Aethosolenia laselvensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a new eupodoid mite from Costa Rica (Acari: Prostigmata)

Abstract

A new genus and species of eupodoid mite is described from leaf litter of lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica. Aethosolenia laselvensis gen. nov., sp. nov. possesses a combination of morphological characters which does not match the current definition for any eupodoid family. The decision to place it in the Eupodidae is discussed and an amended definition of the family proposed. The new taxon is unique amongst the Acari in having dorsal idiosomal setae h1 in the form of trichobothria