Confocal microscopy applied to water mite taxonomy with the description of a new genus of Axonopsinae (Acari, Parasitengona, Hydrachnidia) from Central America

Abstract

Vagabundia sci n. gen. n. sp. of the subfamily Axonopsinae is proposed and described. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, not previously applied to water mite taxonomy, allowed the acquisition and posterior processing of clean optical slices. The new species is compared to other mites that have been described as ‘Axonopsella-like’. Vagabundia sci n. sp. is named after the Science Citation Index, a sociological tool that, as explained in the text, has done more harm than good to the population of taxonomists.