Morphological ontogeny of Punctoribates astrachanicus (Acari: Oribatida: Punctoribatidae), and comments on Punctoribates Berlese.

ABSTRACT

The morphological ontogeny of Punctoribates astrachanicus Shaldybina, 1973 is described and illustrated. This species was rarely investigated since its description, including its ecological and biological aspects. The adult has fusiform bothridial seta, straight anterior tectum of notogaster, four pairs of saccules, and notogastral setae mostly alveolar, except for short p-series. Tarsus I has a short dorsal projection. Juveniles of this species are light brown, with short and thin prodorsal seta ex, and relatively large humeral organ. The gastronotal setae of larva are of medium size and pointed, in nymphs they are short.