Biological observations on Hemisarcoptes coccophagus Meyer (Acari : Astigmata : Hemisarcoptidae) associated with willow armored scale, chionaspis salicis (L.) (Hemiptera : Diaspididae) in Erzurum, Turkey

The willow armored scale insect, Chionaspis salicis (L.) (Homoptera: Diaspididae) is an important pest of willow (Salix spp.), poplar (Populus spp.), and elm (Ulmus spp.) trees, particularly in the eastern part of Turkey. Hemisarcoptes coccophagus Meyer (Acari: Astigmata: Hemisarcoptidae) was observed attacking egg and nymph stages of C salicis. This predatory mite species overwinters in adult and nymphal stages, rarely eggs, under the shield of C salicis in the field. It has three generations in the vicinity of Erzurum. From the beginning of April to the end of October, IT coccophagus was active, consuming an average of 35% (up to 49%) of the eggs of C salicis and could be considered a candidate for the biological control of C salicis.