An Eriophyid Mite, Eriophyes Gardeniella Keifer, On Gardenia

An apparently host specific eriophyid mite, Eriophyes gardeniella Keifer, was reported from the United States in 1965. The mite was taken on Gardenia sp. in Florida by L. O’Berry, technician, Bureau of Entomology, DPI. The mite previously was intercepted in 1964, at San Diego, California, on Gardenia jasminoides Ellis from Mexico City, the only known locality at that time. In March 1968 the mite was collected in a Polk County nursery by J. C. Denmark, R. R. Snell, H. G. Schmidt, L. L. Skipper and G. W. Dekle. In June 1968 the mite was collected on Gardenia at Charleston, S. C., by G. W. Dekle. A survey of Florida nurseries for Eriophyes gardeniella Keifer was conducted by DPI during 1968 – 1970.