The subfamily Chantiinae in the family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Gamasina)

Abstract

The tribe Chantiini Pritchard and Baker is proposed for elevation to subfamily status in the family Phytoseiidae. Members of the subfamily Chantiinae are characterized by their unique dorsal chaetotaxy: a combination of five pairs of setae (j3, z2, z3, z4, s4) on the lateral area of the podoscutum, which differs from other phytoseiid species that also have five pairs (j3, z2, z4, s4, s6), and from the more common four (j3, z2, z4, s4) or six (j3, z2, z3, z4, s4, s6) pairs in the family. Two genera, Chantia Pritchard and Baker and Diadromus Athias-Henriot new status, are included in the new sub family. The genus Chantia is monotypic, represented by the type-species C. paradoxa Pritchard and Baker. The genus Diadromus includes four species: D. contiguus (Chant) comb, nov., the type species; D. dominiquae (Schicha and Guttierrez) comb, nov.; D. separatus (Wu and Li) comb. nov.; and D. tengi (Wu and Li) comb. nov. The systematic concept of the new subfamily Chantiinae in relation to other subfamilies in the family Phytoseiidae is outlined. Previous systematic concepts concerning the species in the two genera are reviewed. Keys to the female adults of the genera, the species groups, and the species are provided. Descriptions of each genus and species are given.