A new species of Opilioacaridae (Parasitiformes: Opilioacarida) from Belize with some observations on life history and behavior

Abstract

A new species of opilioacarid mite, Neocarus belizensis sp. nov., is described from mid-level elevations in Belize's Maya Mountains. Laboratory observations confirmed that females nearly always deposit only one egg at a time, and that eggs are coated before deposition. Females guard both eggs and larvae. The larvae are non-feeding and molt quickly to protonymphs. Adults appear to facilitate feeding by protonymphs. Actual mating could not be observed, but pre-mating behavior is documented.