Author(s): Norton, R. A. & Behan-Pelletier, V. M.
Title: Eniochthonius mahunkai sp. n. (Acari: Oribatida: Eniochthoniidae), from North American peatlands, with a redescription of Eniochthonius and a key to North American species
Year: 2007
Volume: 53
Pages: 295-333.
Abstract: The oribatid mite genus Eniochthonius (Eniochthoniidae) currently comprises five thelytokous species with distributions ranging from cosmopolitan to endemic. Herein we propose E. mahunkai sp. n., with the description based on adults and all immature instars. The species is widespread in eastern North America but is restricted to, and often abundant in, Sphagnum-rich microhabitats in peatlands. The three species of Eniochthonius reported from North America are distinguishable by size, shape, structure of ventral plates and other features that are included in a diagnostic key; new distribution records are given for E. minutissimus and E. crosbyi. A detailed description of Eniochthonius is given for the first time, and the nomenclatural confusion with Hypochthoniella is summarized; the latter derives from conflicting belief in a misidentification of the type species.
Keywords: oribatid mite, morphology, sphagnum moss, bogs, fens, parthenogenesis, thelytoky, Hypochthonioidea
Journal: Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae
Journal abbreviation:
ISSN: 1217-8837
Publisher: Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest
Editor(s): Bakonyi, G., Mahunka, S., Papp, L., Báldi, A., Csuzdi, Cs. & Forró, L.
