A contribution to the knowledge of heterostigmatic mites (Acari: Prostigmata) in western Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran

Abstract

Heterostigmatic mites (Acari: Trombidiformes: Prostigmata) are usually associated with arthropods, especially insects, and poorly studied in Iran. As a result of a study of beetle-associated heterostigmatic mites carried out in western Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, during spring and winter 2013, a total of 14 species and 11 genera of eight families were identified. Among them Spatulaphorus vladimiri Khaustov, 2005 (Pygmephoridae), Archidispus conspicuous Kurosa, 1978; A. bembidii (Karafiat, 1959), A. armatus (Karafiat, 1959) (Scutacaridae), and Eutarsopolipus steveni Khaustov, 2010 (Podapolipidae) are new records for mite fauna of Iran. The latter is also new for Asia. Eight new beetle host records are documented and the world distribution of the mites is reviewed. Moreover, beetles of the subfamily Cicindelinae (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are recorded for the first time as hosts of Caraboacarid mites.