An amazing sub-cambium flat mite from South Africa (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae)

Abstract

An unusual sub-cambium flat mite, Phytoptipalpus occultuae sp. n., first found under the bark in blisters on stems of Senegalia caffra in Pretoria, South Africa is described and illustrated herein. This is a unique species in the genus Phytoptipalpus because of the presence of reduced legs IV, a possible link between those with 4 pairs and 3 pairs of legs. A key to all of the Phytoptipalpus species is given.