The Genus Iguanacarus, New Status (Acari: Prostigmata: Trombiculidae), with Description of a New Species from the Tracheae of Amphibious Sea Snakes1

Abstract

The subgenus Iguanacarus of the genus Vatacarus is raised to generic level and redefined. A new species, I. alexfaini, ex tracheae of Laticauda colubrina and L. laticaudata is described and illustrated. Six species are referred to this genus, including Blankaartia amersoni and Babiangia (Iguanacarus) danieli, which are intranasal in marine birds. The occurrence of Iguanacarus in the respiratory and nasal passages of amphibious marine snakes, marine iguanas and marine birds in coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean is biologically and zoogeographically significant.