First record of Aceria guerreronis Keifer, 1965 (Acari: Eriophyidae) in Panama

Abstract

Aceria guerreronis or coconut mite, has been documented for the first time in the Republic of Panama. The species was detected in the Cinta Costanera in Panama City, where Cocos nucifera fruits exhibited the characteristic symptoms of the pest. This report provides a brief morphological description of the species, supplemented with scanning electron microscopy images. It is expected that this communication will serve as a valuable tool for timely sampling, assessment of the phytosanitary risk posed by this species, and, if necessary, the implementation of phytosanitary measures to manage it.

Keywords

• central america
• cocos nucifera
• mite
• phytosanitary surveillance