Variations in the number of genital setae in Raphignathus hecmatanensis species (Acari: Raphignathidae)

Abstract

Aim of study: In this study, in 32 females species of the Raphignathus hecmatanaensis Khanjani and Ueckermann, 2003, were found from the samples collected from different of the same date and localities, variations in genital setae numbers were determined in 10 species.Area of study: This study was conducted at the Zoology Research Laboratory, Department of Biology Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Manisa Celal Bayar University. The soil and litter samples were found from Emirdağları, 1300 m a.s.l., Büyükkarabağ village, Bolvadin district, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey.Material and Methods: Soil samples and litter taken from under Crataegus sp., Astragalus sp., Euphorbia sp., Rosacanina sp. in research area were brought to the laboratory in PVC bags and extracted in Berlese funnels for 7 days. Mites accumulating in collection bottles with 70% alcohol, were selected from the samples under a stereomicroscope, left to clear into lactophenol and then embedded in Hoyer's solution. 32 females species of the R. hecmatanaensis were determined and examined.Main results: In Turkish (Afyonkarahisar) specimens, R. hecmatanaensis in 32 females, while 22 females have 6 genital setae (3 pairs), 9 females have abnormal 7 genital setae and one female have abnormal 5 genital setae.Research highlights: It is very interesting, about one-third of the R. hecmatanaensis species have been found to have an abnormal number of genital setae. In this case, genital setae number used for key to the species of Raphignathus is debate.