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Issue: Vol. 1847 No. 1: 11 Aug. 2008
Type: Article
Published: 2008-08-11
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.1847.1.3
Page range: 34–48
Abstract views: 51
PDF downloaded: 1

Zygoribatula colemani sp. nov (Acari, Oribatida, Oribatulidae) from Granite Outcrops in Georgia, USA, with a highly variable translamella

Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Caixa Postal 478, 69.011.970, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
State University of New York, College of Environmental Science & Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210
Georgia Museum of Natural History, Natural History Building, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia USA 30602-1882
Acari Diamorpha Granite outcrops Oribatula Piedmont Plateau soil mites

Abstract

The oribatid mite Zygoribatula colemani sp. nov. (Oribatulidae) is described and illustrated based on adults collected from shallow soils in depression pits found in granitic outcrops of the Piedmont Plateau in Georgia (USA). By definition, members of Zygoribatula always possess a translamella on the prodorsum, the only feature distinguishing this genus from Oribatula. But Z. colemani shows a full range of variation, from having the translamella well developed to entirely absent; this brings the distinction of these genera into question and points out the need for a careful revision of generic concepts in Oribatulidae. Depending on the specimens examined, Z. colemani could be placed in either genus, but we tentatively include it in Zygoribatula, since in some specimens the translamella is complete and well delineated. A tentative diagnostic key to differentiate the species of Zygoribatula previously reported in the USA is included.

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