Journal of Cave and Karst Studies - ISSN 1090-6924
Volume 66 Number 3: 81-88 - December 2004

A publication of the National Speleological Society

New ereynetid mites (Acari: Tydeoidea) from karstic areas: True association or sampling bias?
Henri M. André, Xavier Ducarme, and Philippe Lebrun

Abstract

A new genus and two new species of ereynetid mites, one edaphobitic the other troglobitic, are described from three European karst areas. Free-living species of the Riccardoella-complex exhibit ramified barbules in guard setae associated with tarsal solenidia, whereas parasitic species lack these characters. Ramified barbules in guard setae are thus considered specific adaptations to soil habitat. Free-living species of the Riccardoella-complex are seemingly restricted to karstic and other calcareous-rich areas while parasitic species live exclusively on slugs and snails. The relationship between calcium and Riccardoella-complex mites is discussed. A key is provided for the genera of Ereynetinae.

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