Work

Integrative morphometric and molecular evidence of host specialization and cryptic speciation in leaf blister mites (Eriophyes spp.) infesting rosaceous hosts

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Blister-forming eriophyoid mites of the genus Eriophyes are important pests of rosaceousplants and have traditionally been regarded as polyphagous species with broad host ranges. However, increasing evidence suggests that many eriophyoids represent complexesof cryptic species or host-associated lineages. In this study, we applied an integrativetaxonomic approach to investigate the taxonomic status of Eriophyes populations associated with Malus domestica, Pyrus spp., and Sorbus aucuparia. We analyzed mitochondrial COI and nuclear D2 region of 28 S rDNA sequences from multiple populations,together with multivariate morphometric analyses based on 28 quantitative morphologicalcharacters. Phylogenetic reconstruction and species delimitation analyses (bPTP) revealedstrong host-associated genetic structuring and identified up to seven deeply divergent evolutionary lineages. Mitochondrial COI data resolved multiple host-specific clades withhigh inter-lineage divergence, while the more conserved nuclear D2 marker supportedmajor host-associated groupings but recovered fewer lineages, indicating mito–nucleardiscordance consistent with recent or ongoing divergence. Morphometric analyses detected statistically significant differentiation among host-associated populations; however,extensive overlap in diagnostic characters was observed, particularly between pear- androwan-associated mites, indicating cryptic speciation. In contrast, mites associated withapple exhibited clearer morphological differentiation consistent with molecular clustering.Our results demonstrate that leaf blister mites associated with rosaceous hosts representa complex of distinct, host-specialized species. These findings highlight the limitationsof morphology-based taxonomy in Eriophyoidea and underscore the need for integrativeapproaches to accurate species delimitation, with important implications for vector identification and improved pest management.

Source: Experimental and Applied Acarology

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22084876

Authors: Addanki, Venkata Avinash, Kołątaj, Krzysztof Tomasz, Druciarek, Tobiasz, Lewandowski, Mariusz

Institutions: Warsaw University of Life Sciences, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Macquarie University

Language: English

Topic: Study of Mite Species

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,390