Heterostigmatic mites (Acari: Prostigmata) associated with mushroom-forming fungi (Basidiomycota: Agaricomycetes), with description of a new microdispid mite (Microdispidae)

Abstract

A new species of Heterostigmatic mites from the family Microdispidae, Premicrodispus (Premicrodispus) abani Rahiminejad & Majidi sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on female individuals recovered from macro-fungi, Trichaptum sp. (Fungi: Polyporales), in forestry areas of Gorgan, northern Iran. Additionally, distributional records of four pygmephoroid species belonging to Pediculaster Vitzthum, 1931, MetapygmephorellusRahiminejad, Hajiqanbar & Khaustov, 2015, and Krczaldania Sasa, 1961 are reported from various mushrooms over the sampling region. All the fungi, including Trichaptumsp. (Polyporales), Psathyrellasp., and Pleurotus sp. (Fungi: Agaricales), are recorded for the first time as host of Heterostigmata. Moreover, Pediculaster sklarii Sevastianov & Chydyrov, 1994 and P. amerahae Sevastianov & Abo-korah, 1984,are recorded for the first time in the arthropod fauna of Iran. Eventually, an overview of heterostigmatic mites associated with macro-fungi, as well as their host range and location, has been provided.