TITLE:
Acarological Research in Republic of Congo: Advances and Challenges in Understanding Phytoseiidae and Tetranychidae Diversity
AUTHORS:
Mireille Belle Mbou Okassa, Jacques Dollon Mbama Ntabi
KEYWORDS:
Predatory Mites, Spider Mites, Plant-Inhabiting Mites, Agroecosystems, Biological Control, Integrative Taxonomy
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.16 No.1,
December
31,
2025
ABSTRACT: Mites comprise a highly diverse component of tropical agroecosystems, and phytophagous and predatory species play essential roles in crop health and the ecological balance. Despite their ecological and economic importance, the acarofauna of the Republic of the Congo (RC) remains unclear. This study provides the first comprehensive synthesis of plant-inhabiting mites reported in the country between 1980 and 2025. A narrative bibliographic review was conducted across three major databases (PubMed, Semantic Scholar, and Web of Science) using keywords related to Phytoseiidae, Tetranychidae, host plants and biodiversity. Ten publications met the inclusion criteria and corresponded to field and laboratory studies conducted in southern Congo, mainly around Brazzaville. In total, 22 mite species were identified, including 10 from Phytoseiidae and 12 from Tetranychidae, primarily associated with cassava (Manihot esculenta), okra, tomato, pepper, and eggplant. Euseius fustis and Amblyseius sundi were the most frequently recorded predatory mites, whereas Mononychellus progresivus and Oligonychus gossypii were the predominant phytophagous mites. Recent studies have incorporated molecular tools (12S rRNA and Internal Transcribed Spacer gene sequences), indicating a methodological transition toward integrative taxonomy. The occurrence of Eutetranychus orientalis on cassava is the first record of this species in the RC. Overall, acarological research in the country remains fragmented and geographically restricted. This review highlights the need to expand mite inventories, strengthen the use of molecular approaches, and promote coordinated national programmes dedicated to acarological biodiversity and sustainable pest management.