Diversity and community structure of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) across agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh, India.

This study investigated the diversity, distribution, and community structure of predatory mites (Family: Phytoseiidae) across distinct agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh. A total of 26 species were recorded from four altitudinal zones, revealing pronounced spatial heterogeneity in species composition and abundance. Zone 2 (mid hills) exhibited the highest species richness and diversity, followed closely by Zone 1, whereas Zones 3 and 4 supported comparatively fewer species and simpler community structure. Euseius prasadi emerged as the most dominant and widely distributed species, accounting for the highest proportion of individuals across all zones, suggesting broad ecological adaptability that may be associated with dietary flexibility and other ecological traits. In contrast, Paraphytoseius orientalis was predominantly confined to the lower altitudinal zones, reflecting greater habitat specificity. Several species, including Euseius alstoniae, Amblyseius neorykei, and Euseius kalimpongensis, were characteristic of the mid-hill zone, whereas Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) rickeri was restricted to the high-hill temperate zone. Diversity indices indicated greater species richness and community complexity in the lower and mid-hill zones, while higher-altitude zones supported comparatively simpler phytoseiid assemblages. Multivariate analyses further revealed differences in community composition among agro-climatic zones. Overall, the findings demonstrate distinct patterns of phytoseiid diversity and community composition across agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh and provide a scientific basis for the conservation and utilization of predatory mites in integrated pest management programmes.