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Tyrophagus similis

Tyrophagus similis Volgin, 1949, commonly known as the spinach crown mite, is a soil-dwelling pest of vegetables and ornamental plants. Feeding on roots and young shoots, it can severely damage crops, particularly spinach, leading to poor plant establishment, reduced yields, and significant economic losses. This species is morphologically similar to T. putrescentiae but can be distinguished by its significantly shorter dorsal seta d1 (see side view).