Kurosaia jiju, a new genus and species of mite (Acari, Winterschmidtiidae) associated with the solitary wasp, Anterhynchium flavomarginatum (Hymenoptera, Vespidae), in Japan

Abstract

Kurosaia jiju n. gen., n. sp., is described from all ontogenetic stages associated with nests of the eumenine vespid wasp, Anterhynchium flavomarginatum, in Japan. At over 2 mm in length, females of this species are among the largest known astigmatid mites. Only small type males were observed, which are characterized by several neotenous conditions. The genus is hypothesized to be the sister-group of Monobiacarus. Keys to genera of vespid-associated Ensliniellinae are provided for both adults and deutonymphs.

Key words :

• Acari
• Winterschmidtiidae
• Kurosaia jiju n. gen., n. sp.,
• wasp associated mites
• Japan.