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Abstract
The prelarva and larva of Opilioacarus (Neocarus) texanus (Chamberlin and Mulaik, 1942) are described based on reared specimens. The larval description focuses on the pattern of setae, lyrifissures, and glands in order to test the hypothesis that these structures can be homologized among larvae of all suborders of the Parasitiformes. The distribution pattern of lyrifissures and setae on the hysterosoma of opilioacarid larvae appears to be the most complete pattern of these structures in the order Parasitiformes, and strongly suggests an ancestral segmental arrangement of the cuticular sensillae and glands. Unlike the condition for the post-larval instars, sensillae (setae and lyrifissures) on the palps, hysterosoma, and legs II-III of the larva can be homologized among larvae in all suborders. Homologies among suborders could not be established for the sensillae and glands of the propodosoma and most segments of legs I.
