Trichoribates sidorchukae sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Ceratozetidae) from tropical montane Ecuador, with revised generic diagnosis.

Abstract

Species of the oribatid mite genus Trichoribates (Oribatida, Ceratozetidae) are primarily north temperate in distribution, with only two species known from the Neotropics. We describe Trichoribates sidorchukae sp. nov. from the tropical montane of Ecuador, based on adult morphology, the first species in the genus from Ecuador. We provide a revised generic diagnosis to include character states overlooked in previous diagnoses. An identification key to known species of Trichoribates in the Neotropical region is provided.