The genus Steatonyssus Kolenati (Acari : Mesostigmata)

Abstract

The external morphology and classification of the macronyssine genus Steatonyssus Kolenati are reviewed.Twenty-six species and subspecies are recognized, five of which are considered new.A further seven species are treated as species incertae sedis.A key is given for the identification of females.In S. brucei and S. crassisetosus this process has gone further than in any of the other known species, the number of setae on the scutum exceeding 30 pairs.Venter.The tritosternum in all stages resembles that of Pellonyssus, consisting of a narrow basal portion and a pair of laciniae.A hyaline denticulate membrane extends along the external margin of the base and continues as a narrow border along the laciniae.