A new and morphologically unusual Cheiroseius mite (Acari: Blattisociidae) found in association with tree sap, with a key to the congeneric species of the Slovak fauna

Abstract

A new blattisociid mite, Cheiroseius arboricola sp. nov. was described based on females found in tree crevices of old oak (Quercus sp.) heavily soaked with xylem sap in southwestern Slovakia. The new species differs from most other known relatives mainly by the absence of a well-developed poststigmatic projection of the peritreme, the presence of only one pair of preanal setae (JV2) on the relatively small ventrianal shield, and the specific organization of some gnathosomal structures. A dichotomous identification key is presented for the females of thirteen species of Cheiroseius occurring in Slovakia, including the firstly reported species Cheiroseius furcatus Karg and Cheiroseius laelaptoides (Berlese).