New and interesting moss mites (Acari, Oribatida) from South Africa, with description of two new species

Abstract

The present study is based on oribatid mite material (Acari, Oribatida) collected from moss (Sphagnum sp.) on the seepage area below a permanent spring in South Africa. A list of identified taxa, including 17 species from 15 genera and 11 families, is presented; of these, six species (Haplochthonius simplex, Trhypochthoniellus longisetus, Tyrphonothrus maior, Neoamerioppia polygonata, Trachyoribates ovulum, Trichogalumna nipponica) and three genera (Haplochthonius, Trhypochthoniellus, Trachyoribates) are recorded in the fauna of this country for the first time, and three species (Malaconothrus hexasetosus, Mucronothrus braziliensis, Limnozetes ciliatus,), three genera (Mucronothrus, Limnozetes, Nesozetes) and one family (Nesozetidae) are recorded in the Ethiopian region for the first time. Two new species belonging to the genera Trhypochthoniellus and Hydrozetes are described. Trhypochthoniellus malaconothroiformis sp. nov. differs from the morphologically most similar species, Trhypochthoniellus ramosus Hammer, 1982 by the absence of strongly branched notogastral and leg setae, and the presence of seven pairs of genital setae. Hydrozetes sphagnicolus sp. nov. differs from all known species of Hydrozetes by the much longer notogastral setae with attenuate tips