Imparipes (I.) americanus (Banks, 1904): an unexpected discovery and redescription of the first recorded scutacarid species from North America (Acari, Heterostigmatina, Scutacaridae)

Abstract

As the holotype slide of Imparipes (Imparipes) americanus (Banks, 1904) was found to contain an additional, previously unnoticed specimen of the same species, I. americanus is redescribed here on the basis of the holotype and the new paratype. In contrast to other scutacarid species associated with wild bees, I. americanus probably does not use the genital atrium as sporotheca. Although its phoresy host Halictus farinosus Smith, 1853 can be found all along western North America, ranging from British Columbia to New Mexico, I. americanus is at present only known from British Columbia.

Keywords:

• mites
• phoresy
• Halictidae
• new paratype
• British Columbia

Acknowledgements

Gratitude is expressed to Dr Ardis Johnston (former custos of the zoological collection) for permission to examine and re-embed the type material. Thanks go as well to J. Asher (American Museum of Natural History) for information on the taxonomic status of the bee Halictus (Nealictus) farinosus Smith, 1853.