First discovery of Plasmobatidae (Acari, Oribatida) in Gabon, redefinition and new species of the genus Solenozetes Grandjean, 1932

Abstract

The family Plasmobatidae is herewith reported for the first time from Gabon and Solenozetes makokouensis n. sp. is described. The holotype was collected from litter in dense evergreen humid forest, Makokou, Province Ogoové-Ivindo, north-eastern Gabon. The species is described and illustrated based on adult females. The new species is easily distinguishable by the following combination of character states: cerotegumental layer amorphous, with small tuberculations mixed with granulations; ro seta falcate, inserted on forward-extending visorlike protuberance; in seta wrapped in cerotegumental granulate layer; prodorsal anterior zone complex with irregular protuberances; bothridium horseshoe-shaped, internal rings appearing gear-like; sensillus filiform; notogaster anteriorly with semicircular furrow and depressed zone; macropores opening on foveae; notogastral microsculpture irregular foveate pattern; opisthosomal gland apophysis conical with rounded tip; five pairs of notogastral setae. The genus Solenozetes is redefined