Typhlodromips occidentafricanus n. sp. (Fig. 2)

DIAGNOSIS – This species differs from the other species of Typhlodromips DeLeon and of the closely related Amblyseius Berlese by the absence of S4.

FEMALE – (one specimen measured)

Dorsum – Dorsal shield smooth, 284 long and 178 wide at widest level of the proscutum. Setae j1 22, j3 15, j4 4, j5 4, j6 4, J2 4, J5 4, z2 4, z4 5, z5 4, Z1 4, Z4 57, Z5 54, s4 58, S2 4, S5 4, r3 6, R1 6. All setae smooth, except Z4 and Z5 which are lightly serrate.

Peritreme – Extending forward beyond level of insertion of j1.

Venter – All shields distinct. Sternal shield with few anterolateral striae, with 3 pairs of setae and 2 pairs of lyrifissures. Distances between setae ST1­ST3 48, ST2­ST2 56, ST5­ ST5 59. With 2 pairs of metapodal shields. Ventrianal shield subtriangular, transversally striate anteriorly to anal opening, 97 long and 92 wide at level of ZV2, with 3 pairs of preanal setae and a pair of pores posteromesad to JV2.

Chelicera – Movable digit 27 long, with 2 teeth; fixed digit 26 long, with 6 teeth.

Spermatheca – Calyx saccular, 18 long; atrium distinct; major duct sclerotized and inflated next to atrium.

Legs – With blunt­tipped macrosetae on legs II­IV: Sge II 18, Sge III 22, Sge IV 47, Sti IV 33 and St IV 56; leg I without macrosetae. Chaetotaxy of genu II 2 ­(2,2)/0­1; genu III 1­2 /1,2/0­1

MALE – Unknown.

TYPE MATERIAL – Holotype female from Synedrella nodiflora, Okigwe, Nigeria, 14­IV­1992, coll. N.T.C. Echendu.

ETYMOLOGY – The epithet occidentafricanus refers to the region of Africa where the types were collected.