Mites of the genus Scapheremaeus (Oribatei: Cymbaeremaeidae) in Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, with description of a new species modified for arboreal life

Abstract

Throughout the fumigation with natural pyrethrin of 2 tree species in the humid tropical rain forest of Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, 6 species of the genus Scapheremaeus were obtained, one of them is a new species for science, with characters very highly specialized to tree life which is described here. With the differential characters of the new species (less than 300 µ, very wide pyriform notogaster; prodorso with well developed lamellar carinae, without translamella; with 7 pairs of claviform notogastric setae, genito-anal formula 4-1-1-2; very short and tridactyl legs), the generic diagnosis is modified and the morphological adaptations for tree life are discussed. In addition, a key for Mexican and Central American species is provided and some new records for the locality are given.