Cryptic inhabitants of a noxious weed: Mites (Arachnida : Acari) on Lantana camara L. invading forests in Queensland

In native forests in Queensland, more than 50 species of mites can be found on the leaves of the invasive weed Lantana camara, including two lantana s pecialists: the eriophyoid leaf vagrant Rhynacus kraussi and the lantana fl ower mite Proctolaelaps lobatus. Three exotic pests with broad host ranges are co-invading native forests on lantana: the privet mite Brevipalpus obov atus; the passionvine mite Brevipalpus phoenicis; and the prickly pear spid er mite Tetranychus desertorum. In south-eastern Queensland, privet mite wa s present at three-quarters of the sites sampled, even on isolated plants d eep within national parks. A diverse fauna of mostly Australasian endemic n atural enemies also colonise lantana; 37 species of predatory mites were id entified (including 25 species of Phytoseiidae) and a pathogenic fungus was found attacking prickly pear spider mite in tropical Queensland. Therefore , largely without notice and with unknown consequences, several introduced agricultural pests have invaded native forests on a noxious weed and a host of native natural enemies have responded. The latter could be a severe pro blem for any mite introduced into Australia to control lantana.