Two new sympatric species of cave-dwelling Neocarus (Acari: Opilioacaridae) from the Bambui limestone group, Brazil

Author(s)

De Araujo, Marcel Santos ; de Oliveira Bernardi, Leopoldo Ferreira ; Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SYSTEMATIC AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY; v. 27, n. 12, p. 17-pg., 2022-11-01.

Abstract

Ten Opilioacaridae species from the genera Caribeacarus and Neocarus are found in subterranean habitats in Brazil, and several new species are waiting to be described. As part of our studies on cave opilioacarid species, two new species from Peruacu Caves National Park, Minas Gerais state, are described in the present paper. The two new species present six or more d type setae on the palp, with a stout and rounded lobe: Neocarus chimera sp.nov. with 6 to 9 setae and Neocarus peruassu sp.nov. presents 6 or 7 foliate setae (d1). The combination of these characters is a transitional state observed between Neocarus (4 to 9 foliate d type setae on palp, with a stout and rounded lobe) and Caribeacarus (8 to 12 foliate d type setae on palp, with a fine and pointed lobe). The systematic position of the new species is briefly discussed. Additionally, the habitat description and some ecological notes are provided for both new species. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/23824-6 - Taxonomic review and phylogenetic analysis of Opilioacaridae With and Neothyridae Lehtinen (Acari: Parasitiformes)
• Grantee: Marcel Santos de Araújo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 10/13269-0 - Taxonomic review and phylogenetic analysis of genera Neocarus Chamberlin & Mulaik 1942 (Acari, Parasitiformes, Opilioacarida)
• Grantee: Marcel Santos de Araújo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 15/05315-5 - Taxonomic review of Opilioacaridae and Neothyridae species deposited at European institutions
• Grantee: Marcel Santos de Araújo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 03/00794-5 - Brazilian subterranean aquatic fauna: biodiversity, biology, evolution, ecology and conservation
• Grantee: Eleonora Trajano
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants