Halozercon gryphus, Marchenko, 2021

Marchenko, Irina I., 2021, Four new species of Halozercon (Acari: Mesostigmata: Zerconidae) from South Siberia Mountains (Russia) with a key to all known species, Zootaxa 4941 (2), pp. 151-185 : 161-170

Halozercon gryphus sp. n.

Diagnosis. Vertex with pair of ip1 glands, inserted between j1 and z1 setae.Podonotum with pair of lateral longitudinal and a pair of central rounded fields free of ornamentation, with clearly visible fields of sigillae. First sternal shield divided, second is entire. Adult peritremes shorter than in deutonymph, reaching anterior level of III coxae. Male chelicera with sexual dimorphism: apical hook of movable digit flat-rounded anteriorly with hammer-like anterolateral extension. Adult pretarsus of legs II–IV with distinctive shape of median pulvillus—enlarged, pointed shape, significantly protrude above the claws and paradactyls.

Description. Female ( Figs 18–25 and 33–36 , n=10)

Dorsal idiosoma. Idiosoma suboval, 615–635 long and 400–425 wide ( Figs 18 , 33 ). Anterior margin of the podonotum curved ventrally to form a vertex; two smooth setae inserted on the ventral side of idiosoma: seta j1 (15–17) and seta z1 (7–9), with pair of glands ip1 inserted between setae j 1 and z1 and pore po1 outside from z1. All setae on dorsal shields are located on enlarged rounded bases. Podonotal shield strongly neotrichous with 16–18 central setae of j -series, 23–27 lateral setae of z, s -series and 28–30 setae of r -series from each side. Podonotum ornamented with small tubercles in anterior and lateral regions of shield and festoon pattern in central part, with a pair of longitudinal fields between j and z–s rows of setae and a pair of central rounded fields free of ornamentation, with clearly visible fields of sigillae. Most setae in podonotum smooth, except slightly pilose in most posterior row. Podonotal setae of j and z–s series 15–21 long. Three pairs of pore-like structures (glands) po1–po4 located in podonotum, glands po1 visible in ventral side, po3 not visible. Opisthonotum strongly neotrichous, ornamented by tubercles patterns over the entire surface of the shield except most posterior part behind j –group of setae; with 24–26 lateral setae of Z, S series in asymmetrical location, 19–21 of R -series on each side and 19–25 setae of J - series in median region. All lateral and median opisthonotal setae pilose, 25–30 long. Area between median and lateral groups of setae with pair of longitudinal fields free of ornamentation, with clearly visible fields of sigillae. Four or five posterodorsal sigillae approximately equal size. Four pairs of pore-like structures Po1–Po4 inserted in opisthonotum. Pores Po4 visible in ventral side. Marginal dorsal setae of r–R series (35–40) inserted on high tubercles (12–15), curved and densely feathered.

Ventral idiosoma. ( Figs 19–20 , 34–36 ). Base of tritosternum 32–37 long and 17–18 wide, paired pilose laciniae free from each other along entire length, 65–75 long. Pair of St1 setae at soft cuticle (22–25). First sternal platelets divided, suboval, 25–27 long and15–17 wide; with pair of St2 setae (17–22) and pair of lyrifissures iv2. Second sternal platelet fused, subrectangular form, with a specific folding as shown in Figures 20 and 35 , with two pairs of setae St 3, St 4 (15–19) and two pairs of lyrifissures iv 3, iv 4. Area around the sternal shields covered with small tubercles. Genital shield 67–82 long, 75–80 wide, irregularly-shaped; expanded posteriorly; with genital setae St5 (15–19) and lyrifissures iv5. Subtriangular membrane is covered with the genital shield. Genital shield with complex formation, including one median unpaired cap and two pairs of fine sclerites. Peritrematal shields fused anteriorly forming a vertex and fused with dorsal shield laterally; strongly sclerotised, postero-lateral ends are drawn back; ornamented with festoon reticulation along entire length. Five pairs of pore-like structures inserted in peritrematal shields: gp1, gp2 and ip1–ip3. Peritremes slightly sinuous, 125–127 long, reaching level of anterior of coxae III. Ventri-anal shield entire, broad, 182–200 long and 325–355 wide, fused to opisthonotal shield along the lateral margins, with festoon reticulation, with 10–13 smooth opisthogastric setae (12–22) inserted asymmetrically from each side, marginal rows of opisthonotal setae on high tubercles. Adgenital gland pores gv2 are multiple, dispersed over the surface: one pair of gland openings located in soft cuticle postero-laterad of genital shield, other 8–9 openings located in ventri-anal shield from each side. Anal area with smooth para-anal (12–15) and post-anal setae (17–22); anal opening with two lyrifissures on each valve; cribrum located posteriorly of para-anal seta. Pair of glands gv 3 located anteriorly of para-anal setae.

Gnathosoma . ( Figs 22–25 ). Fixed digit of chelicera 63–65 long, with five teeth in addition to apical hook and leaf-shaped pilus dentilis ( Fig. 22 ); movable digit the same length with three teeth in addition to apical hook. Chelicera with long dorsal seta (23), lateral (antiaxial) and dorsal (paraxial) lyrifissures; with arthrodial corona. Epistome with irregularly serrated lateral edges and smooth pointed median projection ( Fig. 23 ). Corniculi 35– 37 long and 12–13 wide. Internal malae slightly longer than corniculi ( Fig.25 ). Deutosternal groove with seven transverse denticulate rows, with three paired smooth lateral transverse lines. The posterior fourth pair of lateral transverse lines arch-shaped, with large denticles, located at the level of pc setae. Setae h1–h3 smooth: h1 (43–45) longest, seta h2 (17–18) shorter than h3 (25–27); pc (20–23) serrated. Dorsal side of gnathosoma with the pair of protruding wedge-shaped structures between palpal coxa and trochanter, lateral to epistome as in Figure 24 . Palpal chaetotaxy 2–5–6–12–15, palp with five free segments; palp trochanter with seta al 1 long and pilose in the distal third; with seta al 2 short and smooth; palp genu with setae al 1 and al 2 pilose in distal third, palp apotele two-tined.

Legs. ( Figs 21 , 63b ). Lengths: I 400–415, II 325–340, III 325–340, IV 400–415 μm. Chaetotaxy of legs as in H. alataus . All legs with pair of sclerotised claws and pulvillus. Pretarsus of legs II–IV with ambulacral stalk, with enlarged pair of median pulvillus pointed shape, significantly protrude above the claws and paradactyls. Pretasus of legs I with sessile claws and pair of median pulvillus rounded shape. Coxae I–IV grouped closely together vertically; coxae I split on dorsal side, III–IV coxae with recesses on anterolateral side. Coxae II–III with antero-dorsal spines: II coxae with large sharp spine, III coxae with small one. Coxae IV with alveolar vestige of second av seta.

Male ( Figs 26–27 , n=10).

Dorsal idiosoma. Dorsal shield suboval shape, 575–600 long and 375–390 wide. Ornamentation and chaetotaxy similar to that of female.

Ventral idiosoma ( Fig. 26 ). Base of tritosternum 30–32 long and 15–17 wide, pilose laciniae, 67–70 long. Pair of presternal St1 setae in folded soft cuticle ( Fig. 26 ). First sternal platelet entire, with pair of St2 setae, with linear and festoon ornamentation, 27–30 long and 42–47 wide. Second sternal platelet entire, subcordate in shape, without distinct ornamentation; with two pairs of setae St3, St4 and two pairs of lyrifissures iv3, iv 4 in anterior margin; 35–37 long on median line and 55–57 wide at level of St3 setae; surrounds the genital opening. Genital opening located at level of coxae III; with a pair of eugenital setae (12–15), covered by two platelets. Third sternal platelet entire or fragmentary, subtriangular shape, 30–35 long and 52–57 wide, with pair of St5 setae. Sternal setae St1 the longest (23–25), other St2– St5 equal in length (17–20). Endo- and exopodal shields absent. Peritrematal shields fused with ventri-anal shield posteriorly, with five pairs of pore-like structures: gp1, gp2 and ip1–ip3. Arch of vertex with two dorsal smooth setae j1 (23–27) and z1 (10–12). Peritremes similar to those of female. Ventri-anal shield broad, 212–220 long and 385–395 wide, fused to opisthonotal shield along lateral edges; with festoon reticulation; 10–13 pairs of opisthogastric smooth setae inserted asymmetrically, central setae longer (20–23) than other (12–13) and lateral rows of opisthonotal setae on high tubercles, each with 11–12 pilose setae. Adgenital gland pores gv2 multiple, dispersed over the surface of ventri-anal shield.Anal area with pre-anal (12–15) and post-anal setae 20–22 long, anal opening with two lyrifissures on each valve; cribrum present. Pair of glands gv3 located antero-lateral of para-anal setae.

Gnathosoma . Fixed digit of chelicera with five teeth (two large and three small) in addition to apical hook and leaf-shaped pilus dentilis ( Fig. 27 ). Movable digit of chelicera the same length as fixed digit (55–57), tridentate in addition to apical hook, with arthrodial corona at base of digit. Apical hook of movable digit flat-rounded anteriorly with hammer-like antero-lateral extension. Chelicera with dorsal seta, lateral (antiaxial) and dorsal (paraxial) lyrifissures. Male chelicera with sexual dimorphism of movable digit. Epistome, corniculi, internal malae, hypostomal and palpal structures as in female.

Legs. Lengths: I 420–440, II 335–345, III 335–345, IV 420–440 μm. Chaetotaxy and morphology of legs as in female. Leg II without sexual dimorphism.

Deutonymph ( Fig. 28 , n=5).

Dorsal idiosoma. Dorsal shield suboval shape, 420–515 long and 275–325 wide. Anterior margin of the podonotum curved ventrally to form a vertex, with setae j1, z1 and pairs of pores ip1, po1. Ornamentation, porotaxy and neotrichy as in adults. Dorsal shield is curved on the ventral side posteriorly, with nine curved setae on high tubercles from each side.

Ventral idiosoma ( Fig. 28 ). Pair of St1 setae inserted in folded soft cuticle. Sternal setae St1–St5 of sternal region inserted in soft cuticle. Peritrematal shields narrow, fused with dorsal shield laterally, with festoon reticulation along entire length. Peritrematal pore-like structures outside the vertex not visible. Peritremes wavy shape, 155–180 long, longer than in adults, reaching level of anterior spine of coxae II anteriorly; with internal cell structure. One pair of adgenital gland pores gv2 located in soft cuticle posteriorly to coxae IV. Opisthogastric area with 5–6 pairs of simple setae inserted in soft cuticle asymmetrically. Anal shield with one pair of opisthogastric setae, pair of para-anal and post-anal setae; with cribrum and pair of gv3 glands located antero-lateral to para-anal setae. Dorsal shield does not connect with anal shield.

Gnathosoma . As in adults.

Legs. Lengths: I 315–325, II 275–300, III 250–285, IV 315–325. Chaetotaxy of legs as in adults.

Protonymph ( Figs 29–30 , n=7).

Dorsal idiosoma ( Fig. 29 ). Dorsal idiosoma 360–390 long and 235–250 wide, with weakly sclerotised podonotal and pygidial shields, ornamented with small tubercles, with multiple sigillae. Anterior margin of podonotum curved ventrally to form a vertex, with pilose vertical setae j1. Podonotum with five pairs of setae in j -row (j1, j3–j6), with pair of recognisable z5 setae in z-row, with 11–12 setae of s -series and 22 setae of r -series and two pairs of visible pores po2, po4 from each side. Pygidial region with two pairs of setae in J -row, with multiple asymmetrical setae in lateral margins and 9–10 setae in R -row from each side. Four pairs of pores present.

Ventral idiosoma ( Fig. 30 ). Sternal setae St1–St3 and St5 inserted in soft folded cuticle; St5 minute seta. Peritrematal shields and pore-like structures of peritrematal regions not distinct. Peritremes very short (27–30), with internal cell structure; with thin ducts leading from stigmata. Adgenital gland pores gv2 not distinct. Opisthogastric area with five pairs of simple setae inserted in soft cuticle, including two pairs of minute setae. Anal shield with cribrum, pair of glands gv3, para-anal and post-anal setae. Dorsal shield is curved on the ventral side, does not connect with anal shield.

Legs. Lengths: I 235–260, II 200–225, III 200–225, IV 245–260. Chaetotaxy of legs typical for protonymphs of Halozercon .

Larva ( Figs 31–32 , n=2).

Dorsal idiosoma ( Fig. 31 ). Dorsal idiosoma 275–292 long and 200–225 wide with podonotal and pygidial shields. Podonotal shield with nine pairs of setae, including five pairs of j -row (setae j2 absent); vertical setae j1 the longest (30–32), stout, pilose, inserted on tubercles on anterior margin of shield. Pygidium with or without ornamentation, pair of pores Po3 and eight pairs of setae, including two pairs of simple setae in J -row, two pairs of lateral setae and four large curved, pilose setae of R -row on enlarged tubercles from each side.

Ventral idiosoma ( Fig. 32 ). Tritosternum as in adults. Sternal setae St1–St3 inserted in soft cuticle. Peritremes and stigmas absent. Four pairs of opisthogastral setae inserted in soft cuticle, of which seta Jv2 the longest; three pairs of marginal setae brush form. Adgenital pores gv2 located posteriorly of IV coxae. Anal shield with pair of glands gv3, pair of simple para-anal and post-anal setae.

Legs. Lengths: I 230–235, II 200–205, III 200–205 μm.

Material examined. Holotype—female, Russia, ALTAI Mountains, Ust-Koksa Distr., Krasnaya Mountain, 50 05ʹ N, 85 11ʹ E, 1800 m a.s.l., Picea obovata – Abies sibirica – Pinus sibirica forest, litter, 17 July 2019, leg. V.K. Zinchenko; paratypes: 1 female, 1 male, same data as holotype; 2 males, same geographical data, 2000 m a.s.l., alpine tundra with Betula rotundifolia , litter, 23 July 2015, leg. I.I. Marchenko; 17 females, 5 males, same geographical data, 1770–1900 m a.s.l., alpine meadow with Picea obovata , Abies sibirica and Pinus sibirica , litter, 23–24 July 2017, leg. I.I. Marchenko; 2 females, 2 males, same geographical data, 1700 m a.s.l., Picea obovata – Abies sibirica – Pinus sibirica forest, litter, 23 July 2015, leg. I.I. Marchenko; 2 females, same geographical data, 900 m a.s.l., Picea obovata – Abies sibirica – Pinus sibirica forest, litter, 10 June 2013, leg. I.I. Marchenko.

Other materials. ALTAI, 5 females, 1 male, Ust-Koksa Distr., Krasnaya Mountain., 50 05ʹ N, 85 11ʹ E, 900 m a.s.l., Picea obovata – Abies sibirica – Pinus sibirica forest, litter, 10 June 2013, leg. I.I. Marchenko; 2 females, 4 males, 5 deutonymphs, 1 protonymph, same geographical data, 1700 m a.s.l., Picea obovata – Abies sibirica – Pinus sibirica forest, litter, 23 July 2015, leg. I.I. Marchenko; 5 females, 1deutonymph, 1 protonymph, same geographical data, 1900 m a.s.l., alpine meadow with Picea obovata , Abies sibirica and Pinus sibirica , litter, 23 July 2017, leg. I.I. Marchenko; 2 larvae, same geographical data, 1900 m a.s.l., alpine meadow with Abies sibirica – Picea obovata , in litter, 18 July 2019, leg. V.K. Zinchenko; 3 protonymphs, same geographical data, 1800 m a.s.l., Picea obovata – Abies sibirica – Pinus sibirica forest, litter, 17 July 2019, leg. V.K. Zinchenko; 1 male, 2 protonymphs, same geographical data, Abies sibirica – Pinus sibirica forest, litter, 26 July 2019, leg. V.K. Zinchenko; 1 male, Central Altai, Ongudai Distr., environs of Malaya Inya village, spurs of the Saldjar Ridge, 50 27ʹ N, 86 41ʹ E, 900 m a.s.l., Larix sibirica forest, litter, 11 June 2016, leg. I.I. Marchenko.

Etymology. The species is named gryphus after the mythological creature griffon with the body of lion and the head of eagle. Griffons guarded the gold in the far north of Asia in Hyperborea, according to Herodotus. The legend was confirmed when Siberian archaeologists discovered at the end of the 20th century ancient burial mounds in Altai with numerous objects depicting griffons, which were totems among the ancient people who lived in Altai Mountains.

Remarks. Dorsal idiosoma of Halozercon gryphus sp.n. is most similar to H. karacholana Wiśniewski et al. 1992 , but larger in size. Vertex with pair of ip1 glands, inserted between j1 and z1 setae as in H. karacholana . Female of Halozercon gryphus sp.n. differs from all known species of the genus by entire second sternal shield. Male chelicera of H. gryphus with sexual dimorphism, differs from male chelicera of other species by hammer-like antero-lateral extension on apical hook of movable digit. Adult pretarsus of legs II–IV with distinctive shape of median pulvillus—enlarged, pointed shape, significantly protrude above the claws and paradactyls ( Figs 21 , 63b ).

Figures

FIGURE 18. Halozercon gryphus sp. n., female. Dorsal idiosoma.

FIGURES 19–21. Halozercon gryphus sp. n., female. 19. Ventral idiosoma; 20. Second sternal shield; 21. Pretarsus of II-IV legs.

FIGURES 22–25. Halozercon gryphus sp. n., female. 22. Chelicera; 23. Epistome; 24. Gnathosoma, dorsal view; 25.Hypostome with palp trochanter.

FIGURE 28. Halozercon gryphus sp. n., deutonymph. Ventral idiosoma.

FIGURE 63. Pretarsi of legs II–IV of different species of Halozercon, adults. a—H. alataus sp.n.; b—H. gryphus sp.n.; c—H. kumir sp.n.; d—H. aesopi sp. n.; e—H. capitaneus; f—H. kazachok; g—H. barguzin; h—H. tigerek; i—H. karacholana.

FIGURES 33–36. Halozercon gryphus sp. n., SEM photos, female. 33. Dorsal idiosoma; 34. Ventral idiosoma; 35. Presternal and sternal regions of ventrum; 36. Genital and ventri-anal regions of ventrum.

FIGURES 26–27. Halozercon gryphus sp. n., male. 26. Ventral view; 27. Chelicera.

FIGURES 29–30. Halozercon gryphus sp. n., protonymph. 29. Dorsal idiosoma; 30. Ventral idiosoma.

FIGURES 31–32. Halozercon gryphus sp. n., larva. 31. Dorsal idiosoma; 32. Ventral idiosoma.