There are four species of Phytoseiulus (P. fragariae, P. longipes, P. macropilis, P. persimilis). Membership and the validity of certain species have been the subject of much change and discussion. Mating experiments have demonstrated reproductive isolation of the four species, while cladistic analysis provided clear evidence for the genus being monophyletic. Phytoseiulus persimilis is closest to P. macropilis, sharing synapomorphies concerning body and leg setal form and length. (Takahashi and Chant 1993c, d; Chant and McMurtry, 2007)