Lindquistoseius africanus Genis, Loots and Ryke (Acarina: Mesostigmata) is transferred to the genus Panteniphis Willmann. The male of P. africanus, previously unknown, is described and illustrated from specimens collected in soil from Tanzania. Panteniphis is not an ascid but a rhodacarid. In contrast to most rhodacarids the number of setae on legs I, III and IV is reduced and leg Il of the male bears only a small tubercle on the femur. Rhodacarid features include the presence of v4 on the sternal shield, the location of V3 medial to v4, the shortened peritreme and the fusion of the male ventrianal shield to the peritremal and dorsal shields. Resemblances to Stylochirus and Digamasellus are noted, particularly the oval seta on tarsus I of the male. The solenostome is located on femur Ill.