Abstract
Phytoseiid mites are the most numerous and important predators in vineyards. This work aims to determine variations of phytoseiid diversity in vineyards of Languedoc Roussillon for 10 years (previous studies 1985-1992). In 2004, surveys were carried out in 98 plots located in the 4 departments (Aude, Herault, Gard, Pyrenees-Orientales). Five farmers per department were chosen and for each farmer, five plots were sampled. A questionnaire was also assessed for each plot in order to determine the factors affecting mite abundance and diversity in these plots. Despite great changes in cultural practices for 10 years, phytoseiid mite species in vineyards are the same. Kampimodromus aberrans is always the main occurring species, followed by Typhlodromus pyri. Typhlodromus exhilaratus is observed in some plots whereas this species was absent in the previous surveys. Vine variety seems to be a determinant factor affecting mite densities. Pesticide toxicity seems also to affect mite abundance and mite diversity. At least, other factors were also emphasized, as vineyards age. T. exhilaratus occurs indeed mainly in young plantations