Biologia 67/3: 540—545, 2012 Section Zoology DOI: 10.2478/s11756-012-0033-x
Description of larva and protonymph of Vulgarogamasus kraepelini (Acari: Parasitidae)
Ewa Teodorowicz,DariuszJ.Gwiazdowicz & Jacek Kamczyc
Poznan University of Life Sciences„ Department of Forest Protection, Wojska Polskiego 71C, PL–61689 Poznan, Poland; e-mails: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Abstract: The study presents a detailed description of a larva and a protonymph of Vulgarogamasus kraepelini together with their biometric data obtained from the analysis of 37 specimens. Moreover, the study includes complete figures that take chaetotaxy of palps and legs into consideration. Key words: mites; Vulgarogamasus; Parasitidae; Mesostigmata
Introduction figures. In the future this will facilitate the identifica- tion of this species and also comparative studies with The mites of the family Parasitidae, are among the most other developmental stages within this family, which common and widely distributed of the Mesostigmata may further result in a preparation of keys to the iden- to be found in litter and humus. In addition, many tification of larvae or protonymphs. Chaetotaxy, sym- species are also found in other microhabitats such as bols and the numbering system of setae on the dorsal rotting wood, anthills, compost, dung, and also on in- and ventral side are after Hyatt (1980). Chaetotaxy of sects, small mammals and in their nests. They are es- legs and palps follows that of Evans (1963, 1969). sentially predatory and feed upon other microarthro- pods, including their eggs (Hyatt 1980; Lindquist et al Material and methods 2009). Even though 400 species of this family are known Mites were collected from litter in the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forest located in the Siemianice Experimen- throughout the world, all developmental stages of only ◦ ◦ a few of them are known (Micherdzi´nski 1969; Hy- tal Forest near K˛epno, Central Poland (51 14 N, 18 06 att 1980). The description of larval or protonymphal E). Samples were collected on 15.04.2009, 14.07.2009 and 16.10.2009, leg. A. Jagodzi´nski, J. Kamczyc, R. Rakowski. stages and keys to determine them are missing in most Mites were extracted in Berlese Tullgren funnels for 72 hours cases, even in monographic studies (Holzmann 1969; and fixed in 70% ethanol. Forwardly, the permanent slides Tichomirov 1977; Karg 1993). were made with a use of Hoyer’s medium. A key prepared Vulgarogamasus kraepelini (Berlese, 1905) is a by Hyatt (1980) was used to identify the species, and the species of the family Parasitidae that is one of the data provided by Micherdzi´nski (1969) were also analysed. most commonly found in forest habitats of many Eu- Examinations were taken with a Zeiss Axioscop at 40–100× ropean countries of the Palearctic region, including fol- magnifications. Initial pencil drawings were prepared using lowing countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, a drawing tube compound. Great Britain, Ireland, Iceland, Poland, Slovakia, Swe- The known synonyms are given to facilitate data syn- thesis on this species. Individuals of V. kraepini are de- den, Switzerland (Micherdzi´nski 1969). This species posited in the collection of Department of Forest Protection, was recorded in many diverse microhabitats, most fre- University of Life Sciences in Poznan, Poland. quently in litter. It was found both in lowland and in mountainous areas at the height of 2700 m a.s.l. Vulgarogamasus kraepelini (Berlese, 1905) However, not all developmental stages of this species are completely known and described. The larva has Synonyms: Gamasus kraepelini (Hull, 1918), Eugamasus not been known yet. However, Micherdzi´nski (1969) kraepelini (Schweizer, 1961), Parasitus kraepelini (Micher- presented a short description and several figures of a dzi´nski, 1969), Parasitus intermedius (Berlese, 1882 sic) sensu Turk & Turk, 1952), Paracarpais (Aceocarpais) krae- protonymph of V. kraepelini based on only one speci- pelini (Athias-Henriot, 1978). men. The aim of this study is to describe both the larva and the protonymph of Vulgarogamasus kraepelini, and Description. Larva (n =12).Ovalbodyofmilky- to present their detailed biometric data with complete white color, with the length of idiosoma ranging from