Kakophthiracarus, MAHUNKA, 1992

Mahunka, S. & Mahunka-Papp, L., 2007, Taxonomical And Faunistical Studies On Oribatids Collected In Kenya (Acari: Oribatida) I., Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 53 (1), pp. 51-74 : 53-55

Kakophthiracarus subitus ( NIEDBAŁA, 1983)

( Figs 1–5 )

Originally the species was described by NIEDBAŁA (1983) as one belonging to the genus of Hoplophorella BERLESE, 1923 , later it was discussed in the degraded subgenus of Hoplophorella of the genus Atropacarus Ewing ( NIEDBAŁA 2001). Subsequently, MAHUNKA (1992) regarded this species group as an independent genus named Kakophthiracarus MAHUNKA, 1992 , which was accepted by SUBIAS (2004) so that the latter is only a subgenus of the genus Hoplophorella , and the species were relegated accordingly. My personal opinion is that Kakophthiracarus is an independent taxon on its own, and that it is not a near relative of the genus Atropacarus . Time will tell that Kakophthiracarus is a subgeneric or a generic taxon, subsequent examinations are needed.

The specimens recovered just now from Kenya are easily identifiable with the description and published figures of NIEDBAŁA. Of course, some minor variations are observable but they are of infraspecific value. The clearly recognisable differences are:

Measurements – Length of aspis: 332 µm, length of notogaster: 720 µm, height of notogaster: 485 µm.

Aspis ( Fig. 2 ): Rostral part foveolate, rostral setae straight, lamellar and interlamellar setae equal in length. Sensillus rounded at distal end. Exobothridial setae vestigial or absent, its insertion discernible.

Notogaster ( Fig. 1 ): Surface irregularly striate dorsally. Notogastral setae very thin, sometimes flagellate.

Anogenital region ( Fig. 5 ): Anal plates with a well observable longitudinal line, their posterolateral surface distinctly striated.

Leg: Setae of femur of leg I and tarsus and tibia of leg IV as shown in Fig 3, 4 .

Figures

Figs 1–5. Kakophthiracarus subitus (NIEDBAŁA, 1983) – 1 = body in lateral view, 2 = aspis in dorsal view, 3 = tibia and tarsus of leg IV, 4 = femur of leg IV, 5: anogenital region