First report of Eutetranychus africanus (Tetranychidae) in the Americas

The spider mite Eutetranychus africanus (Tucker), first described in South Africa about a century ago, can damage agricultural and ornamental crops. It is widespread in Africa, Asia, and Oceania, affecting plants from 21 families (Migeon et al. 2024). Recently, it was also reported in Europe, specifically on Madeira Island, Portugal (Naves et al. 2024). In this study, surveys of phytophagous mites on fruit trees in Alagoas State, Northeastern Brazil, were conducted in October 2022. Spider mites from the genus Eutetranychus were collected on carambola (Averrhoa carambola, Oxalidaceae) in Arapiraca (97° 00' 19.20''S, -36° 68' 64.69''W). Significant leaf damage and high infestation levels were observed. It was initially assumed the mites were Eutetranychus banksi (McGregor), the most common Eutetranychus species in Brazil and the Neotropical region. For identification confirmation, specimens were slide-mounted and examined under phase-contrast and DIC optical microscopes, using criteria from Kamran et al. (2018) and Naves et al. (2024). Unexpectedly, the specimens were identified as E. africanus. This is the first report of E. africanus in Brazil and the Americas, and also the first report of this mite on carambola and an Oxalidaceae host plant. The recent findings in the Americas and Europe suggest the species range is expanding. Considering the invasive pest status of E. orientalis (Klein) and E. banksi (McGregor) in Europe, this report highlights the potential phytosanitary risk E. africanus may pose.