Two new species and a new record of Bdellidae (Acari: Trombidiformes) from Syria

Two new species of Bdellidae, Cyta kreiteri n. sp. and Odontoscirus tixieri n. sp. were collected from Latakia province, Syria. Biscirus iranensis Paktinat-Saeej and Bagheri is reported for the first time from Syria, and Spinibdella cronini (Baker and Balock) is re-studied.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
Bdellids were collected from leaves of Solanum melongena L. (Solanaceae), Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) (Rosaceae) and from ground litter at Alya'robiyah (35°30'24"N, 35°48'33"E) and 35°46'30"E), Latakia province, Syria. Specimens were mounted on slides in Hoyer's medium and dried in an oven at 40°C for one week. Mites were identified using Hernandes et al.'s (2016) keys to world Bdellidae. Specimens were compared with original descriptions or re-descriptions of corresponding or related species. All measurements (measured with the aid of an ocular micrometer) are given in micrometers (µm) and the holotype measurements are followed by measurements of the http://www1.montpellier.inra.fr/CBGP/acarologia/ ISSN 0044-586-X (print). ISSN 2107-7207 (electronic) paratype (or the range of paratypes in parentheses). Leg length was measured from the proximal edge of the coxa to the distal end of the claw. Asymmetry in leg chaetotaxy in the same specimen, if present, is indicated in brackets.
Male (n = 2). Similar to female. However, three differences were observed: basifemora III with 7 se- tae (9 setae on right leg of one male) oppose to 7 setae in female; telofemora III with 6 setae oppose to 7 in female; and tibia IV with 10 setae instead of 9 in female. Color dark red in life. Body length (including gnathosoma) 710 -805, body length (excluding gnathosoma) 550 -642; width 356 -412.
Two paratypes (one female and one male) were collected from soil litter in the same locality, 7 April 2017 (Coll. Barbar, Z.).
Etymology -This species was named for Prof.
Etymology -This species was named for Prof. Marie-Stéphane Tixier of Montpellier SupAgro, UMR CBGP, Montpellier, France, in recognition of her contribution to Acarology.
Venter -Between coxae I-IV with continuous longitudinal striae except central area between coxae II and III with oblique and irregular striae; aggenital and anal regions surrounded with oblique and irregular striae; aggenital region with 12 pairs of setae and genital valves each with 15-16 setae; anal region with three pairs of para-anal setae (ps1-3).
Remarks -This is the first record of this species from Syria and the first international record. It was recorded for the first time from Iran (Paktinat-Saeej et al., 2015a). The Syrian B. iranensis specimens are similar to the Iranian specimens, except for a few small morphological differences, namely: (1) cheliceral setae separated by distance 2.60 -2.75 times length of distal seta in Syrian specimens but this distance equal to 1.8 -2.1 times length of distal seta in Iranian specimens (Paktinat-Saeej, Personal communication by Edward A. Ueckermann); (2) tarsi II with 27(29) sts setae in Syrian specimens against 30 sts in Iranian specimens; (3) coxae III with 5 setae in Syrian specimens rather than to 6(7) setae in Iranian specimens (Paktinat-Saeej et al., 2015a).
Venter -Anterior to coxa I with transverse striae; between coxae I-IV with continuous longitudinal striae except central area between coxae II and III with faintly transverse striae; aggenital region surrounded with oblique and irregular striae; aggenital region with 22 pairs of setae and genital valves each with 13-16 setae; anal region with one pairs of smooth anal setae, two pairs of para-anal setae and one pair of cupules; one unpaired seta anterior to genital opening.