A new species of cave-dwelling Neocarus (Acari: Opilioacaridae) from Minas Gerais state, Brazil with a key to species of the genus

Abstract

Neocarus jonasi n.sp. is described from three limestone caves of the Bambuí Group geomophological formation, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, with a combination of a higher number of palp genu and tibia r setae and palp tarsus sm and d setae. Its relationship to Neocarus spelaion and the importance of setae variation in Opilioacaridae is discussed. A key to the genus Neocarus is also provided.

A new species of cave-dwelling Neocarus (Opilioacaridae) from Brazil with highly modified dimorphic characters in males

“…This scenario started to change, especially, in the last two decades, when there was an increase in the number of described species and even new genera were discovered (Araújo et al 2020). Nowadays, the order Opilioacarida comprises 13 genera and 63 species distributed around the world (Araújo et al 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023; Moraza et al 2021; Vazquez et al . 2021, 2022).…”

“…This scenario started to change, especially, in the last two decades, when there was an increase in the number of described species and even new genera were discovered (Araújo et al 2020). Nowadays, the order Opilioacarida comprises 13 genera and 63 species distributed around the world (Araújo et al 2020(Araújo et al , 2021(Araújo et al , 2023Moraza et al 2021;Vazquez et al 2021Vazquez et al , 2022. Brazil is one of the countries that have a great diversity of opilioacarid mites, with a record of 16 species and four genera.…”

The family Opilioacaridae (Parasitiformes: Opilioacarida) in Mexico, description of two new species, new records, and geographical distribution

“…The family Opilioacaridae is represented in Mexico by the genera Neocarus and Caribeacarus . At a global level, Neocarus is the most diverse genus with 22 species (Araújo et al 2021). In Mexico, Neocarus is represented by seven species and one subspecies: N. bajacalifornicus (Vázquez & Klompen, 2002); N. bajacalifornicus chamelaensis Vázquez & Klompen, 2009; N. nohbecanus (Vázquez & Klompen, 2002); N. veracruzensis Vázquez & Klompen, 2009;N.…”