Coconut Mite

Natural history and identification

The coconut mite lives in close association with developing coconut fruit. Research on host finding treats the palm as both its food source and a habitat occupied across generations. Its minute size and concealed feeding sites make direct observation difficult. Species identification and a current local infestation record are needed before attributing fruit damage on Kauaʻi to this mite.

Kauaʻi occurrence and evidence

Atlas occurrence category: Present. The Kauaʻi record is classified as “Present”. Its cited evidence source is Matsunaga et al. 2019 alien arthropod update. Kauaʻi included in post-2002 alien distribution record.

Account coverage

Published species details have been added. A complete Kauaʻi-specific account of identification, habitat, feeding, reproduction, and population trend is not yet established by the sources linked here.

Names and classification

Scientific name

Aceria guerreronis

Common names

Coconut Mite

Family

Eriophyidae

Order

Trombidiformes

Record type

species

Kauaʻi occurrence and status

Kauaʻi occurrence

Present

Origin

Introduced

Conservation status

Not assessed

Process and seasonal context

Seasonal description

Coconut Mite (Aceria guerreronis) belongs to Eriophyidae in the order Trombidiformes. Its recorded origin status is introduced.

Sources and further reading

• Matsunaga et al. 2019 alien arthropod update
• Natural history and identification — species source