The velvet (Red)‎ mite, Trombiculus Sp. (Acarina : Trombiculidae)‎ as a new record in Asir heights, Southwestern Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

The present article deals with the seasonal occurrence of the velvet mite species; Trombiculus sp.

(Family: Trombiculidae) which was recovered at Raida locality in Abha governate, Saudi Arabia, by using pitfall traps.

This study is reported as a first record in the Saudi Arabian ecosystem.

The highest population was observed during October and decreased gradually till July, then a slight progressive increase in population occurred during September.

The population density of the velvet mites was positively correlated with rainfall (r = + 0.346) whereas other environmental factors such as temperature (r = 0.204) and relative humidity.

(r = 0.078) did not have any significant effects.