Variability in Leptotrombidium europaeum and two new related chigger mite species (Acari: Trombiculidae) from Caucasus

Two new chigger mite species closely related to Leptotrombidium europaeum (Daniel et Brelih, 1959) are described from small mammals collected in Caucasus and Transcaucasia. L. alanicum sp. n. differs from L. europaeum in having shorter legs (TaIII = 61-81, Ip = 734-927 versus 72-90, and 855-1017), shorter scutal and idiosomal setae (D(min) = = 30-45, D(max) = 48-67, H = 59, PL = 58 versus 40-52, 54-69, 64, 63), slightly smaller scutum (AP = 25, SD = 47, PW = 89 versus 28, 50, 91), and more numerous idiosomal setae (87 versus 81). L. montanum sp. n. differs from L. europaeum in having more numerous idiosomal setae (102 versus 81), longer scutal and idiosomal setae (AM = 61, AL = 44, H = 68, D(max) = 66 versus 56, 41, 64, 62), thicker legs (TaW = 19 versus 18), and broader scutum (PW = 95 versus 91). Exact identification of both new species is possible only using classification functions constructed by means of discriminant analysis. These three Leptotrombidium species expose sympatric distribution in Daghestan (Eastern Caucasus). L. alanicum and L. montanum also occurred together in Krasnodar Territory (Western Caucasus). Each of these species includes a number of local geographical forms precisely distinguished from each other. Morphometric differences between L. alanicum and L. montanum agree with eco-geographical rules being previously found in chigger mites from other genera. However, differences between local forms of these species show other tendencies directed controversially in part. Therefore it is probable that interspecific differences in this case correspond to the variability which took place in the process of speciation.     

A revision of chiggers in the vulgaris group (Trombiculidae: Neotrombicula)

A revision of chigger mites species, being closely related to Neotrombicula vulgaris (Schluger, 1955), is given. 2 new species are described: N. aideriensis sp. n. from Western Kopetdagh and N. macrovulgaris sp. n. from Western Caucasus. N. aideriensis sp. n. differs from all other species of the vulgaris group by presence of single barb on the lateral seta of palpal tibia in most specimens. This species differs also from N. vulgaris by lesser width of scutum, shorter setae of scutum and idiosoma and by longer legs. N. macrovulgaris sp. n. differs from all other species of the vulgaris group by longer legs, more numerous idiosomal setae and by larger scutum. N. vulgaris is recorded for the first time in Bulgaria, Turkmenistan (western Kopet-Dag) and Krasnodar Territory, N. baschkirica Kudryashova, 1998--in Chuvashia, Kirov Province, Komi Republic and Tyumen' Province, N. kharadovi Kudryashova, 1998--in Russia (Altai Territory) and in Karaganda Province (Kazakhstan). The latter species is reported from several new hosts. Variation of morphometric parameters in the vulgaris group are investigated by the methods of multivariate analysis, the pattern of correlations between them is shown. A complex of diagnostic features in the group is revised. Discriminant functions produced by the computer program DIADIS (A. L. Lobanov, ZI RAS) allows to determine confidently representatives of the vulgaris group. Ecogeographical component of intraspecific variability and character variance at the specific level is revealed in vulgaris group. N. macrovulgaris characterized by the largest scutum, numerous setae and long legs was found in the most rigorous, cold and damp climate (alpine zone of western Caucasus). On the other hand, N. kharadovi, which have the most fine scutum and shortest setae, inhabits rather dry and warm Middle Asia and neighbouring territories. The sample of N. vulgaris collected in the steppe part of Stavropol' Territory differed from the material collected in mountain forests of Western Caucasus by low values of the most part of measurements. N. kharadovi samples from plains of Middle Asia differed from samples of this species collected in western Pamirs, central Kazakhstan and Altay Territory by more fine scutum and shorter setae.     

Morphological variablility in the chigger mite species Neotrombicula sympatrica (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) from Kyrgyzstan

Aberrations (quantitative chaetotactic deviations, i.e. decreasing or increasing of setae numbers and variations in arrangement of setae) and anomalies (qualitative chaetotactic deviations, for example, partial reduction of scutum, shortening of a seta more than 1.5-2 times, merging of setae) were recorded for 13 taxonomically important morphological structures in the chigger mite species Neotrombicula sympatrica Stekolnikov, 2001. 3308 specimens were studied as a total. 17.2% of them had various morphological deviations. The most common types of aberrations were observed in the number and positions of genualae I (94 specimens), AM seta (79 spec.) and sternal setae (77 spec.). The aberrations of sternal and coxal setae were usually interrelated: the sternal seta was "transferred" from the sternal area onto the coxa, or the other way round take place. The specimens having aberrations of sternal setae were twice as numerous as the specimens with aberrations of coxal setae (77 against 35). The specimens with aberrations of dorsal setae and mastitarsala were very rare (2 spec. each). Among anomalies, the presence of nude galeal seta (91 spec.) and scutal anomalies (66 spec.) were prevalent. The most frequently one form of deviation only was observed in one specimen of N. sympatrica. Nevertheless, the specimens simultaneously having several aberrations or anomalies were also found. 17 types of such combinations were observed, that counts 20.6% of all specimens with deviations. Symmetric deviations, namely the presence of two nude galeal setae (31 spec.), presence of 2 genualae on both legs I (4 spec.), presence of 2 AM (2 spec.) and symmetric reduction of scutal angles (1 spec.), sometimes cause troubles in diagnostics. The quarter of variance in N. sympatrica and in the species N. monticola Schluger et Davydov, 1967 formerly studied by the author turned out as almost identical. The specimens with deviations counted 14.5% of all studied specimens in the latter species. However, the structures of variance in these species is different. In N. monticola, the aberrations of humeral setae were dominant (71.6%) (Kharadov, Chirov, 2001), while in N. sympatrica, the aberrations of other structures were prevalent: genualae I (24.8%), AM (20.9%) and sternal setae (20.4%).     

A new species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Allothrombium</Emphasis> (Acari: Trombidiidae) from Montenegro

Allothrombium clavatum sp. n. with reduced inner claw of tarus III, one seta on coxa II, clavate dorsal idiosomal setae and 3-lobed posterior margin of scutum, collected as ectoparasite of an undetermined aphid, is described and illustrated from the central part of Montenegro (Balkan Peninsula). A key to world species of Allothrombium (larva) is presented.     

A new genus and two new species of chigger mites (Acari: Trombiculidae) from the Laotian rock-rat Laonastes aenigmamus Jenkins, Kilpatrick, Robinson & Timmins (Rodentia: Diatomyidae)

A new chigger mite genus Laotrombicula n. g. and two new species, Laotrombicula khunboromi n. sp. (type-species) and L. fangumi n. sp., are described from the Laotian rock-rat Laonastes aenigmamus Jenkins, Kilpatrick, Robinson & Timmins (Rodentia: Diatomyidae). The new genus is most similar to Trombiculindus Radford, 1948 and Leptotrombidium Nagayo, Miyagawa, Mitamura & Imamura, 1916 and differs from these genera by having the scutum of subhexagonal or semicircular shape vs widely rectangular; pinnatifid dorsocentral idiosomal setae vs foliaceous in Trombiculindus and unexpanded in Leptotrombidium; and by the presence of serrated longitudinal crests in the middle part of scutum.     

青海省新恙螨属一新种(蜱螨亚纲：恙螨科)

记述新恙螨属NeotrombiculaHirst ,192 5一新种 ,拟旱獭新恙螨Neotrombiculaparamarmotaesp .nov .,模式标本采自民和县的松田鼠PitymysireneThomas,1911体上。标本存放在青海省地方病防治研究所。量度单位均为 μm。     

First record of the mite genus Neharpyrhyncuhus (Acari: Harpirhynchidae) in the Russian fauna

The mites of genus Neharpyrhynchus Fain, 1972 (Acari: Harpirhynchidae) are recorded from Rissia for first time. Two species, N. hippolae sp. n. from Hippolais icterina (Passeriformes: Sylviidae) and N. plumaris (Fritsch) from Fringilla coelebs (Passeroformes: Fringillidae) from N. W. Russia was found. N. hippolae sp. n., female holotype (all measurements in mkm, abbreviations--see Fain e.a., 1999): L 517, W 382, LS 179, WS 325, PA 27, thicker than PI 49 and PE 24, pts smooth, vi, ve [symbol: see text] sci are subequal, about 94, l5 247; propodosomal shield not divided; anterior region of pronotum with rounded verrucosites; venter without scales; legs I-II with 2 free segments and strongly developed lobes at their bases; legs III-IV with one segment, bears 4 and 5 setae respectively (in paratypes number of these setae is variable, 4-5). Male: L 227-254, W 210-219, LS 129-134, WS 170-183, pts are smooth, ve 78-87, sci 83-90, sce 89-95, h 90-110; penis 49-56 long; legs III with 2 free segments, basal segment bears seta, apical segment with 5-6 setae; legs IV with one free segment, it bears 4-5 setae. The new species is closely related to N. pilirostris (Berlese et Trouessart, 1889) and distinguished by characters as follows. N. hippolae sp. n. (female): the setae PI about 2 times are longer than PA and PE; the apical segment of legs III-IV bears 4-5 setae. N. pilirostris: setae PA, PI [symbol: see text] PE are subequal; the apical segment of legs III-IV bears 4 setae only. N. plumaris differs from closely related species N. novoplumaris Moss e.a., 1968 by characters as follows. In female of N. plumaris, the setae PA are subequal to PE and 1.6-1.8 times shorter than PI. In N. novoplumaris, the setae PA shorter than PI and PE.     

A New Species of Chigger Mite (Acari: Trombiculidae) from Rodents in Southwest China

This paper describes a new species of chigger mite (Acari: Trombiculidae), Gahrliepia cangshanensis n. sp., from rodents in southwest China. The specimens were collected from Yunnan red-backed voles, Eothenomys miletus (Thomas, 1914), and a Chinese white-bellied rat, Niviventer confucianus (Milne-Edwards, 1871) in Yunnan Province. The new species is unique mainly in its number of dorsal setae (n=21), and it has the following features: fT (formula of palpotarsus)=4B (B=branched), fp (formula of palpal seta)=B/N/N/N/B (N=naked), a broad tongue-shaped scutum with an almost straight posterior margin, and 17 PPLs (posterior posterolateral seta) with a length of 36-43 µm. This chigger mite may also infect other rodent hosts and may be distributed in other localities.     

Description of three new species of Ixodes Latreille, 1795 (Acari: Ixodidae), parasites of tenrecs (Afrotheria: Tenrecidae) on Madagascar

Ixodes soarimalalae n. sp., Ixodes uilenbergi n. sp. and Ixodes uncus n. sp. (Acari: Ixodidae), are described based on females ex various species of tenrecs (Afrosoricida: Tenrecidae) from Madagascar. Females of all of these new species are similar to those of other species of the subgenus Afrixodes Morel, 1966 known from Madagascar, from which they can be distinguished and from one other by the size of scutum, size of scutal setae, shape of alloscutal setae, shape of genital aperture, development of genital apron, size of auriculae, size of anterior angle of basis capituli, size of palpi, dental formula on hypostome and size and development of spurs on coxa I.

     

A description of the female and larva of the relic species Ixodes ghilarovi (Ixodidae)

Ixodes (Exopalpiger) ghilarovi was found in 4 separated localities of the Great Caucasus at a height of 1000 to 2200 m above sea level. Female differs from palaearctic I. (Exopalpiger) trianguliceps in 4-4 pairs of setae of the anal valve, shape of scutum, longer setae of alloscutum, more round peritreme, correlation between the length of peritreme longitudinal diameter and the length of longitudinal diameter of the anal ring, presence of auricles and shape of palps. Larva differs from I. trianguliceps in longer setae of alloscutum, longer ventrolateral tooth of 1st palpal joint and longer medial tooth of coxae I.     

Morphological differences between sympatric populations of the Poecilochirus carabi complex (Acari: Mesostigmata: Parasitidae) associated with burying beetles (Silphidae: Nicrophorus)

Adults of two sympatric populations of the parasitid mite Poecilochirus carabi G. & R. Canestrini, one preferring Nicrophorus vespillo (Linnaeus) as carrier beetle species and the other N. vespilloides Herbst, could be separated by differences in the form of the structures associated with the male genital orifice and the size of the female endogynum. Adults and deuteronymphs of the two populations also differed in the size of idiosomal shields and dorsal setae. On the basis of these findings, plus data from a literature review and an examination of type-material, the preference type choosing N. vespilloides was identified as P. carabi (sensu stricto) and that preferring N. vespillo as P. necrophori Vitzthum, a species previously synonymised with P. carabi.     

New and little known species of the dance-fly subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xanthempis</Emphasis> Bezzi,genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Empis</Emphasis> L. (Diptera,Empididae), from the Caucasus

Five new species of the subgenus Xanthempis Bezzi are described from the Caucasus: Empis (Xanthempis) annae sp. n. (Russia: Krasnodar Territory), E. (X.) grichanovi sp. n. (Russia: Krasnodar Territory; Georgia), E. (X.) pseudoconcolor sp. n. (Russia: Krasnodar and Stavropol territories; Georgia: Abkhazia), E. (X.) teberdaensis sp. n. (Russia: Karachay-Cherkessia), and E. (X.) zamotajlovi sp. n. (Russia: Krasnodar Territory and Adygea). The females of E. (X.) alanica Shamshev and E. (X.) kovalevi Shamshev are described for the first time. New data on the distribution of some previously described species are reported. The geographical distribution of Xanthempis is discussed. A key to Xanthempis species from the Caucasus is compiled.     

A new oribatid mite species of the genus Protoribates (Acari,Oribatida, Haplozetidae) from Ethiopia

A new oribatid mite species, Protoribates aethiopicus sp. n., from Ethiopia is described. This species is morphologically similar to Protoribates dentatus (Berlese, 1883), but differs from it in the longer lamellae and notogastral setae, shorter adanal setae ad ₁ and smaller notogastral porous areas, as well as in the presence of two claws on all legs.     

A new genus and species of oribatid mites <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scarabacarus longisensillus</Emphasis> gen. et sp. n. (Acariformes,Liacaridae) from the Caucasus

A new genus and species, Scarabacarus longisensillus gen. et sp. n., of the family Liacaridae are described from the Caucasus (Azerbaijan and Abkhazia): The new genus Scarabacarus is characterized by the highly convex body, straight anterior margin of the notogaster, narrow fusiform sensilla, the lamellae situated on the lateral margins of the prodorsum, the absence of interlamellar and notogastral setae (besides one posterior pair), presence of four pairs of genital setae, and tridactylous leg tarsi.     

Three new species of the subgenus Neoribates (Neoribates) (Acari,Oribatida, Parakalummidae) from Nepal

Three new parakalummid mites of the subgenus Neoribates (Neoribates), N. (N.) parabulanovae sp. n., N. (N.) paramacrosacculatus sp. n. and N. (N.) pararotundus sp. n., are described from Nepalese soils. Neoribates (Neoribates) parabulanovae sp. n. is morphologically most similar to N. (N.) bulanovae Grishina, 2009, N. (N.) rotundus Aoki, 1982 and N. (N.) setiger Balogh & Mahunka, 1978, however, it differs from N. (N.) bulanovae by the body length, body and leg integument, morphology of bothridial setae, absence of aggenital setae, length of interlamellar setae and location of adanal setae ad₃; from N. (N.) rotundus by the body size, body integument, morphology of bothridial setae and length of interlamellar setae; from N. (N.) setiger by the body size, number of genital setae and absence of aggenital setae. Neoribates (Neoribates) paramacrosacculatus sp. n. is morphologically most similar to N. (N.) macrosacculatus Aoki, 1966, however, it differs from the latter by the body size, body integument, length and morphology of bothridial setae, number of genital setae, absence of lamellar setae and length of interlamellar setae. Neoribates (Neoribates) pararotundus sp. n. is morphologically most similar to N. (N.) rotundus, however, it differs from the latter by the number of notogastral setal alveoli, body integument and length of interlamellar setae.     

A new genus and two new species of Canthocamptidae (Copepoda,Harpacticoida) from caves in northern Italy

Lessinocamptus n. gen. is established toaccomodate three species from northern Italian caves.It can be ascribed to the family Canthocamptidae Sars1906 and is distinguished from the other genera by thecombined characters of: antenna exopod 1-segmented andbearing 3 setae (or 1 seta and 1 spine); mandibularpalp 2-segmented with distal article bearing 5 setae;swimming legs exopods 3-segmented; setal formula ofexopods: P1 0.0.022; P2 0.1.112; P3 0.1.212; P4 0.1.212; P1endopod 2-segmented; P2 endopod 1- or2-segmented; female P3 endopod 1- or 2-segmented, maleP3 endopod 3-segmented and modified as usual inCanthocamptinae; male P5 baseoendopod with 2 spinesand exopod with 3 spiniform setae. Three species aredescribed in detail: L. caoduroi n.sp. from thevadose zone of Lessinian caves, L. insoletus(Chappuis 1928) and L. pivai n.sp. from caveBuso della Rana near Vicenza.     

中国厕蝇属炭色厕蝇种团记述（双翅目：厕蝇科）

炭色厕蝇种团Fannia carbonaria group是厕蝇属Fannia中的12个种团之一。该种团全世界已知20种,主要分布于全北界。报道了产自中国的该种团8个种的名录及分布,编制了该种团分种检索表,对其中2个新种F.antilocera sp．nov．,F.tauricornis sp．nov．和1个国内新记录种F.imperatoria Nishina,2002分别予以记述。新种F.antilocerasp．nov．同小须厕蝇F.minutipalpis(Stein,1895)相近缘,但后触角第三节长为宽的3倍,盾片具灰色粉被,后足股节后腹鬃列分布到基部2／3处,尾器明显不同等可予以区别。新种F.tauricornis sp．nov．同羊角厕蝇F.capricornis Xue,1996相近缘,但新种触角第三节长为宽的3倍,前缘基鳞黄色,足暗棕色;第一腹板具毛,侧尾叶后缘中部无角形突出,杆状突分为两个短突等即可区别;另与本亚种团的F.trigonfera Chillcott,1961,F．japonica japonica Nishida,1974,F．japonica amamiensis Nishida,1975亦相近,但新种肛尾叶外侧突横臂较长,侧尾叶后缘中部无角形突出,杆状突分为2个短突等亦可区别。新种模式标本和其它研究标本均保存于沈阳师范大学昆虫研究所昆虫标本室。     

New Quill Mites of the Family Syringophilidae (Acari: Cheyletoidea)

Five new species and two new genera belonging to the family Syringophilidae (Acari: Cheyletoidea) are described from birds that died in the Antwerp Zoo during their quarantine: Charadriaulobia vanelli n. g., n. sp. from Vanellus chilensis (Charadriiformes: Charadriidae) in Brazil; Fritschisyringophilus lonchurae n. g., n. sp. from Lonchura punctulata (Passeriformes: Estrildidae) in India; Mironovia coturnae n. sp. from Coturnix coturnix (Galliformes: Phasianidae) in Europe; Syringophiloidus daberti n. sp. from Passerina ciris (Passeriformes: Emberizidae) in Mexico; and S. serini n. sp. from Serinus mozambicus (Passeriformes: Fringillidae) in Central Africa. Charadriaulobia n. g. differs from the closely related Aulobia Kethley, 1970, in both sexes, by the divergent epimeres I; in females, by the absence of protuberances on the hypostomal apex and by the situation of the bases of setae l4 distinctly anterior the bases of setae d4. Fritschisyringophilus n. g. differs from the closely related Syringophiloidus Kethley, 1972, in both sexes, by the presence of setae vs ' on legs II, the absence of setae dT on legs III and IV; in females, by the presence of median hypostomal protuberances and by short setae l1, l2 and l3. The relationships between the Syringophilidae and their hosts are briefly discussed. A list of all known syringophilid genera and their distribution on bird families is provided.     

中国裸厉螨属1新种和1新记录（蜱螨亚纲：中气门目：厉螨科）

记述裸厉螨属1新种：古蔺裸厉螨Gymnolaelaps gulinensis sp．nov．和1新记录：奥地利裸厉螨Gymnolaelaps austrgacus（Sellnick,1935）。