Helvetobelba, Mahunka, S., 1999

Mahunka, S., 1999, Oribatid mites from Switzerland, IV (Acari: Oribatida: Suctobelbidae), Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 45, pp. 375-381 : 375-376

Helvetobelba gen. n.

Diagnosis: Family Suctobelbidae JACOT, 1938. Rostral region rather simple, median rostral apex roundish, with sharply pointed lateral teeth. Behind them the lateral margin slightly concave, incisions absent. Rostral setae evenly curved mediad, not geniculate. Tectopedial field clearly developed. One pair of lamellar knobs bearing the lamellar setae. Dorsosejugal margin of the notogaster without apophyses, notogastral surface smooth. Ten pairs of long, simple notogastral setae present. Epimeral setal formula: 3-1-3-3. Anogenital setal formula: 6-1-2-3. Setae ad1 in postanal, lyrifissures iad in paraanal position. Posterior margin of epimeral borders IV serrate, with tubercles or waved. Other features (gnathosoma, legs) as in type genus of the family.

Type species: Helvetobelba dichotoma sp. n.

Remarks: The new genus is related to Suctobelba Paoli, 1908 (STRENZKE 1951), however, the rostrum of the only known species lacks the rostral incisure. The completely divided lamellar knob, the number of genital setae and the position of the adanal setae are dissimilar to Suctobelba species.

Etymology: Named after its place of origin.