numerous)) are described.