Composition and diversity of acaroids mites (Acari: Astigmata) community in the stored rhizomatic traditional Chinese medicinal materials

Abstract Objective: To investigate the species and breeding density of acaroid mites in the stored rhizomatic traditional Chinese medicinal materials in Anhui province, China, in order to supply evidences for control and prevention of such species. Methods: The stored traditional Chinese medicinal materials of root-stock origins were collected in 30 herb stores and warehouses in 17 cities across Anhui province. Mites were collected by using Tullgren funnel and directicopy, and identified under microscopy. Results: Twenty-two species of acaroid mites, belonging to 15 genera under 5 families, were identified from the total 47 stored samples, in which Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Acarus farinae, Carpoglyphus lactis, and Cologlyplus berlesei were predominant. Conclusion: Breeding density of acaroid mites was high in the stored rhizomatic traditional Chinese medicinal materials in Anhui province. This indicates that the traditional Chinese medicinal herbs of root-stock origins in storage are seriously contaminated by the acaroid mites, and such infestation should be positively controlled to reduce the potential harm to public health.