 United
States Department of Agriculture -
Forest Service |
 Southern Research Station200 W.T. Weaver Boulevard Asheville, NC 28804 |
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 Caesarodispus klepzigi (Microdispidae) |
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Entomologist Emeritus Discovers New Mite Species, Names Mite after Scientist
Asheville,NC -- The USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS) today announced research entomologist emeritus John Moser has discovered two new mite species and named one of the mites in honor of SRS scientist Kier Klepzig. Moser and Ukrainian taxonomist Alexander Khaustov unveiled the new species in a paper published in the latest issue of the International Journal of Acarology. Acarology is the study of mites. "As a fellow entomologist, I am honored by John's gesture," said Kier Klepzig, who is also a plant pathologist and SRS project leader based in Pineville, LA. "These findings are important because they get us a step closer to understanding the biology of the mites and to identifying possible control methods for their destructive host - the imported red fire ant." The mite bearing Klepzig's name is called Caesarodispus klepzigi (Microdispidae). Khaustov and Moser determined C. klepzigi is most similar to Caesarodispus gaius, which was discovered in 1977. C. klepzigi is unique because of its larger setae (barbed hairs that protrude from the body) and shorter solenidion (small appendage on the leg). Moser captured the two new mite species in 2004 while analyzing red imported fire ants, an invasive species from Brazil. Moser discovered the mites, which were attached to flying fire ants, in his backyard in Pineville, LA. While the biology of C. klepzigi is unknown, mites similar to klepzigi feed on fungi. Khaustov and Moser suggest that "the presence of C. klepzigi and its possible associated fungus or fungi may play an important nutritional role for [fire ant] colonies, similar to that of other insects." Moser named C. klepzigi after Klepzig and the second mite, Petalomium hofstetteri (Neopygmephoridae), after Northern Arizona University researcher Rich Hofstetter. Moser's naming of the mites recognizes the contributions Klepzig and Hofstetter have made to understanding the complex symbiotic interactions among insects, fungi, and mites. Klepzig and Hofstetter found that some mites attaching themselves to bark beetles carry fungi as a source of food. Some of these fungi, they found, are actually detrimental to the bark beetles that carry these mites. Last year, Moser unveiled three other new mite species. He says he may have close to 20 additional new species to describe in the near future. Moser discovered his first species 60 years ago as a student at Ohio State University, where he received bachelor's and master's degrees. He received his Ph.D. in Insect Ecology from Cornell University in 1958. Moser joined the Forest Service the same year and retired in 1989 after 32 years of Federal service. Moser has authored or co-authored more than 100 scientific papers during his successful career. Since "retiring," Moser has continued studying insects and mites because, as he says, "it's fun." Full text of the article is posted online at: http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/29977
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