A new species of Cryptognathus, C. deliciosus sp. nov., is described from kiwifruit (Actinidiaceae: Actinidia deliciosa) imported from New Zealand on several occasions. The new species is most similar to C. australiensis Luxton, 1973, with which it shares very short dorsal setae. These collections represent two surprising findings. First, that Cryptognathidae, which are usually regarded as edaphic mites associated with damp habitats like moss, also occupy low arboreal habitats. Second, that these mites, which show potential for short-range endemism, include several species that could be spread around the world on agricultural produce.
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10 October 2024
A new species of Cryptognathus (Acariformes: Raphignathoidea: Cryptognathidae) intercepted from New Zealand kiwifruit
Owen D. Seeman,
Jennifer J. Beard,
Jürgen C. Otto
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biosecurity
invasive species
Lace collar mites
new species
taxonomy