Pneumocoptes banksi ( Wellman et Wherry, 1910 )

Bochkov, Andre V., Zabludovskaya, Svetlana & Oconnor, Barry M., 2008, Phylogeny and systematics of the endoparasitic astigmatid mites (Acari: Sarcoptiformes) of mammals: families Gastronyssidae, Lemurnyssidae, and Pneumocoptidae, Zootaxa 1951 (1), pp. 1-152 : 149

4. Pneumocoptes banksi ( Wellman et Wherry, 1910)

Cytoleichus banksi Wellman & Wherry 1910: 417 .

Pneumocoptes banksi, Lee & Dutson 1971: 57 .

Type material examined. None.

Type deposition. Unknown, presumably lost.

Host range and distribution. This species was described from the lungs of Spermophilus beecheyi (Richardson) (Sciuridae) from California, USA.

Remarks. This species was described and illustrated in a rudimentary manner that does not allow for specific recognition. The original type material is presumed lost. Baker (1951) mentioned this species but retained it in the family Cytoditidae . Lee and Dutson (1971) reported this species from the lungs of 8 from 79 individuals of S. beecheyi examined at two localities in northern California. They transferred the species to the genus Pneumocoptes and described the pathological reaction to the mites in the alveoli of the lungs. Unfortunately, no additional morphological description was provided nor were voucher specimens deposited. Until new specimens can be collected and studied in detail, this species must remain incertae sedis.