New subgenera and a new species of the genus Raphignathus Dugès (Prostigmata, Raphignathidae), with taxonomic notes on the genus Neoraphignathus Smiley & Moser

Abstract

Four new subgenera in the genus Raphignathus Dugès are hereby proposed: Raphignathus (Raphignathus), subgen. nov., Raphignathus (Monoraphignathus), subgen. nov., Raphignathus (Diraphignathus), subgen. nov., and Raphignathus (Triraphignathus), subgen. nov. These subgenera are diagnosed by the number of setae on the interscutal membrane of females. A new species, R. (D.) neohecmatanaensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on females collected from Ziziphus spina-christi Mill. (Rhamnaceae). The taxonomic status of the monotypic genus Neoraphignathus Smiley & Moser and three species (R. evidus, R. hsiufui, and R. johnstoni) are discussed. A key to world species of the family Raphignathidae is given.