Diamphidaxona (Diamphidaxonella) californica, Smith, Ian M. & Cook, David R., 2006

Smith, Ian M. & Cook, David R., 2006, North American species of Diamphidaxona (Acari: Hydrachnida: Hygrobatidae), Zootaxa 1279, pp. 1-44 : 21-22

Diamphidaxona (Diamphidaxonella) californica sp. nov.

( Figs. 81–86 )

Description. Male with character states of Diamphidaxonella (female unknown). Dorsal edge of camerostome acutely rounded anteriorly ( Fig. 82 ). Pedipalps with tibia bearing one ventral seta ( Fig. 83 ). Dorsal shield with anterior plate narrower than posterior plate and protruding and strongly pointed anteriorly ( Fig. 81 ). Ventral shield with suture lines between third and fourth coxal plates with medial loops deeply arched and lateral loops Ushaped and open anteriorly ( Fig. 82 ). Projections covering insertions of fourth pair of legs with anterior extensions moderately long, sinuous and directed anterolaterally ( Fig. 82 ). Genital field of males separated from ventral shield by distinct band of membranous integument ( Fig. 82 ). Measurements of holotype: Male (n=1): Length/width anterior dorsal plate 138/186, length/width posterior dorsal plate 246/192, length/width ventral shield 348/222, length/width genital field 50/78. Lengths pedipalp segments: Tr 10, Fe 36, Ge 20, Ti 26, Ta 18. Lengths leg segments: ITr 25, IBFe 36, ITFe 34, IGe 42, ITi 46, ITa 56; IITr 30, IIBFe 38, IITFe 34, IIGe 39, IITi 46, IITa 56; IIITr 31, IIIBFe 36, IIITFe 33, IIIGe 40, IIITi 52, IIITa 60; IVTr 78, IVBFe 51, IVTFe 56, IVGe 61, IVTi 61, IVTa 62.

Types. Holotype: Male from South Fork of Trinity River at Forest Glen Campground off Rt. 36 at Forest Glen, Trinity Co., California on 6 August 1987 by IMS (slide, CNC).

Etymology. Named for the state of California where the only known specimen of this species was collected.

Distribution. Known only from the type locality.

Remarks. The holotype of Diamphidaxona californica differs from adults of all other known North American species of the subgenus Diamphidaxonella in that the anterior dorsal plate protrudes and is strongly pointed anteriorly.

Figures

FIGURES 81 – 86. Diamphidaxona (Diamphidaxonella) californica sp. nov., adult male. 81, dorsal shield; 82, ventral shield and genital field; 83, pedipalp; 84, gnathosoma, lateral view; 85, leg I; 86, distal segments of leg IV.