Abstract
The mite fauna present in stored rice grains in the Philippines has never been systematically studied. Two of the identified species are known to produce human allergens, namely: Blomia tropicalis Bronswijk, Cock and Oshima (Echimyopodidae) and Suidasia pontifica Oudemans (Suidasiidae). Other species collected were Tropilichus aframericanus Fain (Glycyphagidae), Acarophenax tribolii Newstead and Duvall (Acarophenacidae), Chortoglyphus arcuatus Troupeau (Chortoglyphidae), Sancassania oudemansi Zachvatkin (Acaridae), Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans (Cheyletidae), Cunaxa capreolus Berlese (Cunaxidae), and Blattisocius keegani Fox (Blattisociidae). However, S. pontifica, C. malaccensis and B. keegani were the only constant and dominant species. On the other hand, lack of control measures and inadequate hygiene and cleanliness in various warehouses contribute to a significant infestation of storage mites. This information could be useful in understanding the acarofauna of stored rice grains and control of the damages and losses caused by storage mites, providing researchers a small starting point for dealing with mite infestations on rice grain.
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