Rhacaplacarus machadoi (Balogh, 1958)

Mahunka, S. & Mahunka-Papp, L., 2009, New and little known oribatids from Kenya, with descriptions of two new genera (Acari: Oribatida), Journal of Natural History 43 (11 - 12), pp. 737-768 : 742-745

Rhacaplacarus machadoi (Balogh, 1958)

Distributed in West and East Africa, this species was also reported from Tanzania ( Niedbała 2001). It is a rather variable species so we provide some figures and short descriptions of the specimens collected in Kenya ( Figure 3A–G ).

The prodorsal and notogastral surface of the studied specimens is finely alveolate, alveoli of the median prodorsal surface are hardly observable. Distance of the rostral setae conspicuously long, rostral field broad. Interlamellar setae more than 10 times longer than lamellar setae. Three to five basal ribs. Fifteen pairs of notogastral setae present, almost equal in length, strongly pilose in their distal part. Four pairs of distinct lyrifissures present. Vestigial setae f 1 situated between setae h 1. Anal setae slightly shorter than ad 1, ad 2 longest, but its length is very variable. All anoadanal setae finely roughened.

Measurements

Length of aspis 263–305 Mm, length of notogaster 637–690 Mm, height of notogaster 415–458 Mm.

Figures

Figure 3. Rhacaplacarus machadoi (Balogh, 1958) (A) Body in lateral view, (B) femur I, (C) anogenital region, (D) tibia IV, (E) sensillus, (F) position of h1 and f1 setae, (G) aspis in dorsal view.