Raoiella indica in the New World: impacts and progress on its control

The red palm mite, Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) invaded the new world around 2004 and is now reported from the Caribbean Islands, Florida (USA) and northern South America (Venezuela). Surveys to determine generalist fauna prior its arrival during the end of 2007 in Florida, reported the predators, Amblyseius largoensis, Stethorus utilis, Chrysoperla spp. Aleurodothrips fasciapennis and Bdella distincta in association with diaspidids, aleyrodids and tetranychids. Predator density increase was not observed until 6 months after the arrival of R. indica in Florida.Studies on predator composition after the initial detection in 2006 of R. indica in Trinidad and Tobago,indicated that the predaceous mite, A. largoensis increased as the red palm mite population grew and spread to new locations. Other reported predators, were A. fasciapennis, Bdella sp., Cheletomimus sp., and species of the Cecidommyidae and Chrysopidae. The predator A. largoensis, while preying on the red palm mite in Puerto Rico, has not substantially reduced the high numbers of R. indica. Studies to find exotic and more effective predators of the red palm mite should be intensified.