Redescription of Myianoetus muscarum (Acari: Histiostomatidae) Associated with Human Remains in Texas, USA, with Designation of a Neotype from Western Europe.

ABSTRACT

Mites are receiving renewed interest in forensic entomology, but the identification of many species associated with carrion and human remains is problematic. We review the taxonomy of the mite species currently known as Myianoetus muscarum (L., 1758) and designate a neotype from the collection of Jean Cooreman in Brussels, Belgium. The species is redescribed based on Cooreman's specimens, specimens previously reported from California and Ontario, Canada, and a large series of new specimens collected from a human corpse in Texas. The species is compared with and distinguished from other species of Myianoetus.