A new species of Cheyletus Latreille (Prostigmata: Cheyletidae) from Iran and a key to the Iranian species

Abstract

A new species, Cheyletus rashtiensis n. sp. (Acariformes: Prostigmata: Cheyletidae) is described on the basis of adult females from Rasht, Guilan Province, Northern Iran. The new species can be distinguished from other species by the following features: presence of hysterosomal shield with two pairs of dorsomedian setae d1 and e1, absence of setae d4, genua I without solenidion σ; setae d1 situated on anterior margin of hysterosomal shield; dorsomedian setae of hysterosomal shield flag-like; and tibial claw with 3 – 4 basal teeth. Additionally, a key to the Iranian species (females) of the genus Cheyletus Latreille is provided