New flat mite genera (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae)associated with Australian sedges (Cyperaceae)

Abstract

Two new genera, Gahniacarus gen. nov. and Cyperacarus gen. nov., and four new species, G. gersonus sp. nov., G. tuberculatus sp. nov., C. naomae sp. nov. and C. foliatus sp. nov., are described from native Australian sedge species in the genus Gahnia (Cyperaceae). Leg chaetotaxy is provided for all stages of each species. The importance of taxonomic characters offered by immature stages and ontogenetic changes in leg chaetotaxy are discussed. A key to the Tenuipalpidae associated with Cyperaceae in Australia is provided.