The systematics of Parasitiformes, especially of Gamasina Leach (Acarina), with new species from Ecuador

Resumen

This study critically reviews the classification of Parasitiformes, especially of Gamasina. Results indicate that the establishment of the following groups of Parasitiformes is based on plesiomorphic characters which renders the grouping invalid: Anactinochitinosi Grandjean, 1935, Monogynaspida Camin et Gorirossi, 1955, Trichopygidina Hirschmann, 1975 and, within the Gamasina: Dermanyssides (Dermanyssina) Evans et Till, 1978, Epicriides Evans et Till, 1978 and Ascidae Oudemans sensu Lindquist et Evans, 1965. Several taxa of the Ascidae sensu Lindquist et Evans belong to other taxa: Proctolaelaps Berlese and Melichares Hering to the Ameroseiidae Evans, Antennoseius Berlese to the Halolaelapidae Karg, Protogamasellus Karg to the Rhodacaridae Oudemans, Neojordensia Evans and Lasioseius Berlese to the Podocinidae Berlese and Blattisocius Keegan to the Phytoseiidae Berlese. The systematic of Gamasina is revised and a cladogram of 25 families is drawn. The taxon Gamasina is divided into three taxa: Eviphidides, Eugamasides and Ascides. The cladogram reveals that the Ascides first split off and that Eugamasides and Eviphidides have a common root. Further, 18 new species from Ecuador are described and illustrated. Differential diagnoses of new and related species are completed by keys. A total of 15 keys is provided for the taxa Gamasholaspis Berlese, Oloopticus Karg, Platyseius Berlese, Acuphis Karg, Gamasolaelaps Berlese, Proctofissus Karg, Hypoaspis Canestrini, Amblyseius Berlese, Proctolaelaps Berlese, Cheiroseius Berlese, Asca v. Heyden and Parasitus Latreille.