TY  - JOUR
JF  - Acarologia
T1  - Brevipalpus and beyond: Lessons for modern acarological taxonomy
VL  - 66
IS  - Suppl
SP  - 31
EP  - 31
PY  - 2026
SN  - 0044-586X
SN  - 2107-7207
PB  - Les Amis d'Acarologia
AU  - Davina, Saccaggi
AU  - Marcello, De Giosa
AU  - Aline, Tassi
AU  - Jennifer, Beard
UR  - https://doi.org/10.24349/6kd4-aaku
DO  - 10.24349/6kd4-aaku
DA  - 2026-07-20
ET  - 2026-07-20
KW  - Brevipalpus
KW  - Flat mites
KW  - Integrated taxonomy
KW  - Catalogue
KW  - Taxonomic capacity
AB  - The genus Brevipalpus (Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) comprises 290 valid species, including agricultural pests and vectors of plant viruses. Applied research on these mites has long been hampered by their poor taxonomic state. The case of Brevipalpus highlights both the challenges and importance of taxonomy in the modern era. Donnadieu erected the genus Brevipalpus in 1875 with B. obovatus, including simply a description of a small, ovoid red mite from fleshy plants in Lyon, France. This imprecision persisted for over a century. The literature is rife with misidentifications, inaccurate illustrations, overlooked characters and unsubstantiated revisions. Isolated research groups collectively erected hundreds of species, often with inadequate descriptions and minimal reference material. The consequences have been substantial. For over 50 years, citrus leprosis (CL) viruses were thought to be vectored by B. obovatus, B. phoenicis and B. californicus. Revision has since revealed that each taxon represents a species complex, with at least 18 distinct species documented. This fundamentally alters our understanding of host and geographic ranges and vector status, undermining decades of research. An international collaboration of Brevipalpus researchers is actively reconstructing its taxonomic framework. An annotated catalogue of Brevipalpus has been published, containing a species list (including valid and invalid names) and relevant taxonomic information for all 328 names associated with the genus, organised into twelve recognisable species groups. Information on type deposition, inclusion of types in redescriptions, chaetotaxy, life stage coverage, and literature inconsistencies has been included. Recommendations for future taxonomic publications include high-quality photographs of type specimens, inclusion of all life stages, and integration of molecular data. This reorganisation of the genus will provide the framework for future integrated taxonomic work on Brevipalpus. These concerns are not unique to Brevipalpus. Acarological taxonomy more broadly faces persistent challenges: extreme morphological conservatism, cryptic species complexes, inadequate original descriptions, limited access to type material and declining specialist capacity. Frequently, “boom-and-bust” cycles are evident, where progress driven by individual experts stalls upon their retirement. However, advances in imaging and molecular techniques allow integration of morphology, biology and genetics. Progress in digital imaging, archiving, databasing and open-access publication improves reproducibility and accessibility, ensuring better continuity between generations and across borders. Robust, modernised taxonomy should not be seen as an academic luxury or optional research relegated to the shelves of dusty museum collections. The lessons from Brevipalpus extend beyond a single genus, underscoring that sustainable, integrative taxonomy is foundational to the future of acarology.
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