A new species of Neoscirula (Acari: Cunaxidae: Coleoscirinae) from the Ozark Highlands (USA), with a note on biogeography

M.J Skvarla,A.P.G Dowling,J.R Fisher

doi:10.1051/acarologia/20112013

Abstract

A new species of the family Cunaxidae, Neoscirula reticulata Skvarla n. sp., is described from two locations in the Ozark Highlands of North America. The importance of biodiversity research in this understudied region is discussed, as well as the biogeographic connection between the Interior Highlands and highlands of Mexico in relation to this species. Also, in concordance with recent advances in taxonomic procedures, both N. reticulata and all other described species of Neoscirula have been registered with Zoobank. A comprehensive list of these species, incorporating citations of their original description and Zoobank LSID numbers, is provided to aid future researchers. Images were created using digital illustration techniques designed to speed-up the description process and were subsequently deposited into Morphbank. Finally, an updated key to the adults of world species is included.

Highlights

Cunaxidae are predatory mites found in soil/litter, vegetation, vertebrate nests, agricultural settings, and stored products (Den Heyer 1977; Ferla and Moraes 1998; Grout and Ueckermann 1999; Gupta and Chattopadhyay 1978; Hughes 1976)
One species has been described from North America north of Mexico, N. kenworthyi Smiley, 1992, which is known only from the type locality in Maryland, USA
The present work represents another steppingstone toward resolving this issue, and brings mites, a group well known for being both diverse and underrepresented, into the forefront of Interior Highland biogeographic and biodiversity research

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Cunaxidae are predatory mites found in soil/litter, vegetation, vertebrate nests, agricultural settings, and stored products (Den Heyer 1977; Ferla and Moraes 1998; Grout and Ueckermann 1999; Gupta and Chattopadhyay 1978; Hughes 1976). These mites are well known for their raptorial, spineequipped palpi (except in the subfamily Bonziinae) that are used to grasp prey (Krantz and Walter 2009). The present work represents another steppingstone toward resolving this issue, and brings mites, a group well known for being both diverse and underrepresented, into the forefront of Interior Highland biogeographic and biodiversity research

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male and immatures

Key to adult Neoscirula