CERATOZETIDAE (ACARI: ORIBATIDA) OF ARBOREAL HABITATS

Abstract

AbstractSix species of oribatid mites (Acari: Ceratozetidae) in six genera were recorded from a variety of arboreal habitats in western Canada, including the canopy of temperate rainforest, montane forest, and the leaves of shrubs. Four of these species are new to science and are described: Sphaerozetes winchesterisp.nov., on the basis of adults; and Dentizetes ledensissp.nov., Melanozetes crossleyisp.nov., and Neogymnobates marilynaesp.nov., on the basis of adults and immatures. Jugatala tuberosa Ewing is redescribed from both adults and immatures, a new observation being that adults have seven pairs of notogastral porose areas. The placement of the genus Jugatala Ewing in Ceratozetidae is confirmed. Latilamellobates baloghi (Mahunka) is newly recorded from North America, and the taxonomy of the genus is discussed. The major differences among these six species are presented in tabular format.