Scapheremaeus rodickae n. sp. (acari: oribatida: cymbaeremaeidae) associated with temporary rock pools in Georgia, with key to Scapheremaeus species in eastern USA and Canada

Abstract

A new and apparently endemic oribatid mite - Scapheremaeus rodickae n. sp. (Cymbaeremaeidae) - is described based on adult specimens collected from mosses (Grimmia laevigata) growing on shallow soils in weathering depressions (rock pools) on granitic outcrops of the Georgia (USA) Piedmont. Scapheremaeus marginalis (Banks) is considered a senior subjective synonym of Scapheremaeus marmoratus (Berlese). A diagnostic key to the five currently recognized species of Scapheremaeus known from the eastern USA and Canada is presented, as are new distribution records. Scapheremaeus palustris (Sellnick) is the most common and widely distributed species in this region and is the only Scapheremaeus species known to have a trans-Atlantic distribution; European populations have a slightly different prodorsal microsculpture. Copyright © 2010 Magnolia Press.