Constantinescu, Ioana Cristina ¹ ; Adam, Costică ² ; Chișamera, Gabriel Bogdan ³ ; Gavril, Viorel Dumitru ⁴ ; Motoc, Rozalia ⁵ ; Mukhim, D. Khlur B. ⁶ ; Dobre, Doru Simon ⁷ and Cobzaru, Ioana ⁸

¹✉ “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History, Sos. Kiseleff no.1, 011341 Bucharest, Romania.
²“Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History, Sos. Kiseleff no.1, 011341 Bucharest, Romania.
³Institute of Biology-Bucharest, Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independenței no. 296, 060031 Bucharest, Romania.
⁴Institute of Biology-Bucharest, Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independenței no. 296, 060031 Bucharest, Romania.
⁵“Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History, Sos. Kiseleff no.1, 011341 Bucharest, Romania.
⁶Zoology Department, Lady Keane College, 793001 Shillong, Meghalaya, India.
⁷Institute of Biology-Bucharest, Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independenței no. 296, 060031 Bucharest, Romania.
⁸Institute of Biology-Bucharest, Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independenței no. 296, 060031 Bucharest, Romania.

2024 - Volume: 64 Issue: 4 pages: 1213-1231

ZooBank LSID: E7897556-C815-47B6-BB7D-30C776FB4941

Original research

Keywords

Abstract

Introduction

This work is a continuation of a long-term study of feather mites associated with passerines and other birds in the Meghalaya, one of most eastern states of India (Constantinescu at al. 2014, 2016a, 2016b, 2017a, 2017b, 2018b). The present report provides descriptions of two new species of the genera Trouessartia and Proterothrix found on some Old World flycatchers of the genera Eumyias and Niltava (Muscicapidae).

The feather mite genus Trouessartia Canestrini, 1899 comprises 155 species associated predominantly with birds from the order Passeriformes. A world revision of this genus including 71 species was made by Santana (1976); other species were described in subsequent forty years by various authors (Mauri and De Alzuet 1968; Jablonska 1968; Černý and Lukoschus 1975; Gaud 1977; Černý 1979; Mironov 1983, 2021a, 2021b, 2022, 2023; Gaud and Atyeo 1986, 1987; Mironov and Kopij 1996, 2000; Mironov and Galloway 2002, 2019; Mironov and Chandler 2020; Mironov and Zabashta 2022; Mironov et al. 2021; OConnor et al. 2005; Carleton and Proctor 2010; Constantinescu et al. 2013, 2016a, 2016b, 2017a, 2018a, 2023; Mironov and González-Acuña 2013; Hernandes 2014, 2017, 2022, 2023; Hernandes and OConnor 2017; Hernandes and Valim 2015; Hernandes et al. 2022; Dmitryukov and Mironov 2023). Mironov (2022) provided an updated world checklist of Trouessartia and uniform diagnoses of 11 species groups currently recognized in the genus. The new species of Trouessartia described herein cannot be referred to any of the 11 species groups previously established in the genus, because of having a specific combination of characters, but it is close in some features to formally undetermined grouping of Trouessartia associated with Muscicapidae.

The genus Proterothrix Gaud, 1968 (Proctophyllodidae: Pterodectinae) includes 40 species of which 36 were arranged in four species groups: megacaula (3 species), schizothyra (5 species) wolffi (19 species) and paradoxornis (9 species) (Gaud 1952, 1962, 1968, 1979; Park and Atyeo 1971; Mironov 2009; Mironov and Proctor 2009, 2023; Mironov et al. 2008a, 2010, 2012; Mironov and Tolstenkov 2013; Constantinescu et al. 2014, 2017a, 2017b, 2018b, 2019, 2021, 2024; Han et al. 2019; Mironov and Galloway 2021, He et al. 2024). A new species of the genus Proterothrix described herein belongs to the wolffi species group in having almost closed coxal fields III in males and parallel-sided terminal cleft in females.

The bird genus Eumyias (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) currently included 11 valid species (Gill et al. 2024). Among these species, feather mites were previously found only on two of them: Proctophyllodes pennifer Trouessart and Neumann 1888, Analges sp., Proterothrix sp. and Trouessartia sp. from Eumyias indigo (Horsfield); Proctophyllodes cotyledon Trouessart, 1899 and Trouessartia sp. from E. thalassinus (Swainson) (Atyeo 1973). The unidentified Trouessartia species, reported by Atyeo (1973) from E. thalassinus, which is a potentially new species, has never been re-examined.

The bird genus Niltava Hodgson currently includes only seven valid species (Gill et al. 2024). Feather mites were previously recorded only on two of the seven bird species: Analges sp., Anisodiscus sp., Mesalgoides sp., Bicentralges distinctus Orwig, 1968, Proctophyllodes cotyledon Trouessart, 1899, Proterothrix chachulae Constantinescu, 2017 and Trouessartia niltavae Constantinescu, 2018 from Niltava grandis (Blyth); Analges sp., Proctophyllodes elegans Atyeo and Braasch, 1966, Proterothrix sp., Therisalges sp., Trouessartia sp. and Xolalges sp. from N. sundara Hodgson (Atyeo 1973; Atyeo and Braasch 1966; Orwig 1968, Constantinescu et al. 2017b, 2018a).

Material and methods

The material used in the present paper was collected in Meghalaya (India). The birds captured using mist-nets were identified and visually checked for the presence of mites. After collecting of mites, avian hosts were released back to the wild. Mite specimens were taken from birds manually with a needle and placed in tubes with 95% ethanol. Later, in laboratory conditions, mite specimens were cleared in lactic acid 90% for 24 hours, and mounted on microscope slides in Hoyer's medium. Drawings were made using an Olympus CX21 microscope, with a camera lucida drawing device.

For scanning electron microscope (SEM) study, some feather mite specimens were cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner (Evo Sonic) for 10–30 seconds to remove debris and then fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in sodium cacodylate buffer (0.1M, pH 7.4), in a refrigerator at 4° for 4h. The specimens were dehydrated in an ascending alcohol series (30%, 50%, 70%, 80%, 95%, and 100% ethanol; 10 min. each) and then in hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) for 1h (Han and Min 2019, Han et al. 2019). After being air-dried, samples were mounted on aluminum stubs covered with conductive double-sided adhesive carbon tabs. The samples were sputter-coated with gold for 30 seconds using SEM coating unit E5100 (Polaron Equipment Limited). The feather mites were analysed and photographed using a Phenom Pro scanning electron microscope (Phenom-Pro Desktop SEM, Thermo Fisher Scientific, The Netherlands), at 10kV acceleration voltage.

The nomenclature of body setation follows that of Griffiths et al. (1990) with modifications for the coxal setae made by Norton (1998), and that of the legs follows Grandjean (1939). Descriptions of the new species of Trouessartia is given according to the standards proposed for mites of this genus in the recent taxonomic works (Mironov and González-Acuña 2013; Hernandes 2014, 2017, 2022; Mironov and Galloway 2019; Mironov and Chandler 2020; Mironov et al. 2021), and the measuring techniques of particular structures follow Mironov and González-Acuña (2013). The description of the new species of Proterothrix is given according to current format used for species of pterodectine mites (Mironov and Fain 2003; Mironov 2006; Valim and Hernandes 2006; Mironov et al. 2008b) and the measuring techniques of particular structures used were described by Mironov and Proctor (2009).

The bird specimens were identified according to Rasmussen and Anderton (2012) and Grimmett et al. (2011), and the taxonomy of the birds follows Gill et al. (2024). We give the full set of measurements for a holotype (male) and a range of measurements for all corresponding paratypes. All measurements are in micrometers (μm).

The type material of the new species is deposited in the Acarological Collection of the ''Grigore Antipa'' National Museum of Natural History, Bucharest, Romania (MGAB); inventory numbers are given in brackets for all type specimens of each species.

Results

Trouessartiidae Gaud, 1957

Genus Trouessartia Canestrini, 1899

Trouessartia thalassina Constantinescu sp. n.

ZOOBANK: D54F418D-39AC-485C-970B-D7CDB74C0A3E

(Figures 1–6)

Type material

From Eumyias thalassinus (Swainson) (Passeriformes, Muscicapidae): male holotype (ANA2087), 9 male paratypes (ANA2088–ANA2096) and 10 female paratypes (ANA2077–ANA2086), India: Meghalaya, Kharang, East Khasi Hills, 25°28′4.74″ N, 92°0′57.86″ E, subtropical forest, 19 October 2019, collector D. Khlur B. Mukhim.

Description

Male — (holotype, range for 9 paratypes in parentheses) (Figs 1–3). Length of idiosoma from anterior end to bases of setae h3 455 (450–475), greatest width at level of humeral shields 190 (185–200). Length of hysterosoma from sejugal furrow to the lamellar apices 335 (340–350). Prodorsal shield: length along midline 143 (135–140), greatest width in posterior part 143 (138–143), lateral margins not fused with scapular shields, anterolateral extensions almost reaching bases of epimerites Ia between legs I and II, surface with reticulate ornamentation (Fig. 1A). Internal scapular setae si spiculiform, 30 (23–33) long, separated by 48 (45–50); external scapular setae se situated on prodorsal shield, separated by 93 (90–93). Vertical setae ve present, minute. Humeral shield with setae c2 spiculiform, 45 (45–55) long. Setae c3 narrowly lanceolate with acute apex, 23 (23–33) long. Hysteronotal shield entire, prohysteronotal shield and lobar shield, delimited from each other by lateral incisions immediately posterior to setae e2 and small desclerotized median patch. Prohysteronotal shield length 195 (190–193), width at anterior margin 130 (128–135), lateral margins with wide shallow concavities at level of trochanters III, bottom of these incisions with dark bow-shaped sclerotization, median and anterior part with reticulate ornamentation. Dorsal setae d2, e2 present, d1, f2 absent. Length of lobar shield excluding lamellae 105 (103–110). Opisthosoma strongly attenuate posteriorly, lobes fused to each other along midline up to level of setae ps2, only distal parts of lobes separated by narrow parallel-sided terminal cleft; length of this cleft from anterior end to apices of terminal lamellae 53 (50–53), width in anterior part 10 (9–13). Terminal lamellae semi-ovate, their outer margins at level of setae h2 shallowly concave, length from bases of setae h3 to lamellar apices 30 (23–35). Setae h1 anterior to setae h2. Distance between dorsal setae: c2-d2 90 (85–93), d2-e2 95 (98–103), e2-h2 93 (83–85), h2-h3 25 (23–24), h2-h2 50 (43–45), h3-h3 35 (33–38), e1-e2 43 (43–53).

Epimerites I free. Rudimentary sclerites rEpIIa present, roughly rounded. Genital apparatus situated between levels of trochanters III and IV, length 55 (53–55), greatest width 20 (20–23) (Fig. 1B). Epiandrum present, small; setae g long and filiform close to each other, postgenital plaque small semicircular. Adanal apodemes heavily sclerotized, with narrow lateral membrane and a pair of apophysis, like uniformly sclerotized ridge. Translobar apodeme present. Adanal shields very small, teardrop-shaped, bearing setae ps3. Anal suckers 15 (13–17) in diameter. Anterior ends of epimerites IV extending beyond level of setae 4b; epimerites IVa present, wide, anterior ends acute and extending to level of setae g. Setae 4b situated slightly anterior to level of setae 3a, setae g situated posterior to level of setae 4a. Distance between ventral setae: 4b-3a 35 (35–38), 4b-g 78 (80–83), g-ps3 65 (65–68), ps3-h3 105 (99–105).

Setae sR of trochanters III narrowly lanceolate, with acute apex 22 (22–25) long, setae cG and mG of genua I, II are filiform. Tarsus IV 35 (28–35) long; seta d barrel-shaped, with discoid cap; seta e hemispheroid, without cap, situated subapically (Fig. 2D). Lengths of solenidia: σ1I 53 (42–53), σII 22 (22–25), σIII 18 (18–23), φIV 32 (30–45). Legs IV with ambulacral disc extending to level of setae h2.

Female — (range for 10 paratypes) (Figs 4–6): Length of idiosoma from anterior end to apices of lamellar lobar processes 500–525, greatest width 180–200. Length of hysterosoma from sejugal furrow to apices of lamellar lobar processes 350–375. Prodorsal shield shaped as in male, 130–145 in length, 140–155 in width, surface with reticulate ornamentation. Setae si spiculiform, 25–43 long, separated by 43–53; external scapular setae se situated on prodorsal shield, separated by 88–108. Humeral shields with setae c2 spiculiform, 43–53 long. Setae c3 narrowly lanceolate with acute apex, 28–30 in length. Hysteronotal shield: length from anterior margin to bases of setae h3 350–375, width at anterior margin 120–132, lateral margins with wide shallow concavity at level of trochanters III, anterior half with poorly pronounced ovate and cell-shaped lacunae, area posterior to level of setae e1 with two longitudinal rows of big ovate lacunae (Fig. 4A). Dorsal setae d2, e2 present, d1 absent. Setae h1 lanceolate, situated in non-sclerotized lacunae with uneven margins, 17–20 long, situated antero-mesal to bases of setae h2, 25–33 from each lateral margin of hysteronotal shield. Setae ps1 positioned dorsally on opisthosomal lobes, equidistant from outer and inner margins of lobes, close to bases of setae h3. Distance from bases of setae h3 to membranous apices of lobes 33–37. Setae f2 present, minute. Supranal concavity open posteriorly into terminal cleft. Length of terminal cleft together with supranal concavity 109–117, width of cleft at level of setae h3 30–45. Interlobar membrane occupying anterior 1/3 of terminal cleft, distance from free margin of interlobar membrane to membranous lobar apices 75–85. External copulatory tube absent, copulatory opening situated ventrally on minute nipple-like projection near margin of interlobar membrane (Fig. 6D), guides of external copulatory tube rudimentary, guide of primary spermaduct present. Distance between dorsal setae: c2-d2 73–88, d2-e2 100–128, e2-h2 63–70, h2-h3 60–70, h2-h2 75–83, h3-h3 50–63, e1-e2 53–58, h1-h2 18–20, h1-h1 45–50, ps1-h3 13–18.

Epimerites I free. Epigynum 38–43 in length, 78–90 in width (Fig. 4B). Epimerites IVa present, short. Adanal sclerites absent. Spermatheca with a pair of sclerotized lateral extensions; collar of spermathecal head smooth; length of secondary spermaducts 25–30 (Fig. 5E).

Setae sR of trochanters III narrowly lanceolate, with acute apex, 23–25 long, setae cG and mG of genua I, II are filiform. Legs IV with ambulacral disc extending to midlevel between setae h2 and h3.

Etymology

The specific name thalassina (L., sea-green), adjective, feminine gender, is derived from the species name of the type host, the adult males of which have azure or light-blue plumage.

Differential diagnosis

The new species Trouessartia thalassina Constantinescu sp. n. is most similar to T. cyanoptilae Mironov, 2023 described from Cyanoptila cyanomelana Temminck (Passeriformes, Muscicapidae) (Mironov 2023), in having, in both sexes, setae d1 absent, and lateral margins of the hysteronotal shield shallowly concave. In males, the dorsal shields have reticulated oranamentation, the genital apparatus is narrow, the prohysteronotal and lobar part of the hysteronotal shields are demarked by lateral incisions and the postgenital plaque is small and semi-rounded. The females lacking the external copulatory tube, the copulatory opening are situated ventrally and distant from the interlobar membrane margin and setae h1 are situated in desclerotized lacunae. Both sexes of Trouessartia thalassina differ from T. cyanoptilae by having the anterolateral extensions of prodorsal shield almost reaching bases of epimerites Ia between legs I and II (vs. the anterolateral extensions of prodorsal shield rounded, not extending to bases of epimerites Ia between legs I and II). In males of the new species the terminal lamellae are semi-ovate, the adanal apodemes have a pair of apophysis like uniformly sclerotized ridge, the epimerites IVa are wide (vs. terminal lamellae roughly rectangular with posterior margin obliquely cut, the adanal apodemes have apophyses represented by long submarginal membranes with convex lateral margins, the epimerites IVa are as plates of roughly ovate form in T. cyanoptilae). In females of the new species the hysteronotal shield has, posterior to level of setae e1, an ornamentation with two longitudinal rows of big ovate lacunae, the setae h1 are lanceolate and are situated in non-sclerotized lacunae with uneven margins (vs. hysteronotal shield has, posterior to level of setae e1, an ornamentation with many rows of lacunae, larger along midline and smaller in lateral areas, the setae h1 are thin spiculiform and are situated in non-sclerotized lacunae with round margins in T. cyanoptilae).

Family Proctophyllodidae Trouessart et Mégnin, 1884

Subfamily Pterodectinae Park et Atyeo, 1971

Genus Proterothrix Gaud, 1968

Proterothrix sibillae Constantinescu sp. n.

ZOOBANK: 61CF4008-DE93-4614-89F3-3C2DF64468EF

(Figures 7–12)

Type material

From Niltava macgrigoriae (Burton) (Passeriformes, Muscicapidae): male holotype (ANA2102), 9 male paratypes (ANA2097-2101, ANA2103-2106) and 10 female paratypes (ANA2107-2116), India: Meghalaya, Kharang, East Khasi Hills, 25°28′4.74″ N, 92°0′57.86″ E, subtropical forest, 20 October 2019, collector D. Khlur B. Mukhim.

Description

Male — (Figs 7–9; holotype, range for 9 paratypes in parentheses): Pseudorutellar lobes with long and acute lateral extensions (Fig. 9C). Length of idiosoma 325 (320–325), width 103 (103–110), length of hysterosoma 225 (213–225). Prodorsal shield entire, antero-lateral extensions short and rounded, lateral margins without incisions around scapular setae, posterior margin with median blunt-angular extension, posterior angles acute, length 100 (94–100), width 77 (73–82), surface with small circular lacunae (Fig. 7A). Scapular setae se separated by 35 (33–40). Scapular shields narrow. Humeral shields narrow, separated from outer sclerotization of epimerites III, setae c2 filiform, situated on striated tegument anterior to humeral shield. Subhumeral setae c3 lanceolate, 20 (18–20) × 8 (7–8). Hysteronotal shield with anterior margin concave, lateral margins with a small concavity at level of c3 setae, anterior angles truncated, length from anterior margin to bases of setae h3 203 (195–210), greatest width in anterior part 75 (70–75), surface with small circular lacunae in anterior part and along lateral margins of posterior part. Opisthosomal lobes roughly trapezoidal, slightly wider at base than long, posterolateral margins at bases of setae h2 with wide truncate extensions; setae h3 situated slightly posterior to setae h2 (Fig. 9B). Terminal cleft V-shaped, 18 (18–23) long; margins of terminal cleft without membranes. Supranal concavity clearly outlined, shaped as inverted teardrop. Setae c1 present. Setae f2 slightly posterior to bases of setae ps2. Setae h1 at posterior end of supranal concavity, closer to lateral margins of opisthosoma. Setae ps1 filiform, length 7 (7–8), situated near inner margins of opisthosomal lobes, anterior to bases of setae h3. Dorsal measurements: c2-d2 85 (73–78), d2-e2 80 (75–84), e2-h3 50 (45–53), d1-d2 33 (30–38), e1-e2 27 (25–33), h1-ps2 15 (17–18), h2-h2 42 (38–45), h3-h3 25 (22–27), ps2-ps2 53 (45–53).

Epimerites I fused into a V, posterior end connected with epimerites II by transverse sclerotized bands. Epimerites II long, their posterior ends free. Rudimentary sclerires rEpIIa present. Coxal field I closed, coxal field II open, coxal fields III almost closed, coxal fields IV with narrow sclerotized areas at bases of trochanters IV. Epimerites IVa present, well developed, their anterior tips bearing bases of setae 4a (Fig. 7B). Genital arch 12 (8–12) long, 18 (17–18) wide, aedeagus 95 (92–104) long, extending to anterior end of terminal cleft. Genital papillae situated anterior to genital arch. Two pairs of adanal shields (median and antero-lateral) represented by small triangular plates, setae ps3 situated on median pairs. A pair of small ovoid sclerites (rudimentary paragenital apodemes) located at tips of genital arch. Adanal suckers 13 (12–13) in diameter, corolla indented, with 9–10 small teeth. Ventral measurements: 3a-4b 23 (23–30), 4b-4a 32 (30–33), 4a-g 35 (33–35), g-ps3 43 (37–45), ps3-ps3 15 (13–17), ps3-h3 45 (42–45).

Legs I longer than legs II, femora I and II with ventral crest (Fig. 8A, B). Seta e of tarsus I filiform. Setae mGII thickened basally, with filiform apex. Setae d of tarsi II, III much shorter than corresponding setae f. Tarsus IV 25 (20–27) long, with apical claw; setae d, e button-like, subequal in diameter, situated in basal and apical parts of segment, respectively (Fig. 8D). Length of solenidia: ω1I 12 (10–12), ω1II 12 (12–15), φI 57 (55–65), φII 40 (35–45), φIII 25 (18–25), φIV 28 (22–25), σI 8 (8–10), σIII 5 (5–7).

Female — (range for 10 paratypes) (Figs. 10–12): Pseudorutellar lobes with long and acute lateral extensions as in the male. Length of idiosoma 445–465, width 125–150, and length of hysterosoma 310–325. Prodorsal shield entire, anterolateral extensions with rounded tips, lateral margins without incisions around scapular setae, posterior margin slightly concave, posterior angles acute, length 125–128, width 98–120, surface with small circular lacunae (Fig. 10A). Scapular setae se separated by 48–55. Scapular shields narrow. Humeral shields narrow, separated from epimerites III. Setae c2 filiform situated on striated tegument. Subhumeral setae c3 lanceolate, 20–28 × 10–12. Hysteronotal shield dorsally separated into anterior and lobar shields, which connected ventrolaterally. Anterior hysteronotal shield roughly rectangular, anterior and posterior margins concave, greatest length 208–218, greatest width in anterior part 103–115, surface with sparsely disposed small circular lacunae. Length of lobar region 78–85, width at level of setae h2 75–80. Terminal cleft parallel-sided, narrow, with almost touching margins, length 53–60. Supranal concavity circular, without strong sclerotization. Setae h1 on lobar shield, at midlevel of supranal concavity; surface of lobar shield without ornamentation. Setae h2 spindle-shaped, with short terminal filament, 73–88 × 8–10. Setae ps1 closer to inner margin of opisthosomal lobes, setae h3 18–28 long. Dorsal measurements: c2-d2 100–120, d2-e2 113–120, e2-h2 45–55, h2-h3 33–40, d1-d2 43–58, e1-e2 50–55, h1-h2 30–38, h2-ps1 28–38, h1-h1 35–45, h2-h2 60–65.

Epimerites I fused as a V, fused part with short lateral extensions. Coxal fields I, II without heavily sclerotized areas, epimerites IVa absent (Fig. 10B). Translobar apodemes of opisthosomal lobes present, fused to each other anterior to terminal cleft. Epigynum horseshoe-shaped, greatest width 65–70. Secondary spermaducts short, 10-12 length (Fig. 11E). Distances between pseudanal setae: ps2-ps2 25–32, ps3-ps3 15–20, ps2-ps3 13–18.

Legs I slightly longer than legs II; femora II with wide ventral crest; setae mGII thickened basally, with filiform apex. Length of solenidia: ω1I 13–15, ω1II 10–15, φI 55–63, φII 43–60, φIII 25–33, φIV 8–10, σI 5 (5–7), σIII 8 (8–10). (Fig. 11A–D).

Etymology

The species is named in honor of the German naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717), one of the pioneer women in taxonomy.

Differential diagnosis

Proterothrix sibillae Constantinescu sp. n. belongs to the wolffi species group, in having almost closed coxal fields III in males and parallel-sided terminal cleft in females. Among species of this group, P. sibillae is closely related to P. cyornissimilis Constantinescu, 2017 from Cyornis rubeculoides (Vigors) (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) (Constantinescu et al. 2017a) in having the following complex of common features: in males, the prodorsal shields are similar shape; the opisthosomal lobes are trapezoidal, at base slightly wider than long and with slightly extending posterolateral angles; two pairs of adanal shields are present, and a pair of small ovoid sclerites are located at tips of genital arch. In females, the hysteronotal shields have similar shape and ornamentation, and the terminal cleft has almost touching margins. Proterothrix sibillae is larger than P. cyornissimilis, the length of idiosoma in males 320–325, and in females 445–465 (vs. 260–262 in males and 368–392 in females of T. cyornissimilis). In males of the new species, the prodorsal shield has an ornamentation in the form of small circular lacunae, the aedeagus is 92–104 long and extends to the anterior end of terminal cleft, and the genital papillae are situated anterior to genital arch (vs. the prodorsal shield lacks ornamentation, the aedeagus is 72–76 long and barely extends to the level of setae ps2, and the genital papillae are situated at the midlevel of the genital arch in T. cyornissimilis). In females of the new species, the antero-lateral extensions of prodorsal shield are angular, femora I are without ventral crest and the supranal concavity is circular and without strong sclerotization (vs. the antero-lateral extensions of prodorsal shiel are with a subapical ledge, femora I are with ventral crest and the supranal concavity is ovoid and with strongly sclerotized margin).

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife & Chief Wildlife Warden from Shillong (Meghalaya, India) for the permission to catch birds (permission No. FWC.G/173/Pt.). The study was partially funded by project no. RO1567-IBB09/2024 from the Institute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy.

References

1. Atyeo W.T. 1973. Feather mites. Pp. 54-78. In: H.E. McClure and N. Ratanaworabhan (Eds.), Some ectoparasites of the birds of Asia. Jintana Printing Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand, 219 pp.
2. Atyeo W.T., Braasch L. 1966. The feather mite genus Proctophyllodes (Sarcoptiformes: Proctophyllodidae). Bull. Univ. Nebraska State Mus., 5: 1-354.
3. Carleton R.E., Proctor H.C. 2010. Feather mites associated with Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis L.) in Georgia, including the description of a new species of Trouessartia (Analgoidea: Trouessartiidae). Southeast Nat., 9: 605-623. https://doi.org/10.1656/058.009.0317
4. Černý V. 1979. Feather mites (Sarcoptiformes: Analgoidea) of some warblers from Czechoslovakia. Folia Parasitol., 26: 81-84.
5. Černý V., Lukoschus F.S. 1975. Parasitic mites of Surinam XXXIII. Feather mites (Analgoidea). Stud Fauna Suri and other Guy., 58: 184-203. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-7106-1_3
6. Constantinescu I.C., Chișamera G.B., Pocora V., Stanciu C., Adam C. 2013. Two new species of feather mites (Acarina: Analgoidea) from the Moustached Warbler, Acrocephalus melanopogon (Passeriformes, Acrocephalidae) in Romania. Zootaxa, 3709: 267-276. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3709.3.5
7. Constantinescu I.C., Chişamera G.B., Adam C. 2018a. Redescription of six feather mite species of the genus Proterothrix Gaud, 1968 (Analgoidea: Proctophyllodidae: Pterodectinae) from the ''Édouard Louis Trouessart'' Collection. Zootaxa, 4486: 451-479. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4486.4.3
8. Constantinescu I.C., Chişamera G.B., Motoc R., Adam C. 2024. Three new feather mite species of the genus Proterothrix Gaud, 1968 (Analgoidea: Proctophyllodidae: Pterodectinae) from birds of paradise (Passeriformes: Paradisaeidae). Acarologia, 64 (2): 661-682. https://doi.org/10.24349/bx89-qaob
9. Constantinescu I.C., Chişamera G.B., Motoc R., Gustafsson D.R., Zou F.S., Chu X.Z., Adam C. 2021.Two new species of feather mites (Acarina: Psoroptidia) from the Huet's fulvetta, Alcippe hueti (Passeriformes: Leiothrichidae), in China. Syst. Appl. Acarol., 26 (1): 146-165. https://doi.org/10.11158/saa.26.1.9
10. Constantinescu I.C., Chişamera G.B., Mukhim D.K.B., Adam C. 2014. Three new species of feather mite of the genus Proterothrix Gaud, 1968 (Analgoidea: Proctophyllodidae: Pterodectinae) from passerines in Meghalaya, North East India. Syst. Parasitol., 89: 45-58. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11230-014-9508-1
11. Constantinescu I.C., Cobzaru I., Mukhim D.K.B., Adam C. 2016a. Two new species of the genus Trouessartia (Acari, Trouessartiidae) from laughingthrushes (Passeriformes, Leiothrichidae). ZooKeys, 571: 59-79. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.571.7724
12. Constantinescu I.C., Cobzaru I., Mukhim D.K.B., Adam C. 2016b. Two new species of the genus Trouessartia (Acari, Trouessartiidae) from Asia. Zootaxa, 4137 (3): 357-374. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4137.3.4
13. Constantinescu I.C., Chişamera G.B., Petrescu A., Adam C. 2019. Two new species of feather mites of the subfamily Pterodectinae (Analgoidea: Proctophyllodidae) from Indonesia. Acarologia, 59: 196-210. https://doi.org/10.24349/acarologia/20194324
14. Constantinescu I.C., Cobzaru I., Geamana N.A., Mukhim D.K.B., Adam C. 2017a. Two new species of feather mites (Acarina: Psoroptidia) from the blue-throated blue flycatcher, Cyornis rubeculoides (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae). J. Nat. Hist., 51: 277-297. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2017.1280194
15. Constantinescu I.C., Popa O.P., Popa L.O., Cobzaru I., Mukhim D.K.B., Adam C. 2017b. A new feather mite species of the genus Proterothrix Gaud, 1968 (Acarina, Proctophyllodidae) from the Large Niltava, Niltava grandis (Passeriformes, Muscicapidae) - an integrative description. ZooKeys, 661:1-14. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.661.11793
16. Constantinescu I.C., Popa O.P., Popa L.O., Cobzaru I., Mukhim D.K.B., Adam C. 2018b. A new feather mite species of the genus Trouessartia Canestrini, 1899 (Acarina, Trouessartiidae) - an integrative description (morphology and DNA barcoding data), ZooKeys 789: 19-35. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.789.27829
17. Constantinescu I.C., Chişamera G.B., Motoc R., Gustafsson D.R., Zou F.S., Chu X.Z., Adam C. 2023. Two new feather mite species (Acarina: Psoroptidia) from the Chestnut Bulbul, Hemixos castanonotus (Passeriformes: Pycnonotidae), in China. Acarologia, 63(3): 637-657. https://doi.org/10.24349/8srk-wv1j
18. Dmitryukov A.V., Mironov S.V. 2023. A new species of the feather mite genus Trouessartia (Acariformes: Trouessartiidae) from robins of the genus Larvivora (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) from Asian Russia, with barcode data. Acarina, 31: 199-211. https://doi.org/10.21684/0132-8077-2023-31-2-199-211
19. Gaud J. 1952. Sarcoptides plumicoles des oiseaux de Madagascar. Mém. de lʼInstit. Scien. Madagascar, 7: 81-107.
20. Gaud J. 1962. Sarcoptiformes plumicoles (Analgesoidea) parasites dʼoiseaux de IʼIle Rennell. The Nat. Hist. Rennell Isl., Brit. Solomon Is., 4: 31-51.
21. Gaud J. 1968. Sarcoptiformes plumicoles (Analgoidea) parasites dʼoiseaux de IʼIle Rennell. The Nat. Hist. Rennell Isl., Brit. Solomon Is., 5: 121-151.
22. Gaud J. 1977. La faune terrestre de l′Ile de Sainte Hélène. 4.3. Acariens Sarcoptiformes Plumicoles parasites d'oiseaux. Ann. Mus. R. Afr. Centr. Sci. Zool., 220: 260-269.
23. Gaud J. 1979. Sarcoptiformes plumicoles des oiseaux Coraciiformes dʼAfrique. Ⅱ. Parasites des Alcedinidae. Rev. Zool. Afr., 93: 245-266.
24. Gaud J., Atyeo W.T. 1986. Les Trouessartia (Analgoidea, Trouessartiidae) parasites des hirondelles de l′Ancien Monde. I. Le Groupe appendiculata. Acarologia, 27: 263-274.
25. Gaud J., Atyeo W.T. 1987. Les Trouessartia (Analgoidea, Trouessartiidae) parasites des hirondelles de l′Ancien Monde. I. Le Groupe minutipes. Acarologia, 28: 367-379.
26. Gill F., Donsker D., Rasmussen P. (Eds.) 2024. IOC World Bird List. Version 14.1. Available from: https://www.worldbirdnames.org/new/ (accesed 10 Julay 2024)
27. Grandjean F. 1939. La chaetotaxie des pattes chez les Acaridiae. Bull. Soc. Zool. France, 64: 50-60.
28. Griffiths D.A., Atyeo W.T., Norton R.A., Lynch C.A. 1990. The idiosomal chaetotaxy of astigmatid mites. J. Zool., 220: 1-32. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1990.tb04291.x
29. Grimmett R., Inskipp C., Inskipp T. 2011. Helm Field Guides: Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. Christopher Helm, London, 528 pp.
30. Han Y.D., Min G.S. 2019. Three feather mites (Acari: Sarcoptiformes: Astigmata) isolated from Tringa glareola in South Korea. J. Sci. Res., 8(2): 215-224.doi:10.12651/JSR.2019.8.2.215
31. Han Y.D., Mironov S.V., Min G.S. 2019. Two new feather mites (Acari: Analgoidea) isolated from the grey-headed woodpecker, Picus canus (Piciformes: Picidae) in Korea. Syst. Appl. Acarol., 24: 2167-2183. https://doi.org/10.11158/saa.24.11.9
32. He S.X., Sun L.H., Liu H., Yuan Y.C., Wang Z.Y. 2024 Three new feather mites of the genus Proterothrix Gaud (Astigmata: Proctophyllodidae) from passerines (Aves: Passeriformes) in China. Acarologia, 64(3): 843-864. https://doi.org/10.24349/y1xh-2eq2
33. Hernandes F.A. 2014. Five new species of the feather mite genus Trouessartia Canestrini from South America (Acari: Trouessartiidae). Zootaxa, 3856: 50-72. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3856.1.2
34. Hernandes F.A. 2017. Two new species of Trouessartia Canestrini, 1899 (Astigmata: Trouessartiidae) from passeriform birds in Brazil. Syst. Parasitol., 94: 1019-1032. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11230-017-9755-z
35. Hernandes F.A. 2022. Three new feather mite species (Acariformes: Proctophyllodidae, Trouessartiidae) from tyrant flycatchers (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) in Brazil. Syst. Parasitol., 99 (2): 139-140. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11230-022-10026-8
36. Hernandes F.A. 2023. Feather mites (Acariformes: Astigmata) from the yellow-rumped cacique, Cacicus cela (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Icteridae) in Brazil, with description of four new species. J. Nat. Hist., 57(1-4): 257-284. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2023.2174459
37. Hernandes F.A., OConnor B.M. 2017. Out of Africa: the feather mites (Acariformes) of the common waxbill, Estrilda astrild (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Estrildidae) from Brazil. Parasit. Vectors, 10: 299, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-017-2230-5
38. Hernandes F.A., Valim M.P. 2015. A new species of the genus Trouessartia Canestrini (Acari: Trouessartiidae) from Neotropical passerines (Aves: Tyrannidae). Int. J. Acarol., 41: 382-388. https://doi.org/10.1080/01647954.2015.1046921
39. Hernandes F.A., Barbosa B.B., Ubaid F.K. 2022. A new feather mite of the genus Trouessartia Canestrini, 1899 (Acariformes: Trouessartiidae) from the bran-colored flycatcher, Myiophobus fasciatus (Muller PLS, 1776) (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae), in Brazil. Int. J. Acarol., 48(4-5): 382-386. https://doi.org/10.1080/01647954.2022.2080259
40. Jablonska J. 1968. New species of the genus Trouessartia occurring on Turdidae. Bull. Acad. Pol. Sci. Biol., 16: 377-380.
41. Mauri R., De Alzuet A.B. 1968. Una nueva espécie de Trouessartia Canestrini, 1899 (Acarina: Proctophyllodidae). Mus La Plata n.10 Zool., 85: 169-172.
42. Mironov S.V. 1983. Feather mites of the genus Trouessartia of the USSR fauna and descriptions of new species (Analgoidea). Parazitologiya, 17: 361-369.
43. Mironov SV. 2006. Feather mites of the genus Montesauria Oudemans (Astigmata: Proctophyllodidae) associated with starlings (Passeriformes: Sturnidae) in the Indo-Malayan region, with notes on systematic of the genus. Acarina, 14: 21-40.
44. Mironov S.V. 2009. Phylogeny of feather mites of the subfamily Pterodectinae (Astigmata: Proctophyllodidae) and their host associations with passerines (Aves: Passeriformes). Proc. Zool. Inst. Russ. Acad. Sci., 313: 97-118. https://doi.org/10.31610/trudyzin/2009.313.2.97
45. Mironov S.V. 2021a. A new species of the feather mite genus Trouessartia (Acariormes: Trouessatiidae) from the Tristram's bunting Emberiza tristrami (Passeriformes: Emberezidae) in the Russian Far East. Acarina, 29(1): 35-42. https://doi.org/10.21684/0132-8077-2021-29-1-35-42
46. Mironov S.V. 2021b. Two new species of the feather mite genus Trouessartia (Acariormes: Trouessatiidae) from robins and chats (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) in the Russian Far East. Acarina, 29(2): 155-167. https://doi.org/10.21684/0132-8077-2021-29-2-155-167
47. Mironov S.V. 2022. Notes on systematics of the feather mite genus Trouessartia Canestrini, 1899 (Acariformes: Trouessartiidae) with an updated world checklist. Acarina, 30(2): 157-180. https://doi.org/10.21684/0132-8077-2022-30-2-157-180
48. Mironov S.V. 2023. Two new species of the feather mite genus Trouessartia (Acariformes: Trouessartiidae) from passerines (Passeriformes) from Asian Russia. Acarina, 31(1): 15-30. https://doi.org/10.21684/0132-8077-2023-31-1-15-30
49. Mironov S.V., Chandler C.R. 2020. Feather mites of the genus Trouessartia (Acariformes: Trouessartiidae) from passerines (Aves: Passeriformes) in Georgia, USA. Zootaxa, 4860(1): 1-54. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4860.1.1
50. Mironov S.V., Fain A. 2003. New species of feather mite subfamily Pterodectinae (Astigmata: Proctophyllodidae) from African passerines (Aves: Passeriformes). Bull. Annls. Soc. R. Belge. Ent., 139: 75-91.
51. Mironov S.V., Galloway T.D. 2002. New feather mite taxa (Acarina: Analgoidea) and mites collected from native and introduced birds of New Zealand. Acarologia, 42: 185-201.
52. Mironov S.V., Galloway T.D. 2019. Feather mites of the genus Trouessartia Canestrini (Acariformes: Trouessartiidae) from swallows (Passeriformes: Hirundinidae) in Canada. Zootaxa, 4568(1): 1-39. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4568.1.1
53. Mironov S.V., Galloway T.D. 2021. Feather mites of the subfamily Pterodectinae (Acariformes: Proctophyllodidae) from passerines and kingfishers in Canada. Zootaxa, 5016: 1-55. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5016.1.1
54. Mironov S.V., González-Acuña D.A. 2013. A new feather mite species of the genus Trouessartia Canestrini, 1899 (Acariformes: Trouessartiidae) from the White-Crested Elaenia Elaenia albiceps (Orbigney et Lafresnaye) (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) in Chile. Acarina, 21: 123-132.
55. Mironov S.V., Kopij G. 1996. New feather mite species (Acarina: Analgoidea) from some starlings (Passeriformes: Sturnidae) of South Africa. J. Afr. Zool., 110: 257-269.
56. Mironov S.V., Kopij G. 2000. New feather mites species of the genus Trouessartia (Acari: Analgoidea: Trouessartiidae) from South African passerines (Aves: Passeriformes). Mitt. Hamb. Zool. Mus. Inst., 97: 99-115.
57. Mironov S.V., Proctor H.C. 2009. Feather mites of the genus Proterothrix Gaud (Astigmata: Proctophyllodidae) from parrotbills (Passeriformes: Paradoxornithidae) in China. J. Parasitol., 95: 1093-1107. https://doi.org/10.1645/GE-1961.1
58. Mironov S.V., Proctor H.C. 2023. New feather mites of the genus Neodectes (Acariformes: Proctophyllodidae) from honeyeaters (Passeriformes: Meliphagidae) in Australia. Zootaxa, 5330: 349-374. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5330.3.2
59. Mironov S.V., Tolstenkov O.O. 2013. Three new feather mites of the subfamily Pterodectinae (Acari: Proctophyllodidae) from passerines (Aves: Passeriformes) in Vietnam. Proc. Zool. Inst. Russ. Acad. Sci., 317: 11-29. https://doi.org/10.31610/trudyzin/2013.317.1.11
60. Mironov S.V., Zabashta A.V. 2022. A new species of the feather mite genus Trouessartia (Acariformes: Trouessartiidae) from the Cetti's warbler Cettia cetti (Passeriformes: Cettiidae) in European Russia. Acarina, 30(1): 13-22. https://doi.org/10.21684/0132-8077-2022-30-1-13-22
61. Mironov S.V., Santillán M.A., Liébana M.S. 2021. Two new feather mites of the genus Trouessartia Canestrini, 1899 (Acariformes: Trouessartiidae) from tyrant flycatchers (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) in Argentina. Syst. Appl. Acarol., 26(9): 1735-1750. https://doi.org/10.11158/saa.26.9.8
62. Mironov S.V., Diao W., Zhang Y., Zhang C., Yan Z. 2008a. A new feather mite species of the genus Proterothrix Gaud (Astigmata, Proctophyllodidae) from Ficedula zanthopygia (Hay) (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) in China. Acarina, 16: 31-38.
63. Mironov S.V., Literak I., Čapek M. 2008b. New feather mites of the subfamily Pterodectinae (Acari: Astigmata: Proctophyllodidae) from passerines (Aves: Passeriformes) in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Zootaxa, 1947: 1-38. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.1947.1.1
64. Mironov S.V., Literak I., Čapek M., Koubek P. 2010. New species of the feather mite subfamily Pterodectinae (Astigmata, Proctophyllodidae) from passerines in Senegal. Acta Parasitol., 55: 399-413. https://doi.org/10.2478/s11686-010-0051-1
65. Mironov S.V., Literak I., Hung M.N., Čapek M. 2012. New feather mites of the subfamily Pterodectinae (Acari: Proctophyllodidae) from passerines and woodpeckers (Aves: Passeriformes and Piciformes) in Vietnam. Zootaxa, 3440: 1-49. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3440.1.1
66. Norton A.R. 1998. Morphological evidence for the evolutionary origin of Astigmata (Acari: Acariformes). Exp. Appl. Acarol., 22: 559-594. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006135509248
67. OConnor B.M., Foufopoulos J., Lipton D., Lindström K. 2005. Mites associated with the small ground finch, Geospiza fuliginosa (Passeriformes: Emberizidae), from the Galápagos Islands. J. Parasitol., 91: 1304-1313 https://doi.org/10.1645/GE-581R.1
68. Orwig K.R. 1968. The genera and species of the feather mite subfamily Trouessartiinae except Trouessartia (Acarina: Proctophyllodidae). Bull. Univ. Nebraska State Mus., 8: 1-187.
69. Park C.K., Atyeo W.T. 1971. A generic revision of the Pterodectinae, a new subfamily of feather mites (Sarcoptiformes: Analgoidea). Bull. Univ. Nebr. State Mus., 9: 39-88.
70. Rasmussen P.C., Anderton J.C. 2012. Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide. Volumes 1 and 2. Second Edition. National Museum of Natural History - Smithsonian Institution, Michigan State University and Lynx Edicions, Washington, D.C., Michigan and Barcelona, vol. 1: 684 pp., vol. 2: 378 pp.
71. Santana F.J. 1976. A review of the genus Trouessartia (Analgoidea: Alloptidae). J. Med. Entomol. Suppl., 1: 1-128. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmedent/13.Suppl1.1
72. Valim M.P., Hernandes F.A. 2006. Redescription of four species of the feather mite genus Pterodectes Robin, 1877 (Acari: Proctophyllodidae: Pterodectinae) described by Herbert F. Berla. Acarina, 14: 41-55.

instructions