The identity of Plesialges mimus Trouessart, 1919 and taxonomic notes on the feather mite genus Hemialges Trouessart, 1895 (Acariformes: Analgidae)

Abstract

The feather mite Plesialges mimus Trouessart, 1919, briefly described from the White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus (Vigors & Horsfield) (Passeriformes: Pomatostomidae), is the only species of the genus Plesialges Trouessart, 1919. In this work, I redescribe this mite species based on the type specimens, transfer it into the genus Hemialges Trouessart, 1895, and provide it with the valid name Hemialges mimus (Trouessart, 1919) comb. n. The genus Plesialges syn. n. is synonymized with the genus Hemialges. A new diagnosis, comments on taxonomy and an updated checklist of species are provided for the genus Hemialges. The transfer of P. mimus to the genus Hemialges created a conflict with the previously named Hemialges mimus Trouessart, 1920 from the Trumpet Manucode, Phonygammus keraudrenii (Lesson & Garnot) (Passeriformes: Paradisaeidae). Hemialges mimus (Trouessart, 1919) comb. n. is now the older homonym within this genus and H. mimus Trouessart, 1920 from the Trumpet Manucode is a junior homonym; here I provide the latter with a new name, Hemialges trouessarti nom. n.