New genera, a new species, and a key to the genera of Ashieldophyinae (Acari, Eriophyoidea) from India

Abstract

Two new genera, Brevishieldophyes Chakrabarti & Pandit, gen. n. and Mesoshieldophyes Chakrabarti & Pandit, gen. n., and a new species Mesoshieldophyes varecae Chakrabarti & Pandit, sp. n. are described. These mites are leaf vagrants. The morphological characters of the afore-mentioned genera and those of Ashieldophyes Mohanasundaram are compared. A key for separating the genera within the subfamily Ashieldophyinae is provided. The diagnostic characters of the subfamily Ashieldophyinae are also revised.