First description of phoretic and redescription of non-phoretic females of Pediculaster nidicolus (Mahunka) (Acari: Pygmephoridae) from Western Siberia, Russia

Abstract

Phoretic and non-phoretic females of Pediculaster nidicolus (Mahunka) (Acari: Pygmephoridae) are recorded from Russia for the first time. Mites were collected from the nest of undetermined small mammal in Western Siberia, Russia. Non-phoretic female is redescribed, and phoretic female is described for the first time. An updated key to phoretic females of Palaearctic Pediculaster species is provided.