Two new species of the genus Aculus Keifer, 1959 (Acari: Eriophyidae: Phyllocoptinae) from Iran 

Abstract

During the survey of eriophyoid mite fauna in Ajabshir region of Iran in summer 2016, two new eriophyid species, Aculus asparagi Lotfollahi & Tajaddod sp. nov. on Asparagus verticillatus L. (Asparagaceae) and Aculus thyrsoidi Lotfollahi & Tajaddod sp. nov. on Eryngium thyrsoideum Boiss. (Apiaceae), were found, described and illustrated. Aculus asparagi sp. nov. is the first eriophyoid mite found on an Asparagus and the first Aculus from Asparagaceae. Aculus thyrsoidi sp. nov. is the first Aculus collected on an Eryngium. Both new species appeared to be vagrants on their host plants and no apparent damage was associated to them. A key of the worldwide Aculus species associated with Apiaceae was provided.