Miracarus similis

Mahunka, S. & Mahunka-Papp, L., 2009, Topobates helveticus sp. n. and some other remarkable moss mites from Switzerland (Acari: Oribatida)., Revue suisse de Zoologie 116, pp. 325-336 : 329

Miracarus similis Subías & Iturrondobeitia, 1978

Figs 4-8

Locality: VS-48: Switzerland: Valais: Vouvry, layer of mosses from a rocky slope on the trail to the cave "Grotte de la Pierre Perret" (B), 460 m: 10.VIII.1989; leg. B. Hauser.

Remarks: The genus Miracarus Kunst, 1959 so far comprises five species, all from the Mediterranean region of Europe. However, aecording to Subias (2004. 2008), M. abeloosi Lions, 1979 is conspecific with the above species, therefore the genus would have only four species. As far as we are concerned, the synonymy of similis and abeloosi needs further proof, also because Pérez-Inigo (1997) made no mention of this opinion. By comparing the published figures of the two species, significant differences can be established, although the figure of similis is highly simplified, and we do not know whether the authors have studied the types of both species.

The lamellar apices of M. similis described from Arratia (Viczaya) are very wide and touching each other medially. A well-developed sejugal line is present, which is not interrupted medially. M. abeloosi was described by Lions (1979) from specimens collected in France, in the region of "Alpes Maritimes", in the environs of "Le Chens" and "Sainte Baume". His description is perfect, covering all the details, but differs from the original description of M. similis . The Swiss specimens, the figures of which are given hereunder (Figs 4-8), may be conspecific with the ones from France. The shape of the lamellar apices in the Swiss specimens is different, and the dorsosejugal line is clearly interrupted.

The known localities in France are quite close to those of the Swiss specimens, therefore it is not surprising that they belong to the same species. We accept the opinion of Subías, with the reservation that a further study of the types is necessary.

Key to the species op Miracarus

1a Outer cusps of lamellae four to five times longer than the inner cusps................................2

1b Both lamellar cusp nearly equal in length...........................3

2a Head of sensillus long, with spinifom distal end................................ hurkai Kunst. 1958

2b Head of sensillus rounded distally.................................. discrepans Mahunka, 1966

3a Distal end of lamellae wide, lamellar setae located in the middle ............................... similis Subías & Iturrondobeitia, 1978

3b Distal end of lamellae narrowed, lamellar setae located laterally ............................................ senensis Bernini, 1975

Figs 4-8 [p. 330]

Miracarus similis Subias & lturrondobeitia, 1978. (4) Body in dorsal view. (5) Body in ventral view. (6) Sensillus and pteromorpha. (7) Body in lateral view. (8) Lamellar cusps.