Mites of the family Caligonellidae (Acarina)

Abstract

Much uncertainty still exists about raphignathoid taxonomy because the foundational genera are based upon little-known types. It now seems possible to define three families of raphignathoid mites according to differences in the superficial parts of the respiratory apparatus associated with the mouthparts. This paper discusses the systematics of one of these obscure families of mites, the Caligonellidae. Diagnoses are given for the family and for Caligonella, the type genus. The type species, C. humilis (Koch) is re-described. Three new genera—Molothrognathus, Stigmagnathus, and Coptocheles—and eight new species are described: Molothrognathus leptostylus Molothrognathus fulgidus Molothrognathus crucis Stigmagnathus spectabilis Stigmagnathus terrestris Coptocheles triscutatus Coptocheles boharti Neophyllobius lombardinii