First record of the littoral genus Alismobates (Acari: Oribatida) from the Atlantic ocean, with a redefinition of the family Fortuyniidae based on adult and juvenile morphology

Abstract

Alismobates inexpectatus sp.n., found on rocky shores of the archipelago of Bermuda is described from larva to adult. Additionally a detailed description of the immatures of Fortuynia atlantica, also known from Bermuda, is given. Based on adult and juvenile morphology the position of the genus Alismobates within the family of Fortuyniidae is clearly confirmed. Furthermore the definition of the family Fortuyniidae is revised and the classification of its members is discussed. The Fortuyniidae are best characterized by the presence of a "van der Hammen's Organ", whereas the configuration of cuticular channels differs remarkably between the genera Fortuynia and Alismobates. The juveniles of A. inexpectatus and F. atlantica Krisper et Schuster, 2008 exhibit conformity in most aspects, whereas porose areas associated with notogastral setae and singular pores in the lateral and posterior ventral folds leading into fine tracheal tubes are documented for the first time in fortuyniid immatures. These pores are part of a complex plastron system expressed in immatures to withstand tidal inundation. The present discovery of Alismobates inexpectatus is the first record of a member of this genus from Atlantic coasts and therefore represents a considerable extension of the geographic distribution of this taxon. Copyright © 2012 · Magnolia Press.