Pseudopygmephorellus mazandaranicus sp. nov. (Acari: Heterostigmata: Pygmephoridae), phoretic on scarabaeid dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from Iran

Zootaxa. 2015 Feb 16;3919(1):100-10. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.3919.1.5.

Abstract

The mite species Pseudopygmephorellus mazandaranicus Katlav and Hajiqanbar sp. nov. (Acari: Prostigmata: Pygmephoridae) is described and illustrated from northern Iran. This new species was discovered phoretic on three different scarabaeid dung beetles: Onthophagus sp., Aphodius depressus (Kugelann, 1792), Aphodius varians Duftschmid, 1805. This finding presents the first record of the genus Pseudopygmephorellus Khaustov, 2008 from Asia. The host range/habitat and world-wide distribution of species of the genus Pseudopygmephorellus is reviewed and a key to world species of the genus is provided.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Coleoptera / parasitology*
  • Ecosystem
  • Female
  • Iran
  • Mites / anatomy & histology
  • Mites / classification*