New oribatid mites of the superfamily Ceratozetoidea (Acari: Oribatida) from Ethiopia

Abstract

Four new species of oribatid mites of the superfamily Ceratozetoidea, Ceratozetes baleensis sp. n. (Ceratozetidae), Ocesobates schatzi sp. n. (Chamobatidae), Africoribates subiasi sp. n. and A. amorphus sp. n. (both Humerobatidae), are described from southern Ethiopia. The first two species were collected in soil from Harenna Forest of Bale Mountains National Park (the second species was also collected in plants on rock from Cholomu Forest, 10 km to the south of Ginchi city); the third and fourth species were collected in litter (Cholomu Forest) and plants (Bale Mountains National Park, plateau Sanetti). The genus Ocesobates is recorded for the first time in Africa. The genus Africoribates is recorded for the first time in Ethiopia. Identification keys to all known species of Ocesobates and Africoribates are presented.