Cunaxa setirostris (Hermann)

Halliday, R. B., 2005, Predatory mites from crops and pastures in South Africa: potential natural enemies of redlegged earth mite Halotydeus destructor (Acari: Penthaleidae), Zootaxa 1079, pp. 11-64 : 28-29

Cunaxa setirostris (Hermann)

Specimens examined: Site 94­1, 1 female; Site 94­4, 1 female; Site 94­16, 1 female; Site 94­19, 2 females; Site 94­28, 4 females, 4 N; Site 94­31, 1 female.

The identification of Cunaxa setirostris and related species is exceptionally difficult and complex. The species has had a very complex taxonomic and nomenclatural history, and existing descriptions and illustrations purporting to represent this species are contradictory. There is even considerable confusion about the correct name of the genus to which the species setirostris belongs (reviewed by Den Heyer, 1979). Because the species cannot be recognised with any certainty, the present identification must be regarded as provisional, especially because the available specimens are of poor quality. Cunaxa setirostris was reported from Australia by Womersley (1933a), but that identification is also questionable.