identifier	taxonID	type	CVterm	format	language	title	description	additionalInformationURL	UsageTerms	rights	Owner	contributor	creator	bibliographicCitation
03C887D815535E783DE714B3FA9CFEEB.text	03C887D815535E783DE714B3FA9CFEEB.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Hyracarus maximus Stekolnikov & Barnard & Raubenheimer & Little & Singo & Kipling & Matthee 2025	<div><p>Hyracarus maximus Stekolnikov, sp. nov.</p><p>(Figs. 1A–C, 2–4)</p><p>Diagnosis. SIF = 7B-B-3-2111.2110; fPp = B/B/BBB; fD = [(5–7)-8(9)]-(8–10)-(8–10)-(8–12)+(15–30), DS = 54–73, V = 52–67, Hv = 3–6, NDV = 118–140; Ip = 1132–1226; scutum pentagonal, with angulate posterior margin; nasus expanded in medial part, with rounded end; sensillary bases at level of PLs (PSB–P-PL from –5 to 4, mean 0); PL&gt; AL = AM; sensilla with very small, poorly visible cilia; cheliceral blade with dorsal tooth and row of 11–12 ventral denticles; parasubterminala (z) branched. Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): femur 6, 6, 5; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 32, 17, 17. Measurements are given in Table 1.</p><p>Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Figs. 1A, B, 2). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 54–73 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae; distribution by anterior rows—13–15 C, 8–10 D, 8–10 E, 8–12 F, 1 st row double, two marginal setae of 2 nd row shifted anteriad, marginal setae of 1 st and 2 nd rows (humeral setae) longest; two sternal setae between coxae III; 52–67 ventral setae; 3–6 humeroventral setae between coxae II and III laterally; NDV = 118–140; stigmata and tracheae absent.</p><p>GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 3). Cheliceral blade with one dorsal tooth and ventrolateral row of 11–12 denticles; cheliceral base with small dense puncta in proximal part; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with small dense puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta heavily ciliated; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femur with small puncta; palpal femoral seta branched; palpal genual seta with few branches; palpal tibia with heavily ciliated distally dorsal seta, lateral seta bearing few branches, and branched ventral seta; palpal tarsus with seven unspecialized setae (six branched ventral and one dorsal bearing very small, poorly visible cilia) and tarsala (ω).</p><p>SCUTUM (Figs. 1A, 2C, D). With small dense puncta, pentagonal, with angulate posterior margin; nasus expanded in medial part, with rounded end; AM situated at level of ALs, sensillary (trichobothrial) bases at level of PLs (PSB–P-PL from –5 to 4, mean 0); PL&gt; AL = AM; all scutal setae barbed similarly to dorsal idiosomal setae; sensilla (trichobothria) flagelliform, look nude, but very small, poorly visible cilia can be observed at highest magnification.</p><p>LEGS (Fig. 4). All six-segmented (with undivided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium, onychotriches absent. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ) in tandem, distal rod-like, striated, proximal setiform, microtibiala (κ) near distal tibiala, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) distal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ), branched parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ), microgenuala (κ) distal to genuala, 2 tibialae (φ) in tandem, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) behind tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ), tibiala (φ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 2, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; femur 6, 6, 5; genu 4, 4, 4; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 32, 17, 17. Ventral setae feathered, dorsal setae branched, bearing few cilia or nude. Numbers of nude setae: Leg I: tarsus 1, tibia 1 (bearing few cilia basally); Leg III: tarsus 2, tibia 1 (bearing few cilia basally), genu 1 (bearing few cilia basally).</p><p>Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18397), ex Micaelamys namaquensis (No. ObMn12), South Africa, Western Cape, Ouberg Private Nature Reserve, near Montagu, Succulent Karoo, 6 November 2023, coll. Alyssa Little. Paratypes: 20 larvae (ZIN 18372, 18375, 18379–18381, 18387–18393, 18400, 18401, 18403, 18413–18417), ex M. namaquensis (Nos ObMn02, 8, 12, 13, 15, 19), same locality, date, and collector ; five larvae (ZIN 18483– 18485, 18487, and 18489) ex Rhabdomys pumilio (Nos. ObRp4 and ObRp6), same locality, 7 November 2023, coll. Lola Singo.</p><p>Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the size of the new species, maximal among the known species of Hyracarus .</p><p>Differential diagnosis. The new species is similar to Hyracarus mutabilis (Vercammen-Grandjean and Brennan, 1957) and differs from it in much longer legs (Ip = 1132–1226 vs. 715) and higher number of teeth on the cheliceral blade (11–12 vs. 7). In the drawing from the original description of H. mutabilis, the cilia on sensilla looks much longer than in H. maximus sp. nov., but direct comparison is required to confirm that this is a real difference.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C887D815535E783DE714B3FA9CFEEB	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A.;Barnard, Karlien;Raubenheimer, Inge;Little, Alyssa Jade;Singo, Lola;Kipling, Jessica;Matthee, Sonja	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Barnard, Karlien, Raubenheimer, Inge, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2025): Contribution to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of South Africa, with descriptions of three new genera and ten new species. Zootaxa 5691 (3): 495-538, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4
03C887D815575E723DE714E5FA45F8B8.text	03C887D815575E723DE714E5FA45F8B8.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Hyracarus minimus Stekolnikov & Barnard & Raubenheimer & Little & Singo & Kipling & Matthee 2025	<div><p>Hyracarus minimus Stekolnikov, sp. nov.</p><p>(Figs. 1D, E, 5, 6)</p><p>Diagnosis. SIF = 5B-B-3-2111.3321; fPp = B/B/BBB; fD = [(4–6)-(6–8)]-(8–9)-(8–9)-(8–10)+(11–19), DS = 48– 60, V = 38–45, Hv = 2(0), NDV = 88–104; Ip = 679–722; scutum pentagonal, with angulate posterior margin; nasus expanded in medial part, with rounded end; sensillary bases slightly anterior to level of PLs (PSB–P-PL from 1 to 4, mean 1); PL&gt; AL ≥ AM; sensilla nude; cheliceral blade with dorsal tooth and row of ca. 12 ventral denticles; parasubterminala (z) nude or ciliated. Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): femur 6, 6, 5; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 24, 17, 17. Measurements are given in Table 2.</p><p>Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Figs. 1D, E, 5A–D, H, I). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 48–60 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae; distribution by anterior rows—10–13 C, 8–9 D, 8–9 E, 8–10 F, 1 st row double, two marginal setae of 2 nd row shifted anteriad, marginal setae of 1 st and 2 nd rows (humeral setae) longest; two sternal setae between coxae III; 38–45 ventral setae; 2 humeroventral setae between coxae II and III laterally in holotype and three paratypes, absent in two paratypes; NDV = 118–140; reduced stigmata visible between gnathocoxa and coxae I, tracheae absent.</p><p>GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 5E–G). Cheliceral blade with one dorsal tooth and ventrolateral row of ca. 12 denticles; cheliceral base with small dense puncta in proximal part; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with small sparse puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta ciliated; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femoral, genual, and tibial setae branched; palpal tarsus with five unspecialized setae (dorsal seta bears very small, poorly visible cilia) and tarsala (ω).</p><p>SCUTUM (Figs. 1D, 5A). With small dense puncta, pentagonal, with angulate posterior margin; nasus expanded in medial part, with rounded end; AM situated slightly posterior to level of ALs, sensillary (trichobothrial) bases slightly anterior to level of PLs (PSB–P-PL from 1 to 4, mean 1); PL&gt; AL ≥ AM; all scutal setae barbed similarly to dorsal idiosomal setae; sensilla (trichobothria) flagelliform, nude.</p><p>LEGS (Fig. 6). All six-segmented (with undivided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium, onychotriches absent. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ) in tandem, microtibiala (κ) near distal tibiala, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) distal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ), nude or ciliated parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ), microgenuala (κ) distal to genuala, 2 tibialae (φ) in tandem, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) behind tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ), tibiala (φ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 2, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; femur 6, 6, 5; genu 4, 4, 4; tibia 9, 6, 6 or 8, 6, 6 (variation recorded); tarsus 24, 17, 17. Ventral setae feathered, dorsal setae branched or nude. Numbers of nude setae: Leg I: tarsus 6, tibia 4, genu 1; Leg II: tarsus 1, tibia 1, genu 1; Leg III: tarsus 3, tibia 3, genu 2, femur 1.</p><p>Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18402), ex Micaelamys namaquensis (No. ObMn12), South Africa, Western Cape, Ouberg Private Nature Reserve, near Montagu, Succulent Karoo, 6 November 2023, coll. Alyssa Little. Paratypes: three larvae (ZIN 18398, 18399, and 18411) ex M. namaquensis (Nos ObMn04 and ObMn12), same locality, date, and collector ; one larva (ZIN 18447) ex M. namaquensis (No. WbMn15), South Africa, Western Cape, Witteberg Private Nature Reserve, between Matjesfontein and Laingsburg, Fynbos, 11 December 2023, coll. Alyssa Little ; one larva (ZIN 18486) ex Rhabdomys pumilio (No. ObRp4), Western Cape, Ouberg Private Nature Reserve, near Montagu, Succulent Karoo, 7 November 2023, coll. Lola Singo.</p><p>Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the size of the new species, smaller than that of the sympatric species H. maximus sp. nov.</p><p>Differential diagnosis. Hyracarus minimus sp. nov. is the only species of Hyracarus in which the humeroventral setae are present in a part of specimens, but absent in another part. Using the key to species of Hyracarus (Stekolnikov et al. 2025), the specimens with two humeroventral setae could be determined as H. aryanicki Stekolnikov, Halajian and Matthee, 2025 . However, the new species differs from H. aryanicki by the presence of the following features: 5 unspecialized setae on palpal tarsus vs. 7; 24 unspecialized setae on tarsus I vs. 25; a higher number of nude setae on legs (for example, Leg III: tarsus 3, tibia 3, genu 2, femur 1, vs. tarsus 1, tibia 1, genu 1); much more numerous scutal puncta; absence of puncta on palpal femur; and shorter legs (Ip = 679–722 vs. 880–905).</p><p>The specimens without humeroventral setae is similar to H. bethuliensis Stekolnikov, Halajian and Matthee, 2025, but the new species differs from H. bethuliensis by the presence of branched ventral palpal tibial seta vs. nude (fPp = B/B/BBB vs. B/B/BBN); sensillary bases anterior to level of PLs vs. posterior by 2–5 µm; posterior scutal margin not pointed; absence of puncta on palpal femur; and by slightly shorter legs (Ip = 679–722 vs. 763–792).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C887D815575E723DE714E5FA45F8B8	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A.;Barnard, Karlien;Raubenheimer, Inge;Little, Alyssa Jade;Singo, Lola;Kipling, Jessica;Matthee, Sonja	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Barnard, Karlien, Raubenheimer, Inge, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2025): Contribution to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of South Africa, with descriptions of three new genera and ten new species. Zootaxa 5691 (3): 495-538, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4
03C887D815585E763DE710D7FBE7FCC6.text	03C887D815585E763DE710D7FBE7FCC6.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Walchia (Ripiaspichia) africaeaustralis Stekolnikov & Barnard & Raubenheimer & Little & Singo & Kipling & Matthee 2025	<div><p>Walchia (Ripiaspichia) africaeaustralis Stekolnikov, sp. nov.</p><p>(Figs. 7–9)</p><p>Diagnosis. SIF = 5B-N-3-2110.0000; fPp = B/N/NNN; fCx = 1.1.1; fSt = 2.2; fsp = 7.6.6; fD = 2H-6-6-6-4- 2+(2–6), DS = 28–32, V = 33–37, NDV = 65–67; Ip = 664–693; eyes 1 + 1; scutum nearly pentagonal, with greatly projected, broadly rounded and lightly scalloped posterior margin; PW more than 1.5 times larger AW; sensillary bases between levels of PLs and ALs, close to lateral scutal margins; PL&gt; AL; sensilla expanded, covered with setules; cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap; microtarsala I (ε) proximal to tarsala I (ω); ventrofemorala branched. Measurements are given in Table 3.</p><p>Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Figs. 7, 8A, D–G). Eyes 1 + 1, situated at level of ALs; 28–32 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae, distribution by rows—2H-6-6-6-4-2+(2–6); two sternal setae between coxae I and II and two between coxae III; 33–37 ventral setae; NDV = 65–67.</p><p>GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 8B, C). Cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with small puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta nude; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femur with few puncta; palpal femoral seta branched; palpal genual and tibial setae nude; palpal tarsus with five unspecialized setae (four thin ventral and one thick dorsal) and tarsala (ω).</p><p>SCUTUM (Figs. 7A, 8A). With small dense puncta, nearly pentagonal, with greatly projected, broadly rounded and lightly scalloped posterior margin, covered with cracks in all specimens examined; sensillary (trichobothrial) bases situated at equal distances from ALs and PLs, close to lateral scutal margins; all scutal setae barbed similarly to dorsal idiosomal setae; sensilla (trichobothria) expanded, covered with setules, broken in all specimens examined.</p><p>LEGS (Fig. 9). Legs I seven-segmented, legs II and III six-segmented (with undivided femur), all with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ) in tandem, microtibiala (κ) near distal tibiala, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) proximal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ), nude parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ), 2 tibialae (φ) in tandem, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) behind tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 2, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; femur 6 (basifemur 1, telofemur 5), 6, 4 (including branched ventrofemorala); genu 4, 3, 3; tibia 8, 6, 6; tarsus 22, 16, 15; all feathered or branched.</p><p>Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18478-1), ex Paraxerus cepapi (No. SAWCPc15), South Africa, Mpumalanga province, South African Wildlife College, near Hoedspruit, Savanna, February 2023, coll. Inge Raubenheimer. Paratypes: two larvae (ZIN 18478-2 and 18478-3), with same data. Initially, all three specimens were mounted on one slide. The slide was re-mounted in ZIN and the specimens were placed on separate slides.</p><p>Etymology. The species epithet africaeaustralis means “South African” in Latin and reflects the fact that this species is the first species of Walchia recorded in South Africa.</p><p>......continued on the next page</p><p>Remark: *—mean of six paratypes, after Traub &amp; Evans (1957).</p><p>Differential diagnosis. The new species is similar to Walchia (Ripiaspichia) mima (Traub and Evans, 1957) by the shape of scutum, arrangement of dorsal idiosomal setae, the cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap only (without additional teeth), and identical set of specialized leg setae, but differs in the presence of eyes, only one seta on coxa III vs. two (fCx = 1.1.1 vs. 1.1.2), nude dorsal palpal tibial seta (fPp = B/N/NNN vs. B/N/B(b)NN), and a higher number of ventral idiosomal setae (V = 33–37 vs. ca. 24) (Traub &amp; Evans 1957).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C887D815585E763DE710D7FBE7FCC6	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A.;Barnard, Karlien;Raubenheimer, Inge;Little, Alyssa Jade;Singo, Lola;Kipling, Jessica;Matthee, Sonja	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Barnard, Karlien, Raubenheimer, Inge, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2025): Contribution to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of South Africa, with descriptions of three new genera and ten new species. Zootaxa 5691 (3): 495-538, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4
03C887D8155F5E753DE71469FD0FFDB3.text	03C887D8155F5E753DE71469FD0FFDB3.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Matiesacarus Stekolnikov & Barnard & Raubenheimer & Little & Singo & Kipling & Matthee 2025	<div><p>Genus Matiesacarus Stekolnikov, gen. nov.</p><p>Type species: Matiesaсarus capensis sp. nov., designated here.</p><p>Diagnosis. SIF = 7B, 6B1N-B-3-(2–3)111.(2–5)(1–3)00; fPp = B/B/BNB; fCx = 1.1.1; fSt = 2.2; fsp = 7.7.7; fD = 2H-8(7)-6-6(4)-2(4)+(4–8). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; NDV = 50–64. Scutum with sparse puncta of different size, pentagonal or trapezoidal; bases of sensilla (trichobothria) situated anterior to level of PLs; sensilla flagelliform, covered with short cilia in proximal half and numerous long branches in distal half. Cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap; galeal (deutorostral) setae branched; palpal claw (odontus) three-pronged; palpal tarsus with seven branched (or six branched and one nude) setae and tarsala. Legs seven-segmented (with divided femur), rather short (Ip = 700–764); onychotriches absent; parasubterminala I (z) nude; 2 or 3 genualae I (σ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 1, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; basifemur 1, 2, 2; telofemur 5, 4, 3; genu 4, 3, 3; tibia 8, 6, 6 (including one to three nude mastitibialae); tarsus 22, 16, 14(16) (including two to five nude mastitarsalae).</p><p>Etymology. The name of the new genus is combined from “Maties”, the nickname of Stellenbosch University students, and the word acarus meaning “mite”.</p><p>Included species: Matiesacarus capensis Stekolnikov, sp. nov., M. elegantissimus (Kolebinova, 1981), comb. nov.</p><p>Remarks. The new genus is similar to the genera Pentidionis Vercammen-Grandjean and Loomis, 1967 and Hexidionis Vercammen-Grandjean and Loomis, 1967 by the shape of scutum, shape of sensilla (having multiple long branches in distal half and short cilia in proximal half—the latter is a characteristic of Hexidionis), and by the sculpture of scutum (presence of sparse large puncta over its surface and small, more dense puncta in some parts of it). However, Matiesacarus gen. nov. differs from both of them in the absence of onychotriches, in having short legs without additional bars (internal sclerotized rings), and tibialae II arranged in tandem vs. grouped in apical part of the segment. In addition, the new genus differs from Pentidionis in the eyes situated on the ocular plates vs. separated from each other and from Hexidionis in the absence of palpal subterminala (ζ) (Vercammen-Grandjean &amp; Loomis 1967; Lucas &amp; Loomis 1968). Stekolnikov (2018) included the presence of palpal subterminala in the diagnosis of Pentidionis by mistake.</p><p>Neotrombicula (Neotrombiculoides) elegantissima Kolebinova, 1981 was described from an elephant shrew Galegeeska rufescens (Peters, 1878) (syn. Elephantulus rufescens) from Tanzania (Kolebinova 1981). The genus Neotrombiculoides Vercammen-Grandjean, 1960, later considered as a subgenus of Neotrombicula Hirst, 1925 by Vercammen-Grandjean &amp; Langston (1976), is an artificial group of Neotrombicula -like chiggers characterized by the presence of seven unspecialized setae on palpal tarsus and the absence of palpal subterminala. Some other species of Neotrombiculoides can probably be transferred to different genera in the future. Neotrombiculoides claviglicola (Lawrence, 1949), the type species of this taxon, clearly differs from both species of Matiesacarus gen. nov. by the shape and sculpture of scutum (covered with dense small puncta, with its posterior margin greatly projected and rounded at edges), shape of sensilla (without dense short cilia in proximal half), presence of only one mastitarsala vs. 2–5 mastitarsalae and 1–3 mastitibialae, nude galeala and setae on palpal femur and genu vs. branched, and by the shape of PLs and dorsal idiosomal setae—thick and covered with very strong spike-like barbs vs. thin and covered with small barbs, similar to AM and ALs.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C887D8155F5E753DE71469FD0FFDB3	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A.;Barnard, Karlien;Raubenheimer, Inge;Little, Alyssa Jade;Singo, Lola;Kipling, Jessica;Matthee, Sonja	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Barnard, Karlien, Raubenheimer, Inge, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2025): Contribution to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of South Africa, with descriptions of three new genera and ten new species. Zootaxa 5691 (3): 495-538, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4
03C887D8155C5E6B3DE712CFFB50F879.text	03C887D8155C5E6B3DE712CFFB50F879.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Matiesacarus capensis Stekolnikov & Barnard & Raubenheimer & Little & Singo & Kipling & Matthee 2025	<div><p>Matiesacarus capensis Stekolnikov, sp. nov.</p><p>(Figs. 10A–C, 11, 12)</p><p>Diagnosis. SIF = 6B1N-B-3-2111.2100; fPp = B/B/BNB; fCx = 1.1.1; fSt = 2.2; fsp = 7.7.7; fD = 2H-8(7)-6-6(4)- 2(4)+(4–8), DS = 27–32, V = 19–26, NDV = 50–57; Ip = 700–749; scutum nearly trapezoidal, without anterolateral shoulders, with lightly sinuous posterior margin, with puncta of different size; AM anterior to level of ALs; sensillary bases far anterior to level of PLs (PSB–P-PL from 5 to 11, mean 8); AM = PL ≥ AL; sensilla flagelliform, covered with short cilia in proximal half and ca. 14 long branches in distal half; cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap and a small pointed medial tooth; microtarsala I (ε) distal to tarsala I (ω); microtarsala II (ε) behind tarsala II (ω). Measurements are given in Table 4.</p><p>Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Figs. 10A–C, 11A–D, G, H). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 27–32 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae, distribution by rows—2H-8(7)-6-6(4)-2(4)+(4–8), in holotype 2H-8-6-6-2-6-2; two sternal setae between coxae I and II and two between coxae III; 19–26 ventral setae; NDV = 50–57.</p><p>GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 11E, F). Cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap and a small pointed medial tooth; cheliceral base with dense puncta in proximal part; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with few puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta with few branches; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femoral and genual setae branched; dorsal and ventral palpal tibial setae branched, lateral nude; palpal tarsus with 7 unspecialized setae, including one thick, heavily branched dorsal, five less branched ventral, one nude terminal, and tarsala (ω).</p><p>SCUTUM (Figs. 10C, 11A). Nearly trapezoidal, without anterolateral shoulders, with lightly sinuous posterior margin, with puncta of different size; AM anterior to level of ALs; sensillary bases far anterior to level of PLs (PSB–P-PL from 5 to 11, mean 8); AM = PL ≥ AL; sensilla flagelliform, covered with short cilia in proximal half and ca. 14 long branches in distal half; all scutal setae barbed similarly to dorsal idiosomal setae.</p><p>LEGS (Fig. 12). All seven-segmented (with divided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium, without onychotriches. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ), distal thicker, and microtibiala (κ) in distal part of segment, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) distal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ), nude parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ), 2 tibialae (φ) in tandem, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) behind tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ), tibiala (φ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 1, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; basifemur 1, 2, 2; telofemur 5, 4, 3; genu 4, 3, 3; tibia 8, 6, 6 (including one nude mastitibiala); tarsus 22, 16, 14 (including two nude mastitarsalae).</p><p>Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18496), ex Rhabdomys pumilio (No. ObRp17), South Africa, Western Cape, Ouberg Private Nature Reserve, near Montagu, Succulent Karoo, 9 November 2023, coll. Lola Singo. Paratypes: four larvae (ZIN 18406–18409), ex Micaelamys namaquensis (No. ObMn18), same locality, 6 November 2023, coll. Alyssa Little ; three larvae (ZIN 18352, 18354, and 18355), ex Otomys unisulcatus (No. BFWOu07), South Africa, Western Cape, Beaufort West, Ko Ka Tsara Bush camp, Nama Karoo, 19 November 2023, coll. Jessica Kipling.</p><p>Etymology. The specific epithet reflects occurrence of the new species in the Western Cape province of South Africa.</p><p>Differential diagnosis. The new species differs from M.elegantissimus comb. nov. by the presence of trapezoidal scutum vs. pentagonal; nude terminal seta on palpal tarsus vs. all setae on palpal tarsus branched; two genualae I vs. three (two genualae are shown in the drawing from the original description, but they are arranged in tandem, whereas in M. capensis sp. nov., two genualae are inserted on opposite sides of the segment); 14 unspecialized setae on tarsus III vs. 16; two mastisetae on tarsus III vs. five; one mastiseta on tibia III vs. three.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C887D8155C5E6B3DE712CFFB50F879	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A.;Barnard, Karlien;Raubenheimer, Inge;Little, Alyssa Jade;Singo, Lola;Kipling, Jessica;Matthee, Sonja	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Barnard, Karlien, Raubenheimer, Inge, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2025): Contribution to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of South Africa, with descriptions of three new genera and ten new species. Zootaxa 5691 (3): 495-538, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4
03C887D815405E6F3DE712ADFEDCF8D2.text	03C887D815405E6F3DE712ADFEDCF8D2.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Zumptrombicula reductiseta Stekolnikov & Barnard & Raubenheimer & Little & Singo & Kipling & Matthee 2025	<div><p>Zumptrombicula reductiseta Stekolnikov, sp. nov.</p><p>(Figs. 10D–F, 13)</p><p>Diagnosis. SIF = (4–6)B-N-3-1001.3200; fPp = B/B(N)/BN(b)B; fCx = 1.1.1; fSt = 2.2; fsp = 7.7.7; fD = 2H-6(7)- 6-6(5)-2(4)+(2–9), DS = 24–31, V = 21–30, NDV = 47–61; Ip = 554–619; scutum pentagonal, without anterolateral shoulders, with puncta of different size; sensillary bases anterior to level of PLs (PSB–P-PL from 2 to 7, mean 4); AL&gt; PL = AM; sensilla flagelliform, covered with short cilia in proximal half and 7–12 long branches in distal half; cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap; microtarsala I (ε) at level of tarsala I (ω); microtarsala II (ε) at level of tarsala II (ω). Measurements are given in Table 5.</p><p>Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Figs. 10D–F, 13A–G). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 24–31 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae, distribution by rows—2H-6-6-6-2+(2–9), in one paratype 2H-7-6-5-4-2; two sternal setae between coxae I and II and two between coxae III; 21–30 ventral setae; NDV = 47–61.</p><p>GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 13H–J). Cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap; cheliceral base with dense puncta in proximal part and few puncta in medial part; gnathobase (infracapitulum) without puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta nude; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femur with few puncta; palpal femoral seta branched; palpal genual seta branched or having single short branch, rarely nude; dorsal and ventral palpal tibial setae branched, lateral nude, rarely with one branch; palpal tarsus with 4–6 unspecialized setae (4/ 5 in holotype, 5 in five paratypes, and 6 in one paratype), including one heavily branched dorsal and 3–5 less branched ventral, and tarsala (ω).</p><p>SCUTUM (Figs. 10F, 13A). Pentagonal, without anterolateral shoulders, with sparse puncta of different size; sensillary bases anterior to level of PLs (PSB–P-PL from 2 to 7, mean 4); AL&gt; PL = AM; sensilla (trichobothria) flagelliform, covered with short cilia in proximal half and 7–8 long branches in distal half; all scutal setae barbed similarly to dorsal idiosomal setae.</p><p>LEGS (Fig. 13K–N).All seven-segmented (with divided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium, without onychotriches. Sensory setae: Leg I: 1 genuala (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ) and microtibiala (κ) in distal part of segment, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) at level of tarsala, subterminala (ζ), nude parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: 2 tibialae (φ) in tandem, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) at level of tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: tibiala (φ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 1, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; basifemur 1, 2, 2; telofemur 5, 4, 3; genu 4, 3, 3; tibia 8, 6, 6 (including two nude mastitibialae); tarsus 22, 16, 14 (including three nude mastitarsalae).</p><p>Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18336), ex Otomys unisulcatus (No. ObOu09), South Africa, Western Cape, Ouberg Private Nature Reserve, near Montagu, Succulent Karoo, 8 November 2023, coll. Jessica Kipling. Paratypes: seven larvae (ZIN 18326, 18327, 18329, 18334, 18343–18345) ex O. unisulcatus (Nos ObOu3, ObOu04, and ObOu07), same locality, 7–8 November 2023, coll. Jessica Kipling ; 12 larvae (ZIN 18360–18363, 18366– 18368, 18370, 18386, 18395, 18396, 18404) ex Micaelamys namaquensis (Nos ObMn03, 06, 10, 12, and 15), same locality, 6 November 2023, coll. Alyssa Little ; three larvae (ZIN 18488, 18490, and 18495) ex Rhabdomys pumilio (Nos ObRp4, 10, and 15), same locality, 7–8 November 2023, coll. Lola Singo.</p><p>Remarks: *—mean of 7 type specimens, after Vercammen-Grandjean (1967); **—range or single values, after Goff (1983).</p><p>Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the reduced number of unspecialized setae on palpal tarsus in this species.</p><p>Differential diagnosis. The new species, Zumptrombicula reductiseta sp. nov., differs from two other species of the genus, Z. cynictia Vercammen-Grandjean, 1967 and Z. misonnei Goff, 1983, by PLs inserted on scutum, AM situated at level of ALs vs. anterior to level of ALs, and by the reduced number of unspecialized setae on palpal tarsus in most part of specimens. In addition, the new species differs from: 1) Z. cynictia —by the presence of one seta on leg III coxa vs. three (fCx = 1.1.1 vs. 1.1.3), three mastitarsalae and two mastitibialae vs. two mastitarsalae and one mastitibiala, six setae in 1 st posthumeral row vs. eight, posterior scutal margin rounded vs. acutely pointed; microtarsalae I and II (ε) at level of tarsalae I and II (ω) vs. distal; 2) Z. misonnei —by the absence of humeroventral (ventrolateral) setae between coxae II and III vs. three pairs of humeroventral setae (Vercammen-Grandjean 1967; Goff 1983).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C887D815405E6F3DE712ADFEDCF8D2	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A.;Barnard, Karlien;Raubenheimer, Inge;Little, Alyssa Jade;Singo, Lola;Kipling, Jessica;Matthee, Sonja	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Barnard, Karlien, Raubenheimer, Inge, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2025): Contribution to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of South Africa, with descriptions of three new genera and ten new species. Zootaxa 5691 (3): 495-538, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4
03C887D815475E6C3DE71167FE05F844.text	03C887D815475E6C3DE71167FE05F844.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Herpetacarus (Abonnencia) oubergensis Stekolnikov & Barnard & Raubenheimer & Little & Singo & Kipling & Matthee 2025	<div><p>Herpetacarus (Abonnencia) oubergensis Stekolnikov, sp. nov.</p><p>(Figs. 14–16)</p><p>Diagnosis. SIF = 7B-N-3-2111.1100; fPp = B/B/NNN; fCx = 1.1.1; fSt = 2.2; fsp = 7.7.7; fD = 2H-8-6(7)-6-6(7)- 6(4)+(2–6), DS = 34–42, V = 27–31, NDV = 62–73; Ip = 745–783; scutum nearly hexagonal, with small dense puncta, its posterior margin projected, slightly concave in center; sensillary bases at level of PLs or slightly anterior (PSB–P-PL from –1 to 3, mean 1) and much closer to lateral scutal margins than to each other; PL&gt; AL&gt; AM; sensilla clavate, covered with setules; microtarsala I (ε) at level of tarsala I (ω); microtarsala II (ε) behind tarsala II (ω); genualae II and III very long, definitely longer than genua; mastitarsala III nude or having one basal cilium. Measurements are given in Table 6.</p><p>Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Figs. 14, 15A–E). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 34–42 densely barbed dorsal idiosomal setae, distribution by rows in holotype 2H-8-7-6-7-6-4-2, in two paratypes 2H-8-6-6-6-6(4)-2; two sternal setae between coxae I and II and two between coxae III; 27–31 ventral setae; NDV = 62–73.</p><p>GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 15F, G). Cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap and a small pointed medial tooth; cheliceral base with dense puncta in proximal part; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with small puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta nude; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femoral and genual setae branched; palpal tibial setae nude; palpal tarsus with 7 unspecialized setae (from heavily branched to having few cilia or apparently nude) and tarsala (ω).</p><p>SCUTUM (Figs. 14A, 15A). Nearly hexagonal, with small dense puncta, its posterior margin projected, slightly concave in center; AM slightly posterior to level of ALs; sensillary bases at level of PLs or slightly anterior (PSB–P-PL from –1 to 3, mean 1) and much closer to lateral scutal margins than to each other; PL&gt; AL&gt; AM; sensilla clavate, covered with wide triangular setules; all scutal setae barbed similarly to dorsal idiosomal setae.</p><p>LEGS (Fig. 16). All seven-segmented (with divided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ), distal thicker, and microtibiala (κ) in distal part of segment, thick tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) at level of tarsala, subterminala (ζ), nude parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: very long genuala (σ); 2 tibialae (φ) in tandem, very thin tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) behind tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: very long genuala (σ), tibiala (φ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 1, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; basifemur 1, 2, 2; telofemur 5, 3, 4; genu 4, 3, 3; tibia 8, 6, 6 (including one nude mastitibiala); tarsus 22, 16, 15 (including one nude mastitarsala).</p><p>Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18383), ex Micaelamys namaquensis (No. ObMn02), South Africa, Western Cape, Ouberg Private Nature Reserve, near Montagu, Succulent Karoo, 6 November 2023, coll. Alyssa Little. Paratypes: three larvae (ZIN 18364, 18373, and 18374) ex M. namaquensis (Nos ObMn05 and ObMn12), same locality, date, and collector .</p><p>Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the type locality, the Ouberg Private Nature Reserve.</p><p>Differential diagnosis. The new species is similar to Herpetacarus (Abonnencia) alticolus (Lawrence, 1951), H. (A.) africanus Vercammen-Grandjean, 1966, and H. (A.) octosetosus Stekolnikov and Matthee, 2019, but differs from all these species in the absence of branched palpal tibial setae (fPp = B/B/NNN vs. B/B/NNB or B/B/BN(b)B). In addition, the new species differs from: 1) H. (A.) octosetosus and H. (A.) alticolus —by a wider scutum (AW = 66– 74 and PW = 80–88 vs. 57–60 and 70–76, respectively, in H. (A.) octosetosus, vs. 48–50 and 67–68, respectively, in H. (A.) alticolus) and much longer genualae II and III (their length does not exceed the length of genu in H. (A.) octosetosus and only slightly exceed it in H. (A.) alticolus); 2) from H. (A.) africanus —by a shorter scutum (SD = 44–46 and AP = 24–27 vs. 55–59 and 29–37, respectively), shorter setae (AL = 37–38, PL = 46–50, and H = 38–40 vs. 51–57, 71–77, and 62–65, respectively), and shorter legs (TaIIIL = 70–77 vs. 83–85) (Stekolnikov &amp; Matthee 2019; Stekolnikov 2024a).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C887D815475E6C3DE71167FE05F844	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A.;Barnard, Karlien;Raubenheimer, Inge;Little, Alyssa Jade;Singo, Lola;Kipling, Jessica;Matthee, Sonja	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Barnard, Karlien, Raubenheimer, Inge, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2025): Contribution to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of South Africa, with descriptions of three new genera and ten new species. Zootaxa 5691 (3): 495-538, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4
03C887D8154A5E623DE715E1FCE4FEEB.text	03C887D8154A5E623DE715E1FCE4FEEB.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Rogeracarus Stekolnikov 2025	<div><p>Genus Rogeracarus Stekolnikov, gen. nov.</p><p>Type species: Rogeracarus extraordinarius sp. nov., designated here.</p><p>Diagnosis. SIF = 4B-N-3-1000.3100; fPp = B/B/NNB; fCx = 1.1.1; fSt = 2.2; fsp = 7.7.7. Eyes 1 + 1; two humeral setae, six setae in first posthumeral rows. Scutum nearly trapezoidal, with small sparse puncta, its anteroir and posterior margins concave; ALs inserted on projected scutal corners; AM posterior to level of ALs; PLs extrascutal; sensillary bases at equal distances from ALs and PLs and much closer to lateral scutal margins than to each other; sensilla clavate, densely covered with setules. Cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap and dorsal tooth; galeal (deutorostral) setae nude; palpal claw (odontus) three-pronged; palpal tarsus with four unspecialized setae, branched or apparently nude, and tarsala (ω). Legs seven-segmented (with divided femur), short (Ip = 443–504), onychotriches absent; subterminala (ζ), parasubterminala (z), pretarsalae I and II (ζ) present; one genuala I (σ); only one tibiala II (φ); microgenuala I and microtibiala I (κ) very long, setiform; unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 1, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; basifemur 1, 2, 2; telofemur 5, 4, 3; genu 4, 3, 3; tibia 8, 6, 6; tarsus 22, 14–15, 13; mastitarsalae and mastitibiala present.</p><p>Etymology. The genus is named in honor of Dr. Roger H. Taufflieb (1923–1991), an entomologist who made an indispensable contribution to the African chigger studies.</p><p>Remarks. The new genus is unique by the presence of only one tibiala II vs. two in all other genera of chigger mites and microtibiala I longer than tibialae I vs. usually much shorter in other genera. The new genus is most similar to Kayella Vercammen-Grandjean, 1960 by the absence of genualae II and III, but differs in the absence of tibiala III and the presence of mastisetae. It is also similar to Schoutedenichia Jadin and Vercammen-Grandjean, 1954 by the shape of scutum, but differs in the presence of simple anterior rows of dorsal idiosomal setae vs. double, the absence of genuala III, and the presence of mastisetae.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C887D8154A5E623DE715E1FCE4FEEB	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A.;Barnard, Karlien;Raubenheimer, Inge;Little, Alyssa Jade;Singo, Lola;Kipling, Jessica;Matthee, Sonja	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Barnard, Karlien, Raubenheimer, Inge, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2025): Contribution to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of South Africa, with descriptions of three new genera and ten new species. Zootaxa 5691 (3): 495-538, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4
03C887D8154B5E673DE711F7FA5DFB2F.text	03C887D8154B5E673DE711F7FA5DFB2F.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Rogeracarus extraordinarius Stekolnikov & Barnard & Raubenheimer & Little & Singo & Kipling & Matthee 2025	<div><p>Rogeracarus extraordinarius Stekolnikov, sp. nov.</p><p>(Figs. 17A–C, 18)</p><p>Diagnosis. SIF = 4B-N-3-1000.3100; fPp = B/B/NNB; fCx = 1.1.1; fSt = 2.2; fsp = 7.7.7; fD = 2H-6-6-6-6-2+(2–5), DS = 29–33, V = 21–49, NDV = 50–81; Ip = 443–504; eyes 1 + 1; scutum nearly trapezoidal, with small sparse puncta, its anteroir and posterior margins concave; ALs inserted on projected scutal corners; AM posterior to level of ALs; PLs extrascutal; sensillary bases at equal distances from ALs and PLs and much closer to lateral scutal margins than to each other; AM = PL&gt; AL; sensilla clavate, densely covered with setules; microtarsala I (ε) distal to tarsala I (ω); microtarsala II (ε) at level of tarsala II (ω). Measurements are given in Table 7.</p><p>Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Figs. 17A–C, 18A–F). Eyes 1 + 1; 29–33 short, densely barbed dorsal idiosomal setae, distribution by rows 2H-6-6-6-6-2+(2–5); two sternal setae between coxae I and II and two between coxae III; 21–49 ventral setae; NDV = 50–81.</p><p>GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 18G–I). Cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap and one dorsal tooth; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with sparse small puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta nude; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femoral and genual setae branched; dorsal and lateral palpal tibial setae nude, ventral seta branched; palpal tarsus with four unspecialized setae, branched or apparently nude, and tarsala (ω).</p><p>SCUTUM (Figs. 17C, 18A). Nearly trapezoidal, with small sparse puncta, its anteroir and posterior margins concave; ALs inserted on projected scutal corners; AM posterior to level of ALs; PLs extrascutal; sensillary bases at equal distances from ALs and PLs and much closer to lateral scutal margins than to each other, surrounded by crests and cuticular striations; AM = PL&gt; AL; sensilla clavate, densely covered with setules; all scutal setae barbed similarly to dorsal idiosomal setae.</p><p>LEGS (Fig. 18J–L). All seven-segmented (with divided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium. Sensory setae: Leg I: 1 genuala (σ), long setiform microgenuala (κ), 2 rod-like tibialae (φ) and setiform microtibiala (κ) longer than tibialae, in distal part of segment, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) distal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ), nude parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: 1 tibiala (φ) in proximal part of segment, very thin tarsala (ω), long setiform famulus (ε) at level of tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: sensory setae absent. Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 1, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; basifemur 1, 2, 2; telofemur 5, 4, 3; genu 4, 3, 3; tibia 8, 6, 6 (including one nude mastitibiala); tarsus 22, 14–15, 13 (including three nude mastitarsalae).</p><p>Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18436), ex Micaelamys namaquensis (No. MfMn24), South Africa, Western Cape, Matjesfontein Farm, near Ceres, Succulent Karoo, 24 October 2023, coll. Alyssa Little. Paratypes: eight larvae (ZIN 18418–18423, 18426, 18429) ex M. namaquensis (Nos MfMn3, 6, 7, and 13), same locality, date, and collector ; four larvae (ZIN 18348–18351) ex Otomys unisulcatus (Nos. ObOu05 and ObOu12), South Africa, Western Cape, Ouberg Private Nature Reserve, near Montagu, Succulent Karoo, 7 and 9 November 2023, coll. Jessica Kipling ; one larva (ZIN 18394) ex M. namaquensis (No. ObMn15), same locality, 6 November 2023, coll. Alyssa Little.</p><p>Etymology. The specific epithet extraordinarius (extraordinary) refers to the chaetotactic traits in this species, which are unique in chigger mites, such as the presence of only one tibiala II and microtibiala I longer than tibialae.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C887D8154B5E673DE711F7FA5DFB2F	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A.;Barnard, Karlien;Raubenheimer, Inge;Little, Alyssa Jade;Singo, Lola;Kipling, Jessica;Matthee, Sonja	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Barnard, Karlien, Raubenheimer, Inge, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2025): Contribution to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of South Africa, with descriptions of three new genera and ten new species. Zootaxa 5691 (3): 495-538, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4
03C887D8154E5E663DE714B2FBB6FF77.text	03C887D8154E5E663DE714B2FBB6FF77.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Fynbosacarus Stekolnikov & Barnard & Raubenheimer & Little & Singo & Kipling & Matthee 2025	<div><p>Genus Fynbosacarus Stekolnikov, gen. nov.</p><p>Type species: Fynbosacarus cereris sp. nov., designated here.</p><p>Diagnosis. SIF = 4B-B-3-2111.0000; fPp = B/B/BBB; fCx = 1.1.2; fSt = 2.2; fsp = 7.7.7. Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; first two rows of dorsal idiosomal setae double, humeral setae not separated. Scutum trapezoidal, with puncta of different size; posterior scutal margin lightly sinuous, not projected; PLs inserted on laterally projected scutal corners; bases of sensilla (trichobothria) situated anterior to level of PLs and close to each other, surrounded by crests; sensilla lost in all specimens. Cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap; galeal (deutorostral) setae branched; palpal claw (odontus) three-pronged; palpal tarsus with four branched setae and tarsala. Legs seven-segmented (with divided femur), short (Ip = 553–576), onychotriches absent; subterminala (ζ) with one branch, parasubterminala (z) absent (no seta present behind subterminala), 2 genualae I (σ), microtarsala I (ε) proximal to tarsala I (ω), microtarsala II (ε) distal to tarsala II (ω); unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 1, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; basifemur 1, 2, 2; telofemur 5, 4, 3; genu 4, 3, 3; tibia 8, 6, 6; tarsus 22, 16, 15; mastisetae absent.</p><p>Etymology. The name of the new genus is combined from the name of Fynbos, a prominent ecoregion in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, and the word acarus meaning “mite”.</p><p>Remarks. The new genus is similar to Hexasternalaea Vercammen-Grandjean, 1960 by the shape of scutum (trapezoidal, with its posterior margin almost not projected, sinuous, with PLs inserted on laterally projected scutal corners, sensillary bases situated close to each other and surrounded by crests), by the two anterior post-humeral rows double, and by famulus I (ε) situated proximal to tarsala I (ω). Fynbosacarus gen. nov. differs from Hexasternalaea by the presence of four branched setae on palpal tarsus vs. six, two pairs of sternal setae vs. three, and by the absence of a dorsal hook on the cheliceral blade.</p><p>The presence of forked leg I subterminala (ζ) and the absence of parasubterminala (z) can be treated rather as a rare autapomorphy of F. cereris sp. nov., than a trait of generic level. Previously, the same character was recorded in Guntheria (Domrowana) sphinx Domrow, 1972 (Domrow 1972; Stekolnikov 2024b).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C887D8154E5E663DE714B2FBB6FF77	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A.;Barnard, Karlien;Raubenheimer, Inge;Little, Alyssa Jade;Singo, Lola;Kipling, Jessica;Matthee, Sonja	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Barnard, Karlien, Raubenheimer, Inge, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2025): Contribution to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of South Africa, with descriptions of three new genera and ten new species. Zootaxa 5691 (3): 495-538, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4
03C887D8154F5E643DE7110AFC0CFD43.text	03C887D8154F5E643DE7110AFC0CFD43.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Fynbosacarus cereris Stekolnikov & Barnard & Raubenheimer & Little & Singo & Kipling & Matthee 2025	<div><p>Fynbosacarus cereris Stekolnikov, sp. nov.</p><p>(Figs. 17D–F, 19)</p><p>Diagnosis. SIF = 4B-B-3-2111.0000; fPp = B/B/BBB; fCx = 1.1.2; fSt = 2.2; fsp = 7.7.7; fD = [7(6)-10]-[7-6]-8(9)- 6(7)+6(5), DS = 50–51, V = 34–39, NDV = 84–90; Ip = 553–576; scutum trapezoidal, with puncta of different size; posterior scutal margin lightly sinuous, not projected; AM slightly anterior to level of ALs; PLs inserted on laterally projected scutal corners; PL ≥ AM&gt; AL; bases of sensilla (trichobothria) situated anterior to level of PLs and close to each other, surrounded by crests; sensilla lost in all specimens; cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap; subterminala (ζ) with one branch, parasubterminala (z) absent (no seta present behind subterminala); microtarsala I (ε) proximal to tarsala I (ω); microtarsala II (ε) distal to tarsala II (ω). Measurements are given in Table 8.</p><p>Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Figs. 17D–F, 19A–D, G, H). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 50–51 short barbed dorsal idiosomal setae, distribution by rows–[7(6)-10]-[7-6]-8(9)-6(7)+6(5); two sternal setae between coxae I and II and two between coxae III; 34–39 ventral setae; NDV = 84–90.</p><p>GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 19E, F). Cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with indistinct puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta branched; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femoral, genual, and tibial setae branched; palpal tarsus with four branched setae and tarsala (ω).</p><p>SCUTUM (Figs. 17F, 19A). Trapezoidal, with puncta of different size; posterior scutal margin lightly sinuous, not projected; AM slightly anterior to level of ALs; PLs inserted on laterally projected scutal corners; PL ≥ AM&gt; AL; bases of sensilla (trichobothria) situated anterior to level of PLs and close to each other, surrounded by crests; sensilla lost in all specimens (must be expanded, as in all species of Schoengastiini); all scutal setae pointed and covered with longer barbs than dorsal idiosomal setae.</p><p>LEGS (Fig. 19I–K).All seven-segmented (with divided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium, without onychotriches. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 short tibialae (φ) in distal part of segment, distal rod-like, striated, microtibiala (κ) near distal tibiala, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) proximal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ) forked, pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ), 2 tibialae (φ) in tandem, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) distal to tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ), tibiala (φ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 1, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; basifemur 1, 2, 2; telofemur 5, 4, 3; genu 4, 3, 3; tibia 8, 6, 6; tarsus 22, 16, 15.</p><p>Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18438), ex Micaelamys namaquensis (No. MfMn9), South Africa, Western Cape, Matjesfontein Farm, near Ceres, Succulent Karoo, 24 October 2023, coll. Alyssa Little. Paratypes: two larvae (ZIN 18439 and 18440) with same data .</p><p>Etymology. The species epithet cereris is created as the genitive case of the name Ceres, a Roman goddess of agriculture, because the city of Ceres (type locality) was named after her.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C887D8154F5E643DE7110AFC0CFD43	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A.;Barnard, Karlien;Raubenheimer, Inge;Little, Alyssa Jade;Singo, Lola;Kipling, Jessica;Matthee, Sonja	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Barnard, Karlien, Raubenheimer, Inge, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2025): Contribution to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of South Africa, with descriptions of three new genera and ten new species. Zootaxa 5691 (3): 495-538, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4
03C887D8154D5E5B3DE71326FC8DF8E7.text	03C887D8154D5E5B3DE71326FC8DF8E7.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Helenicula eikestadensis Stekolnikov & Barnard & Raubenheimer & Little & Singo & Kipling & Matthee 2025	<div><p>Helenicula eikestadensis Stekolnikov, sp. nov.</p><p>(Figs. 20A, B, 21)</p><p>Diagnosis. SIF = 4B-B-3-2111.0000; fPp = B/B/NNB; fCx = 1.1.1; fSt = 2.2; fsp = 7.7.7; fD = [6-6]-12-8-6(7)+2(5), DS = 40–44, V = 41–44, NDV = 84–85; Ip = 603; scutum trapezoidal, with small puncta; posterior scutal margin lightly projected; ALs and PLs inserted on greatly projected scutal corners; AM slightly posterior to level of ALs; AL&gt; PL&gt; AM; bases of sensilla (trichobothria) situated slightly anterior to level of PLs (by ca. 1 µm) and very close to each other; sensilla globose; cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap and dorsal tooth; tarsala I (ω) in middle part of segment, far proximal to subterminala (ζ); microtarsala I (ε) at level of tarsala I; microtarsala II (ε) at level of tarsala II (ω).</p><p>Measurements of holotype and paratype: AW 47, 45; PW 59, 59; SB 10, 11; ASB 24, 22; PSB 7, 8; SD 32, 30; P-PL 6, 6; AP 23, 23; AM 26, -; AL 41, -; PL 35, 32; S 23x18, 23x17; H 25, 26; Dmin 18, 18; Dmax 26, 25; Vmin 18, 20; Vmax 23, 24; pa -, 216; pm -, 173; pp -, 214; Ip -, 603; TaIIIL -, 56; TaIIIW -, 11; S 1 12, 13; S 2 15, 15; DS 44, 40; V 41, 44; NDV 85, 84.</p><p>Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Figs. 20A, B, 21B–D, F–H). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 40 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae, distribution by rows—[6-6]-12-8-6(7)+2(5); two sternal setae between coxae I and II and two between coxae III; 41–44 ventral setae; NDV = 84–85.</p><p>GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 21A,E). Cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap and dorsal tooth; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with sparse puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta branched; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femoral and genual setae branched; palpal tibial dorsal and lateral setae nude, ventral branched; palpal tarsus with four branched setae and tarsala (ω).</p><p>SCUTUM (Figs. 20A, 21F). Trapezoidal, with small puncta; posterior scutal margin lightly projected; ALs and PLs inserted on greatly projected scutal corners; AM slightly posterior to level of ALs; AL&gt; PL&gt; AM; bases of sensilla (trichobothria) situated slightly anterior to level of PLs (by ca. 1 µm) and very close to each other; sensilla globose, covered with small triangular setules; all scutal setae pointed and covered with much longer barbs than dorsal idiosomal setae.</p><p>LEGS (Fig. 21I–K).All seven-segmented (with divided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium, without onychotriches. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ) in distal part of segment, microtibiala (κ) near distal tibiala, tarsala I (ω) in middle part of segment, far proximal to subterminala (ζ) and nude parasubterminala (z), famulus (ε) at level of tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ), 2 tibialae (φ) in tandem, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) at level of tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ), tibiala (φ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 1, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; basifemur 1, 2, 2; telofemur 5, 4, 3; genu 4, 3, 3; tibia 8, 6, 6; tarsus 22, 16, 15.</p><p>Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18314, upper specimen), ex Rhabdomys pumilio (No. CsRp24), South Africa, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, Fynbos, 6 January 2013, coll. Karlien Barnard. Paratype: larva, a lower specimen on the same slide.</p><p>Etymology. The specific epithet refers to Eikestad, an old name of the Stellenbosch town (type locality).</p><p>Differential diagnosis. The new species is similar to Helenicula signata (Womersley, 1952) by the tarsala I situated in the middle part of segment, far proximal to subterminala, by only slightly projected posterior scutal margin, PLs inserted on projected scutal corners, two genualae I, and by the presence of only one seta on coxa III (fCx = 1.1.1), but differs in the presence of four branched setae on the palpal tarsus vs. five, branched galeal seta vs. nude, dorsal and lateral palpal tibial setae nude vs. branched (fPp = B/B/NNB vs. B/B/BBB), and by much shorter ALs and PLs (AL = 41 vs. 58–67 and PL = 32–35 vs. 67–74).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C887D8154D5E5B3DE71326FC8DF8E7	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A.;Barnard, Karlien;Raubenheimer, Inge;Little, Alyssa Jade;Singo, Lola;Kipling, Jessica;Matthee, Sonja	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Barnard, Karlien, Raubenheimer, Inge, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2025): Contribution to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of South Africa, with descriptions of three new genera and ten new species. Zootaxa 5691 (3): 495-538, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4
03C887D815705E5E3DE7109FFE2CFECF.text	03C887D815705E5E3DE7109FFE2CFECF.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Schoutedenichia nagpurensis Srivastva and Wattal 1975	<div><p>Schoutedenichia nagpurensis Srivastva and Wattal, 1975</p><p>(Figs. 20C, D, 22, 23)</p><p>Diagnosis (based on new material). SIF = 4BS-N-3-2110.0000; fPp = B/B/NNB; fCx = 1.1.1; fSt = 2.2; fsp = 7.7.7; fD = 4H-[8-4]-10-9-7+16, DS = 58, V = 49, NDV = 107; Ip = 760–806; scutum trapezoidal, with dense very small puncta; posterior scutal margin lightly concave, AM at level of ALs; PLs extrascutal; PL&gt; AM = AL; sensilla widely fusiform; cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap and dorsal tooth; two wide, elongate, transversely striated areas situated between gnathocoxa and leg I coxae; microtarsala I (ε) proximal to tarsala I (ω); microtarsala II (ε) proximal to tarsala II (ω). Measurements are given in Table 9.</p><p>Remark: *—range of 16 specimens or single values, after Fernandes &amp; Kulkarni (2003).</p><p>Redescription of larva (based on new material). IDIOSOMA (Figs. 20C, D, 22A, C, D, G–I). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 58 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae, distribution by rows—4H-[8-4]-10-9-7+16; two sternal setae between coxae I and II and two between coxae III; 49 ventral setae; NDV = 107; two wide, elongate, transversely striated areas situated between gnathocoxa and leg I coxae.</p><p>GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 22B, E, F). Cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap and dorsal tooth; cheliceral base with sparse small puncta; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with sparse small puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta nude; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femur with small puncta; palpal femoral and genual setae heavily branched; palpal tibial dorsal and lateral setae nude, ventral branched; palpal tarsus with four branched setae, nude short subterminala (ζ), and tarsala (ω).</p><p>SCUTUM (Figs. 20C, 22A). Trapezoidal, with dense very small puncta; posterior scutal margin lightly concave, anterior margin sinuous; AM at level of ALs; PLs extrascutal; PL&gt; AM = AL; bases of sensilla (trichobothria) situated far anterior to level of PLs and close to lateral scutal margins; sensilla widely fusiform, densely covered by long triangular setules; AM and PLs barbed similarly to dorsal idiosomal setae, ALs covered by slightly longer barbs.</p><p>LEGS (Fig. 23). All seven-segmented (with divided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ) in distal part of segment, microtibiala (κ) near distal tibiala, tarsala I (ω), famulus (ε) proximal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ), nude parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ), 2 tibialae (φ) in tandem, tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) proximal to tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 1, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; basifemur 1, 2, 2; telofemur 5, 4, 3; genu 4, 3, 3; tibia 8, 6, 6; tarsus 22, 16, 15.</p><p>Distribution and hosts. This species was described from India, Maharashtra, Nagpur, ex Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769), R. rattus (L., 1758), Mus musculus L., 1758, and Suncus murinus (L., 1766). Later it was recorded in Maharashtra, Pune district, and Orissa, Belangir district, ex five more species and subspecies of murid rodents and ex S. murinus (Fernandes &amp; Kulkarni 2003) . Here S. nagpurensis is for the first time reported on the African continent and on Micaelamys namaquensis .</p><p>Material examined. Six larvae (ZIN 18460, 18461, 18462, 18464–18466) ex Micaelamys namaquensis (Nos MgMn9, 16, and 20), South Africa, Western Cape, Muggefontein Farm, between Merweville and Fraserburg, Nama Karoo, 26 February 2024, coll. Alyssa Little.</p><p>Remarks. We found no differences between our material and the redescription of S. nagpurensis published by Fernandes &amp; Kulkarni (2003).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C887D815705E5E3DE7109FFE2CFECF	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A.;Barnard, Karlien;Raubenheimer, Inge;Little, Alyssa Jade;Singo, Lola;Kipling, Jessica;Matthee, Sonja	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Barnard, Karlien, Raubenheimer, Inge, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2025): Contribution to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of South Africa, with descriptions of three new genera and ten new species. Zootaxa 5691 (3): 495-538, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4
03C887D815775E5C3DE711D2FB31F875.text	03C887D815775E5C3DE711D2FB31F875.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Schoutedenichia saturnia Stekolnikov & Barnard & Raubenheimer & Little & Singo & Kipling & Matthee 2025	<div><p>Schoutedenichia saturnia Stekolnikov, sp. nov.</p><p>(Figs. 24–26)</p><p>Diagnosis. SIF = 4BS-N-3-2110.0000; fPp = B/B/NNB; fCx = 1.1.1; fSt = 2.2; fsp = 7.7.7; fD = [(7–9)-8]-10(8)- (8–10)+(14–21), DS = 53–55, V = 32–39, NDV = 87–94; Ip = 743–788; scutum trapezoidal, with dense small puncta; posterior scutal margin bilobate, with deep medial indentation; AM at level of ALs; AL = PL&gt; AM; barbs of AL very long; sensilla globose, covered with setules; cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap; microtarsala I (ε) proximal to tarsala I (ω); microtarsala II (ε) proximal to tarsala II (ω). Measurements are given in Table 10.</p><p>Remark: *—range of 10 specimens or single values, after Fernandes &amp; Kulkarni (2003).</p><p>Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Figs. 24, 25A, C–G). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 53–55 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae, distribution by rows—[(7–9)-8]-10(8)-(8–10)+(14–21); two sternal setae between coxae I and II and two between coxae III; 32–39 ventral setae; NDV = 87–94.</p><p>GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 25H–J). Cheliceral blade with tricuspid cap; cheliceral base with sparse puncta; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with sparse puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta nude; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femur and genu with small puncta; palpal femoral and genual setae heavily branched; palpal tibial dorsal and lateral setae nude, ventral branched; palpal tarsus with four branched setae, nude short subterminala (ζ), and tarsala (ω).</p><p>SCUTUM (Figs. 24A, 25A, B). Trapezoidal, with dense small puncta; posterior scutal margin bilobate, with deep medial indentation; AM at level of ALs; sensillary bases anterior to level of PLs (PSB–P-PL = 2–6, mean 5) and closer to lateral scutal margins than to each other, semicircular crests go around them anteriorly; AL = PL&gt; AM; sensilla globose, covered with setules; AM and PLs covered by much longer barbs than dorsal idiosomal setae, ALs covered by extremely long barbs.</p><p>LEGS (Fig. 26). All seven-segmented (with divided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ) in distal part of segment, distal rod-like, striated, proximal setiform, microtibiala (κ) near distal tibiala, tarsala I (ω), famulus (ε) proximal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ), nude parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ), 2 tibialae (φ) in tandem (distal rod-like, striated, proximal setiform), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) proximal to tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 1, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; basifemur 1, 2, 2; telofemur 5, 4, 3; genu 4, 3, 3; tibia 8, 6, 6; tarsus 22, 16, 15.</p><p>Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18313, right lower specimen), ex Rhabdomys pumilio (No. CsRp68), South Africa, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, Fynbos, 6 January 2013, coll. Karlien Barnard. Paratypes: four larvae (ZIN 18313, left specimen; 18311; 18312, lower specimen; 18315, middle specimen) ex R. pumilio (Nos CsRp68, CsRp35, CsRp33, and CsRp9), same locality, date, and collector ; one larva (ZIN 18448) ex Micaelamys namaquensis (No. WbMn12), South Africa, Western Cape, Witteberg Private Nature Reserve, near Laingsburg, Fynbos, 11 December 2023, coll. Alyssa Little.</p><p>Additional material. One larva (ZIN 18646), ex Saccostomys campestris (No. TwSc2), South Africa, Western Cape, Touwsrivier, 27 January 2025, coll. Inge Raubenheimer.</p><p>Etymology. The specific epithet was created from the genus name Saturnia Schrank, 1802 ( Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) and refers to the resemblance of AL setae in the new species with the wide plumose antennae of these moths.</p><p>Differential diagnosis. The new species is similar to Schoutedenichia goffi Fernandes and Kulkarni, 2003 by the very long barbs of ALs, shape of scutum, fPp = B/B/NNB, nude galeal seta, and by almost all morphometric and meristic traits (Table 10), but differs in the presence of palpal subterminala, one seta on coxa III vs. 4(5), shorter AL (31–37 vs. 48–58; AL = PL vs. AL&gt; PL), and in longer tarsala I (S 1 = 14 vs. 11; S 1 = S 2 vs. S 2&gt; S 1).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C887D815775E5C3DE711D2FB31F875	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A.;Barnard, Karlien;Raubenheimer, Inge;Little, Alyssa Jade;Singo, Lola;Kipling, Jessica;Matthee, Sonja	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Barnard, Karlien, Raubenheimer, Inge, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2025): Contribution to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of South Africa, with descriptions of three new genera and ten new species. Zootaxa 5691 (3): 495-538, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.3.4
