The family Carabodidae (Acari: Oribatida) I. Description of a new genus, Bovicarabodes with three new species, and the redescription of Hardybodes mirabilis Balogh, 1970

Abstract

This is the first part of a revision of the family Carabodidae by us. The new genus Bovicarabodes comprises three new species from Madagascar, Bovicarabodes deharvengi, Bovicarabodes levyi and Bovicarabodes fortdauphini, which are described and illustrated. Many morphological aspects found in the genus Bovicarabodes, that also exist in several other genera but have not been described before, are introduced and discussed in particular sections such as “Protection mechanisms” and “Medial eye”. Other Carabodid genera which also present these features are indicated, studied and compared. The study is based on adult specimens using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The system of leg folding as well as the structure of the medial eyes were studied and compared to type material of many other Carabodid genera. A redescription of Hardybodes mirabilis Balogh, 1970, based on a study of the type material, is included.