Remarkable convergence between two taxa of ascid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) adapted to living in pore tubes of bracket fungi in North America, with description of Mycolaelaps new genus

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All instars of a new genus and new species of ascid mite, Mycolaelaps maxinae, are described and illustrated. This mite manifests a variety of morphological specializations, above all an unusually elongated body, as adaptations for a way of life inside the lumen of bracket fungus pores. In these ways it resembles Hoploseius tenuis Lindquist, which is similarly specialized for living in bracket fungus pores. As the new taxon is shown to be a member of the tribe Melicharini, in contrast with H. tenuis, which is in the tribe Blattisociini, their resemblance is shown to be a remarkable case of convergence to living in the same niche.