The water mite Rutripalpus limicola Sokolow, 1934: new data on morphology and biology, and considerations on the systematic position of the monotypic family Rutripalpidae (Acari, Hydrachnidia)

Abstract

New information is given on the morphology of Rutripalpus limicola Sokolow, 1934, including the first descriptions of larvae and deutonymphs, and redescription of adults in both sexes. Genital flaps of Rutripalpus males are fused forming a penis-like hinged genital tube unique in water mites. A character analysis of all life-cycle stages indicates an isolated position of Rutripalpidae, with phylogenetic relations to Bandakiopsis Smith, 1979, a genus at present placed in the polyphyletic family Anisitsiellidae, and to the family Teutoniidae. Larvae attributed here to Rutripalpus were found attached to larvae of ptychopterid midges, representing the first record of water mite larvae parasitizing that dipteran family. Our finding of the species in Montenegro (Yugoslavia) is the third record from Europe and the first record from the mediterranean area.

Keywords:

• Acari Hydrachnidia Rutripalpidae Morphology Life-CYCLE Systematics Sexual Biology Diptera Ptychopteridae