I am an expert on the taxonomy of terrestrial Parasitengona (Acari). Address: Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
Collemboerythraeus vosoughae Noei, Saboori and Hakimitabar gen. et sp. nov. (Acari: Erythraeidae)... more Collemboerythraeus vosoughae Noei, Saboori and Hakimitabar gen. et sp. nov. (Acari: Erythraeidae) is described and illustrated from larvae ectoparasitic on unidentified springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola: Sminthuridae) from Jahrom city, Fars province, and also from soil samples (off host) from Khorramabad city, Lorestan province, Iran. A key to the genera of larval Erythraeinae is presented.
The decline of biodiversity, specifically of insects is one of the major topics in conservation b... more The decline of biodiversity, specifically of insects is one of the major topics in conservation biology. In several countries of Europe, recent studies have shown a severe decline in species number and biomass of insects. In most countries of much higher diversity, much less is known about the state of the insect fauna. In this study, we focus on the acridid grasshoppers of Iran as an indicator taxon for diversity decline in a high diversity region. We used data of two surveys to suggest a change in species number between 1963 and after 2000. In the surveys before 1963, the species diversity across multiple localities in Iran was much higher compared to more recent faunistic studies. While this data is not statistically analyzable as the sampling is not completely comparable, the trends show a clear pattern of decline, which likely reflects the reality, conforms well to individual observations of less frequent encounters in the field and matches global patterns of insect decline. However, more standardized quantitative surveys are needed to generate statistically analyzable data. Potential reasons for the observed decline are severe draughts as a result of global climate change, habitat pollution, and destruction for construction and mining and especially overgrazing. Management actions need to be urgently put into place to stop the negative trends. Future studies need to document and test if these are taxon-specific trends or universal patterns in the region.
ABSTRACT Odontacarus khanjani Goff & Saboori (Leeuwenhoekiidae) and Neotrombicula iranens... more ABSTRACT Odontacarus khanjani Goff & Saboori (Leeuwenhoekiidae) and Neotrombicula iranensis Goff & Saboori (Trombiculidae) were described as new. Both species were collected as unengorged larvae on alfalfa plants, Medicago sativa, in western Iran.
In this study, larva of Abrolophus bochkovi sp. nov. collected from Qazvin province is described ... more In this study, larva of Abrolophus bochkovi sp. nov. collected from Qazvin province is described and illustrated. A key to larval species of Abrolophus of the world with a comb-like seta on the palpal tarsus is presented. Moreover, A. karamani Haitlinger & Šundić, is considered as a junior synonym of A. aitapensis (Southcott 1948).
We redescribe four species of the genus Tyrophagus Oudemans (Acari: Acaridae): T. longior (Gervai... more We redescribe four species of the genus Tyrophagus Oudemans (Acari: Acaridae): T. longior (Gervais), T. similis Volgin, T. vanheurni Oudemans and T. neiswanderi Johnston and Bruce, collected from the forest soil and tree litter in Hamedan province, Western Iran. We note minor differences between our specimens and other published descriptions of these species.
Myrmozercon sternalis n. sp., a new laelapid mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) is described and illustra... more Myrmozercon sternalis n. sp., a new laelapid mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) is described and illustrated based on females collected in the nest of Formica sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Karaj region, Iran. The new species differs from almost all other species in the genus by very elongate peritreme, distinctive and horseshoe like of the sternal shield and also edentate cheliceral digits. The ecological role of Myrmozercon is not clear, but may be parasites of ants.
Sphingonotus is a species-rich genus of band-winged grasshoppers (Oedipodinae), comprising more t... more Sphingonotus is a species-rich genus of band-winged grasshoppers (Oedipodinae), comprising more than 170 species, with its diversity hotspots in the Mediterranean, and in Central and Eastern Asia. Iran represents one of the countries with the highest species diversity for the genus with a total of 31 recorded species. However, no study so far has provided a faunistic overview and no identification keys are available. Here, we present an annotated list of all Sphingonotus species found in Iran derived from records from field observations, museum collections and literature data. Based on morphological and distribution data we synonymize Sphingonotus intutus Saussure, 1888 syn. nov. under Sphingonotus nebulosus persa Saussure, 1884 and Sphingonotus obscuratus transcaspicus Uvarov, 1925 syn. nov. under Sphingonotus obscuratus brunneri Saussure, 1884. We present images of representative specimens (mostly types) of all species, as well as distribution maps and ecological data. Finally, we provide an online key to all known species of Sphingonotus from Iran, which will continuously be updated.
Abstract A new species of Montenegtrombium, M. baloutchi sp. nov. (Acari: Microtrombidiidae), is ... more Abstract A new species of Montenegtrombium, M. baloutchi sp. nov. (Acari: Microtrombidiidae), is described from Kandovan region, Alborz Province, Iran. The larval mites were collected as ectoparasites of three grasshopper hosts including Acridia sp., Oedipoda schochii Brunner von Wattenwyl and Chorthippus brunneus (Thunberg) (Orthoptera: Acrididae).
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 31, 2008
ABSTRACT Mites of the family Linotetranidae (Acari: Prostigmata) are unique among the tetranychoi... more ABSTRACT Mites of the family Linotetranidae (Acari: Prostigmata) are unique among the tetranychoid families in that eyes are absent (Meyer & Ueckermann, 1997). They are usually colourless, slender and less than a third of a millimeter in length, and occur mostly in soil. Linotetranids have been reported from moss, soil and rotting trees, but most collection indicate an association with the crown and roots of grass or sedge in dryland habitats (Beard & Walter, 2004). Up to now eight species of the genus Linotetranus have been described in the world. In this paper we describe and illustrate a new spe-cies. The terminology and abbreviations follow Lindquist (1985) and all measurements are given in micrometers.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 31, 2011
We report on a collection of mites in the family Laelapidae associated with scarabaeid beetles in... more We report on a collection of mites in the family Laelapidae associated with scarabaeid beetles in Iran. Five known species are recorded from Iran for the first time:
Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a key pest of agricultural crop. One of the be... more Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a key pest of agricultural crop. One of the best candidates for biological control of this mite is Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae). In this study, the olfactory response of the predatory mite to seven strawberry cultivars ('Marak', 'Yalova', 'Aliso', 'Gaviota', 'Sequoia', 'Camarosa' and 'Chandler') was studied using a Y-tube olfactometer. We used two-day-old female predatory mites that were reared on spider mite-infested strawberry. The behavioral response of the predator was studied in four experiments: 1) clean air vs. uninfected strawberry plant, 2) clean air vs. spider mite-infested strawberry plant, 3) uninfected strawberry plant vs. spider mite-infested strawberry plant and 4) two-cultivar choice test (spider mite-infested). In the first experiment, the attraction of the predatory mite to uninfected strawberry plant volatiles was significant. In the second test, the predators significantly preferred volatiles from strawberry plant infested with T. urticae to clean air. In the third test, 68% to 80% of the predatory mites were attracted to spider mite-infested strawberry plant volatiles compared with uninfected plants. Among the seven strawberry cultivars, the predator responses to volatiles of infested plants varied 62% to 83% and to volatiles of uninfested plant varied 59% to 75%. Herbivore-induced plant volatile emitted from strawberry infested with T. urticae attract the predatory mite. The last test showed that 'Aliso' and 'Chandler' were more attractive for the predatory mite.
Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) is a predatory mite that can control spider mites. The effect ... more Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) is a predatory mite that can control spider mites. The effect of seven strawberry cultivars (including: 'Marak', 'Yalova', 'Aliso', 'Gaviota', 'Sequoia', 'Camarosa' and 'Chandler') on the growth and development of N. californicus was studied in the laboratory conditions (27 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5% RH and 16L: 8D photoperiod). There was significant difference in the number of trichomes on the leaves of strawberry cultivars. Life table parameters were analyzed based on age stage, two sex life table. Egg incubation and protonymphal duration were significantly different when the predator was reared on different cultivars. There was no significant difference of total longevity among different cultivars. The longest preoviposition period was observed on 'Aliso' (1.70 days). The fecundity rate on 'Gaviota' and 'Sequioa' (6.90 and 8.91 eggs, respectively) was lower than other cultivars tested. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (0.20 day-1) and fecundity rates (13.29 eggs) were on 'Chandler', which might be due to the higher nutritional quality of Tetranychus urticae Koch reared on it or its low density of trichomes. Among the seven strawberry cultivars 'Sequoia', 'Gaviota' and 'Yalova' were recognized unsuitable for development and reproduction of N. californicus.
Neotrombidium hajizadehi Noei & Saboori sp. nov. and Neotrombidium khanjanii Noei & Saboori sp. n... more Neotrombidium hajizadehi Noei & Saboori sp. nov. and Neotrombidium khanjanii Noei & Saboori sp. nov. (Acari: Neotrombidiidae), collected from unidentified beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Khorramabad, Aleshtar and Dore Chegeni cities, Lorestan Province, Iran, are described. A key to larval species of Neotrombidium of the world is provided and the generic diagnosis is amended.
Collemboerythraeus izadpanahi sp. nov. (Acariformes: Erythraeidae) is described and illustrated f... more Collemboerythraeus izadpanahi sp. nov. (Acariformes: Erythraeidae) is described and illustrated from larvae ectoparasitic on unidentified springtails (unfortunately hosts got lost and therefore could not be identified) (Hexapoda: Collembola: Sminthuridae), from Simkan region, Jahrom city, Fars province, Iran. The generic diagnosis of the genus Collemboerythraeus and key to world genera of larval Erythraeinae are amended.
Collemboerythraeus vosoughae Noei, Saboori and Hakimitabar gen. et sp. nov. (Acari: Erythraeidae)... more Collemboerythraeus vosoughae Noei, Saboori and Hakimitabar gen. et sp. nov. (Acari: Erythraeidae) is described and illustrated from larvae ectoparasitic on unidentified springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola: Sminthuridae) from Jahrom city, Fars province, and also from soil samples (off host) from Khorramabad city, Lorestan province, Iran. A key to the genera of larval Erythraeinae is presented.
The decline of biodiversity, specifically of insects is one of the major topics in conservation b... more The decline of biodiversity, specifically of insects is one of the major topics in conservation biology. In several countries of Europe, recent studies have shown a severe decline in species number and biomass of insects. In most countries of much higher diversity, much less is known about the state of the insect fauna. In this study, we focus on the acridid grasshoppers of Iran as an indicator taxon for diversity decline in a high diversity region. We used data of two surveys to suggest a change in species number between 1963 and after 2000. In the surveys before 1963, the species diversity across multiple localities in Iran was much higher compared to more recent faunistic studies. While this data is not statistically analyzable as the sampling is not completely comparable, the trends show a clear pattern of decline, which likely reflects the reality, conforms well to individual observations of less frequent encounters in the field and matches global patterns of insect decline. However, more standardized quantitative surveys are needed to generate statistically analyzable data. Potential reasons for the observed decline are severe draughts as a result of global climate change, habitat pollution, and destruction for construction and mining and especially overgrazing. Management actions need to be urgently put into place to stop the negative trends. Future studies need to document and test if these are taxon-specific trends or universal patterns in the region.
ABSTRACT Odontacarus khanjani Goff & Saboori (Leeuwenhoekiidae) and Neotrombicula iranens... more ABSTRACT Odontacarus khanjani Goff & Saboori (Leeuwenhoekiidae) and Neotrombicula iranensis Goff & Saboori (Trombiculidae) were described as new. Both species were collected as unengorged larvae on alfalfa plants, Medicago sativa, in western Iran.
In this study, larva of Abrolophus bochkovi sp. nov. collected from Qazvin province is described ... more In this study, larva of Abrolophus bochkovi sp. nov. collected from Qazvin province is described and illustrated. A key to larval species of Abrolophus of the world with a comb-like seta on the palpal tarsus is presented. Moreover, A. karamani Haitlinger & Šundić, is considered as a junior synonym of A. aitapensis (Southcott 1948).
We redescribe four species of the genus Tyrophagus Oudemans (Acari: Acaridae): T. longior (Gervai... more We redescribe four species of the genus Tyrophagus Oudemans (Acari: Acaridae): T. longior (Gervais), T. similis Volgin, T. vanheurni Oudemans and T. neiswanderi Johnston and Bruce, collected from the forest soil and tree litter in Hamedan province, Western Iran. We note minor differences between our specimens and other published descriptions of these species.
Myrmozercon sternalis n. sp., a new laelapid mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) is described and illustra... more Myrmozercon sternalis n. sp., a new laelapid mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) is described and illustrated based on females collected in the nest of Formica sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Karaj region, Iran. The new species differs from almost all other species in the genus by very elongate peritreme, distinctive and horseshoe like of the sternal shield and also edentate cheliceral digits. The ecological role of Myrmozercon is not clear, but may be parasites of ants.
Sphingonotus is a species-rich genus of band-winged grasshoppers (Oedipodinae), comprising more t... more Sphingonotus is a species-rich genus of band-winged grasshoppers (Oedipodinae), comprising more than 170 species, with its diversity hotspots in the Mediterranean, and in Central and Eastern Asia. Iran represents one of the countries with the highest species diversity for the genus with a total of 31 recorded species. However, no study so far has provided a faunistic overview and no identification keys are available. Here, we present an annotated list of all Sphingonotus species found in Iran derived from records from field observations, museum collections and literature data. Based on morphological and distribution data we synonymize Sphingonotus intutus Saussure, 1888 syn. nov. under Sphingonotus nebulosus persa Saussure, 1884 and Sphingonotus obscuratus transcaspicus Uvarov, 1925 syn. nov. under Sphingonotus obscuratus brunneri Saussure, 1884. We present images of representative specimens (mostly types) of all species, as well as distribution maps and ecological data. Finally, we provide an online key to all known species of Sphingonotus from Iran, which will continuously be updated.
Abstract A new species of Montenegtrombium, M. baloutchi sp. nov. (Acari: Microtrombidiidae), is ... more Abstract A new species of Montenegtrombium, M. baloutchi sp. nov. (Acari: Microtrombidiidae), is described from Kandovan region, Alborz Province, Iran. The larval mites were collected as ectoparasites of three grasshopper hosts including Acridia sp., Oedipoda schochii Brunner von Wattenwyl and Chorthippus brunneus (Thunberg) (Orthoptera: Acrididae).
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 31, 2008
ABSTRACT Mites of the family Linotetranidae (Acari: Prostigmata) are unique among the tetranychoi... more ABSTRACT Mites of the family Linotetranidae (Acari: Prostigmata) are unique among the tetranychoid families in that eyes are absent (Meyer & Ueckermann, 1997). They are usually colourless, slender and less than a third of a millimeter in length, and occur mostly in soil. Linotetranids have been reported from moss, soil and rotting trees, but most collection indicate an association with the crown and roots of grass or sedge in dryland habitats (Beard & Walter, 2004). Up to now eight species of the genus Linotetranus have been described in the world. In this paper we describe and illustrate a new spe-cies. The terminology and abbreviations follow Lindquist (1985) and all measurements are given in micrometers.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 31, 2011
We report on a collection of mites in the family Laelapidae associated with scarabaeid beetles in... more We report on a collection of mites in the family Laelapidae associated with scarabaeid beetles in Iran. Five known species are recorded from Iran for the first time:
Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a key pest of agricultural crop. One of the be... more Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a key pest of agricultural crop. One of the best candidates for biological control of this mite is Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae). In this study, the olfactory response of the predatory mite to seven strawberry cultivars ('Marak', 'Yalova', 'Aliso', 'Gaviota', 'Sequoia', 'Camarosa' and 'Chandler') was studied using a Y-tube olfactometer. We used two-day-old female predatory mites that were reared on spider mite-infested strawberry. The behavioral response of the predator was studied in four experiments: 1) clean air vs. uninfected strawberry plant, 2) clean air vs. spider mite-infested strawberry plant, 3) uninfected strawberry plant vs. spider mite-infested strawberry plant and 4) two-cultivar choice test (spider mite-infested). In the first experiment, the attraction of the predatory mite to uninfected strawberry plant volatiles was significant. In the second test, the predators significantly preferred volatiles from strawberry plant infested with T. urticae to clean air. In the third test, 68% to 80% of the predatory mites were attracted to spider mite-infested strawberry plant volatiles compared with uninfected plants. Among the seven strawberry cultivars, the predator responses to volatiles of infested plants varied 62% to 83% and to volatiles of uninfested plant varied 59% to 75%. Herbivore-induced plant volatile emitted from strawberry infested with T. urticae attract the predatory mite. The last test showed that 'Aliso' and 'Chandler' were more attractive for the predatory mite.
Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) is a predatory mite that can control spider mites. The effect ... more Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) is a predatory mite that can control spider mites. The effect of seven strawberry cultivars (including: 'Marak', 'Yalova', 'Aliso', 'Gaviota', 'Sequoia', 'Camarosa' and 'Chandler') on the growth and development of N. californicus was studied in the laboratory conditions (27 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5% RH and 16L: 8D photoperiod). There was significant difference in the number of trichomes on the leaves of strawberry cultivars. Life table parameters were analyzed based on age stage, two sex life table. Egg incubation and protonymphal duration were significantly different when the predator was reared on different cultivars. There was no significant difference of total longevity among different cultivars. The longest preoviposition period was observed on 'Aliso' (1.70 days). The fecundity rate on 'Gaviota' and 'Sequioa' (6.90 and 8.91 eggs, respectively) was lower than other cultivars tested. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (0.20 day-1) and fecundity rates (13.29 eggs) were on 'Chandler', which might be due to the higher nutritional quality of Tetranychus urticae Koch reared on it or its low density of trichomes. Among the seven strawberry cultivars 'Sequoia', 'Gaviota' and 'Yalova' were recognized unsuitable for development and reproduction of N. californicus.
Neotrombidium hajizadehi Noei & Saboori sp. nov. and Neotrombidium khanjanii Noei & Saboori sp. n... more Neotrombidium hajizadehi Noei & Saboori sp. nov. and Neotrombidium khanjanii Noei & Saboori sp. nov. (Acari: Neotrombidiidae), collected from unidentified beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Khorramabad, Aleshtar and Dore Chegeni cities, Lorestan Province, Iran, are described. A key to larval species of Neotrombidium of the world is provided and the generic diagnosis is amended.
Collemboerythraeus izadpanahi sp. nov. (Acariformes: Erythraeidae) is described and illustrated f... more Collemboerythraeus izadpanahi sp. nov. (Acariformes: Erythraeidae) is described and illustrated from larvae ectoparasitic on unidentified springtails (unfortunately hosts got lost and therefore could not be identified) (Hexapoda: Collembola: Sminthuridae), from Simkan region, Jahrom city, Fars province, Iran. The generic diagnosis of the genus Collemboerythraeus and key to world genera of larval Erythraeinae are amended.
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Papers by Alireza Saboori