Raphignathus (Triraphignathus), 2023

Khan, Eid Muhammad, Kamran, Muhammad, Mirza, Jawwad Hassan & Alatawi, Fahad Jaber, 2023, New subgenera and a new species of the genus Raphignathus Duges (Prostigmata, Raphignathidae), with taxonomic notes on the genus Neoraphignathus Smiley & Moser, ZooKeys 1176, pp. 165-180 : 165

Raphignathus (Triraphignathus) subgen. nov.

Type species.

Raphignathus domesticus Shiba, 1969: 157.

Diagnosis.

Interscutal membrane with three pairs of setae.

Etymology.

The subgeneric epithet refers to the interscutal membrane with three pairs of setae.

Notes on the taxonomic status of the genus Neoraphignathus

To date, the family Raphignathidae has included two genera, Raphignathus and Neoraphignathus , which have been differentiated based on the presence or absence of shields on the dorsum. The monotypic genus, Neoraphignathus (type species: N. howei Smiley & Moser) was erected in 1968, based on a single female holotype specimen without detailed description and illustration. Based on observations and the collection of the immature specimens of the genus Raphignathus , prodorsal shields are weakly developed or absent in immatures. Atyeo et al. (1961) has reported that dorsal shields are sometime feebly developed. Since its first description, the type species, N. howei , has not been redescribed, nor have new Neoraphignathus species been described. We suggest that the type specimen of N. howei be re-examined and also that more specimens be collected from the type locality to confirm the absence of a dorsal shield to confirm the validity of Neoraphignathus .

Notes on the validity of Raphignathus evidus , R. hsiufui , and R. johnstoni

The taxonomic identity of Raphignathus evidus Fan, R. hsiufui Fan, and R. johnstoni Womersley are doubtful. These species were originally described based on single specimens, minor differential characteristics (i.e. number of dorsal setae on the lateral prodorsal shield; all three species have two pairs of setae on lateral shields), and small opisthosomal shields. In contrast, all other Raphignathus species have three pairs of setae on the lateral prodorsal shields along with the pores (ia). The immature stages of Raphignathus gradually develop the prodorsal shields, striation patterns, and leg setae ( Fan and Yin 2000). For instance, the immature stages of R. giselae , R. lenis , and R. caspicus each have two setae on the lateral prodorsal shields (three setae in adult) and small lateral prodorsal shields with weakly developed striations. Moreover, we also observed the immatures from more than 10 populations of Raphignathus and found reduced size of weakly sclerotized lateral prodorsal shields and setae set on the edges of shields. Based on this evidence, R. evidus , R. hsiufui , and R. johnstoni should be revised and more specimens collected to confirm their validity.

New species