taxonID	type	description	language	source
03CF1F7DFF94DC44FF00F8FE68BB29F2.taxon	description	(Figs 1 – 3)	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF94DC44FF00F8FE68BB29F2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. SIF = 5 B-B- 3 - 2111. (2 – 3) (1 – 2) (0 – 2) (0 – 1); fPp = B / B / BBB; fD = [(5 – 7) - (11 – 15)] - (10 – 19) - (12 – 29) + (37 – 48), DS = 76 – 126, V = 48 – 74, Hv = 0, NDV = 133 – 200; Ip = 670 – 727; scutum trapezoidal, with small rare puncta, with almost straight posterior margin; nasus expanded in medial part, with rounded end; sensillary bases anterior to level of PLs (PSB — P-PL from 4 to 11, mean 6); PLs situated in posterolateral scutal angles; PL ≥ AL> AM; sensilla nude; cheliceral blade with dorsal tooth and row of 12 – 15 ventral denticles; parasubterminala (z) nude. Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): femur 6, 6, 5; tibia 8, 6, 6; tarsus 23, 16, 17. Measurements are provided in Table 1.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF94DC44FF00F8FE68BB29F2.taxon	description	Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Fig. 1). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 76 – 126 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae; distribution by anterior rows — 17 – 21 C, 10 – 19 D, 12 – 29 E; two sternal setae between coxae III; 48 – 74 ventral setae; humeroventral setae absent; NDV = 133 – 200; stigmata and tracheae absent. GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 2). Cheliceral blade with one dorsal tooth and ventrolateral row of 12 – 15 denticles; cheliceral base with small dense puncta in proximal part; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with rare puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta branched; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femoral, genual, and tibial setae branched; palpal tarsus with five branched setae and tarsala (ω). SCUTUM (Fig. 1 A). With small rare puncta, trapezoidal, with almost straight posterior margin; nasus expanded in medial part, with rounded end; AMs situated at level of ALs, sensillary (trichobothrial) bases anterior to level of PLs (PSB — P-PL from 4 to 11, mean 6); PLs in posterolateral scutal angles; PL ≥ AL> AM; sensilla (trichobothria) nude. LEGS (Fig. 3). All six-segmented (with undivided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium, onychotriches absent. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 rod-like, striated tibialae (φ), microtibiala (κ), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) near and slightly distal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ), nude parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 rod-like, striated tibialae (φ), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) proximal or at level of tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ), tibiala (φ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 2, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; femur 6, 6, 5; genu 4, 4, 4; tibia 8, 6, 6; tarsus 23, 16, 17. Numbers of nude setae: Leg I: tarsus 3 – 7, tibia 0 – 2, femur 0 – 1; Leg II: tarsus 0 – 2, tibia 0 – 1, genu 0 – 1; Leg III: tarsus 2 – 3, tibia 1 – 2, genu 0 – 2, femur 0 – 1.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF94DC44FF00F8FE68BB29F2.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18666), ex Rhabdomys pumilio (No. LvRp 06), South Africa, Western Cape, Lankverwacht, 8 October 2024, coll. Lola Singo. Paratypes: two larvae (ZIN 18667 and 18668), ex same host; three larvae (ZIN 18669 – 18671), ex R. pumilio (No. LvRp 2), same locality, date and collector; two larvae (ZIN 18663 and 18664), ex. Micaelamys namaquensis (No. LvMn 02), same locality and date, coll. Alyssa Little; one larva (ZIN 18665), ex M. namaquensis (No. LvMn 04), same locality, date and collector; one larva (ZIN 18662), ex M. namaquensis (No. LvMn 07), same locality, date and collector; one larva (ZIN 18672), ex Otomys unisulcatus (No. LvOu 19), same locality, 10 October 2024, coll. Jessica Kipling. Additional material. Specimens from Lankverwacht (ex M. namaquensis, R. pumilio, and O. unisulcatus) are preserved at Stellenbosch University.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF94DC44FF00F8FE68BB29F2.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named for Chris Adams, a fictional character in the 1960 Western film “ The Magnificent Seven ” played by Yul Brynner.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF94DC44FF00F8FE68BB29F2.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. The new species is similar to Hyracarus typicus and differs from it by the absence of humeroventral setae (Hv = 0 vs. 6 – 8); presence of 8 unspecialized setae on tibia I vs. 9; 23 unspecialized setae on tarsus I vs. 25; parasubterminala nude vs. ciliated; shorter legs (Ip = 670 – 727 and TaIIIL = 59 – 67 vs. 765 – 891 and 72 – 88, respectively); and by shorter scutum (SD = 41 – 47 vs. 48 – 50).	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF90DC48FF00F88B69B42B46.taxon	description	(Figs 4 – 6)	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF90DC48FF00F88B69B42B46.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. SIF = 5 B-B- 3 - 2111. (3 – 4) (1 – 2) (0 – 2) (0 – 1); fPp = B / B / BBB; fD = [(6 – 7) - (9 – 12)] - (9 – 11) - (13 – 16) + (29 – 39), DS = 70 – 81, V = 52 – 60, Hv = 2, NDV = 126 – 140; Ip = 679 – 707; scutum pentagonal, with greatly projected, angulate posterior margin; nasus expanded in medial part, with rounded end; sensillary bases at level of PLs (PSB — P-PL from - 1 to 0, mean 0); PLs situated in projected posterolateral scutal angles; PL> AL> AM; sensilla nude; cheliceral blade with dorsal tooth and row of 12 – 14 ventral denticles; parasubterminala (z) branched. Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): femur 6, 6, 5; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 25, 17, 17. Measurements are provided in Table 2.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF90DC48FF00F88B69B42B46.taxon	description	Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Fig. 4). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 70 – 81 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae; distribution by anterior rows — 16 – 18 C, 9 – 11 D, 13 – 16 E; two sternal setae between coxae III; 52 – 60 ventral setae; 2 humeroventral setae between coxae II and III laterally; NDV = 126 – 140; stigmata and tracheae absent. GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 5). Cheliceral blade with one dorsal tooth and ventrolateral row of 12 – 14 denticles; cheliceral base with small dense puncta in proximal part; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with sparse puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta branched; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femoral, genual, and tibial setae branched; palpal tarsus with five branched setae and tarsala (ω). SCUTUM (Fig. 4 A). With small, unevenly distributed puncta, pentagonal, with greatly projected, angulate posterior margin; nasus expanded in medial part, with rounded end; AMs situated at level of ALs, sensillary (trichobothrial) bases at level of PLs (PSB — P-PL from - 1 to 0, mean 0); PLs in projected posterolateral scutal angles; PL> AL> AM; sensilla (trichobothria) flagelliform, nude. LEGS (Fig. 6). All six-segmented (with undivided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium, onychotriches absent. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ), microtibiala (κ), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) distal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ), branched parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) proximal to tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ), tibiala (φ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 2, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; femur 6, 6, 5; genu 4, 4, 4; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 25, 17, 17. Numbers of nude setae: Leg I: tarsus 3 – 6, tibia 2 – 3; Leg II: tarsus 0 – 2, genu 0 – 1; Leg III: tarsus 3 – 4, tibia 1 – 2, genu 0 – 2, femur 0 – 1.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF90DC48FF00F88B69B42B46.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18701), ex Rhabdomys pumilio (No. KbRp 2), South Africa, Western Cape, Kloovenberg, 26 October 2024, coll. Lola Singo. Paratypes: six larvae (ZIN 18698 – 18700, 18702 – 18704), ex same host. Additional material. Specimens from Kloovenberg (ex R. pumilio) are preserved at Stellenbosch University.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF90DC48FF00F88B69B42B46.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named for Vin Tanner, a fictional character in the 1960 Western film “ The Magnificent Seven ” played by Steve McQueen.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF90DC48FF00F88B69B42B46.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. The new species is similar to H. typicus and differs from it by the shape of scutum (posterior margin angulate vs. arcuate or almost straight; AP = 20 – 23 vs. 28 – 33); lesser number of humeroventral setae (Hv = 2 vs. 6 – 8); lesser number of setae in row C (16 – 18 vs. 19 – 25) and idiosomal setae in total (NDV = 126 – 140 vs. 146 – 156); 17 unspecialized setae on tarsus II vs. 16; and by shorter legs (Ip = 679 – 707 and TaIIIL = 59 – 61 vs. 765 – 891 and 72 – 88, respectively).	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF9FDC4CFF00FF5A6849288A.taxon	description	(Figs 7 – 9)	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF9FDC4CFF00FF5A6849288A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. SIF = 5 B-B- 3 - 2111. (2 – 3) (0 – 3) (0 – 2) (0 – 1); fPp = B / B / BBB (N); fD = [(5 – 6) - (8 – 10)] - (9 – 12) - (12 – 13) - (12 – 13) + (21 – 29), DS = 59 – 79, V = 46 – 73, Hv = 0, NDV = 122 – 137; Ip = 662 – 763; scutum pentagonal, with greatly projected, angulate posterior margin; nasus with rounded end; sensillary bases at level of PLs or posterior (PSB — P-PL from - 5 to 0, mean - 3); PLs situated anterior to posterolateral scutal angles; PL> AL> AM; sensilla nude; cheliceral blade with dorsal tooth and row of 14 – 16 ventral denticles; parasubterminala (z) branched. Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): femur 6, 6, 5; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 25, 17, 17. Measurements are provided in Table 2.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF9FDC4CFF00FF5A6849288A.taxon	description	Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Fig. 7). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 59 – 79 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae; distribution by anterior rows — 14 – 15 C, 9 – 12 D, 12 – 13 E, 12 – 13 F; two sternal setae between coxae III; 46 – 73 ventral setae; humeroventral setae absent; NDV = 122 – 137; stigmata and tracheae absent. GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 8). Cheliceral blade with one dorsal tooth and ventrolateral row of 14 – 16 denticles; cheliceral base with small dense puncta in proximal part; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with multiple puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta heavily branched; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femoral, genual, tibial dorsal and lateral setae branched, ventral seta branched or nude; palpal tarsus with five branched setae and tarsala (ω). SCUTUM (Fig. 7 A). With small, rather dense puncta, pentagonal, with greatly projected, angulate posterior margin; nasus with rounded end; AMs situated slightly posterior to level of ALs, sensillary (trichobothrial) bases at level of PLs or posterior (PSB — P-PL from - 5 to 0, mean - 3); PLs anterior to posterolateral scutal angles; PL> AL> AM; sensilla (trichobothria) flagelliform, nude. LEGS (Fig. 9). All six-segmented (with undivided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium, onychotriches absent. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ), microtibiala (κ), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) distal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ), branched parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) proximal or at level of tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ), tibiala (φ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 2, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; femur 6, 6, 5; genu 4, 4, 4; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 25, 17, 17. Numbers of nude setae: Leg I: tarsus 2 – 5, tibia 0 – 3; Leg II: tibia 0 – 2, genu 0 – 1; Leg III: tarsus 2 – 3, tibia 0 – 3, genu 0 – 2, femur 0 – 1.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF9FDC4CFF00FF5A6849288A.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18675), ex Rhabdomys intermedius (No. AsRp 16), South Africa, Western Cape, Assendelft, 18 October 2024, coll. Lola Singo. Paratypes: one larva (ZIN 18676), ex same host; one larva (ZIN 18674), ex R. intermedius (No. AsRp 8), same locality, date and collector; one larva (ZIN 18673), ex R. intermedius (No. AsRp 17), same locality, date and collector; two larvae (ZIN 18678 and 18682), ex R. pumilio (No. MwRp 17), South Africa, Western Cape, Minwater, 21 October 2024, coll. Lola Singo. Additional material. Specimens from Assendelft (ex R. intermedius) and Minwater (ex R. pumilio) are preserved at Stellenbosch University.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF9FDC4CFF00FF5A6849288A.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named for Chico, a fictional character in the 1960 Western film “ The Magnificent Seven ” played by Horst Buchholz.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF9FDC4CFF00FF5A6849288A.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. The new species is similar to Hyracarus tanneri sp. nov. and differs from it by the absence of humeroventral setae (Hv = 0 vs. 2); lesser number of setae in row C (14 – 15 vs. 16 – 18); PLs situated anterior to posterolateral scutal angles vs. in projected posterolateral scutal angles; longer Vmax (43 – 50 vs. 34 – 40); and by average larger values of PW, AM, PL, and Dmax (Table 2).	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF98DC4FFF00FE326BF62E18.taxon	description	(Figs 10 – 12)	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF98DC4FFF00FE326BF62E18.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. SIF = 6 B-B- 3 - 2111. (2 – 4) (1 – 2) (0 – 1) 0; fPp = B / B / BBB; fD = [(7 – 12) - (10 – 14)] - (9 – 11) - (13 – 17) + (38 – 56), DS = 85 – 103, V = 59 – 69, Hv = 2, NDV = 149 – 172; Ip = 704 – 769; scutum pentagonal, with pointed posterior margin; nasus with rounded end; sensillary bases posterior to level of PLs (PSB — P-PL from - 7 to - 2, mean - 4); PLs situated anterior to posterolateral scutal angles; PL = AL> AM; sensilla with very small, poorly visible cilia; cheliceral blade with dorsal tooth and row of 12 – 15 ventral denticles; parasubterminala (z) branched. Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): femur 6, 6, 5; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 24, 18, 17. Measurements are provided in Table 3. ...... continued on the next page	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF98DC4FFF00FE326BF62E18.taxon	description	Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Fig. 10). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 85 – 103 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae; distribution by anterior rows — 18 – 22 C, 9 – 11 D, 13 – 17 E; two sternal setae between coxae III; 59 – 69 ventral setae; 2 humeroventral setae between coxae II and III laterally; NDV = 149 – 172; stigmata and tracheae absent. GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 11). Cheliceral blade with one dorsal tooth and ventrolateral row of 12 – 15 denticles; cheliceral base with small dense puncta in proximal part; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with rare puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta heavily ciliated; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femoral, genual, and tibial setae branched; palpal tarsus with six branched setae and tarsala (ω). SCUTUM (Fig. 10 F). With small dense puncta, pentagonal, with pointed posterior margin; nasus with rounded end; AMs situated slightly posterior to level of ALs, sensillary (trichobothrial) bases posterior to level of PLs (PSB — P-PL from - 7 to - 2, mean - 4); PLs anterior to posterolateral scutal angles; PL = AL> AM; sensilla (trichobothria) flagelliform, look nude, but very small, poorly visible cilia can be observed at highest magnification. LEGS (Fig. 12). All six-segmented (with undivided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium, onychotriches absent. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 rod-like, striated tibialae (φ), microtibiala (κ), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) distal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ), branched parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 rod-like, striated tibialae (φ), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) at level of tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ) greatly elongated, much longer than genu, tibiala (φ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 2, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; femur 6, 6, 5; genu 4, 4, 4; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 24, 18, 17. Numbers of nude setae: Leg I: tarsus 3 – 5, tibia 0 – 3; Leg II: tarsus 0 – 2; Leg III: tarsus 2 – 4, tibia 1 – 2, genu 0 – 1.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF98DC4FFF00FE326BF62E18.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18686), ex Otomys unisulcatus (No. BbOu 05), South Africa, Western Cape, Blombosch, 29 October 2024, coll. Jessica Kipling. Paratypes: one larva (ZIN 18687), ex same host; two larvae (ZIN 18685 and 18691), ex O. unisulcatus (No. BbOu 01), same locality, 28 October 2024, coll. Jessica Kipling; three larvae (ZIN 18688 – 18690), ex O. unisulcatus (No. BbOu 06), same locality, 29 October 2024, coll. Jessica Kipling; three larvae (ZIN 18692 – 18694), ex Rhabdomys pumilio (No. BbRp 6), same locality, 28 October 2024, coll. Lola Singo; three larvae (ZIN 18695 – 18697), ex R. pumilio (No. BbRp 7), same locality, date and collector. Additional material. Specimens from Blombosch (ex O. unisulcatus and R. pumilio) are preserved at Stellenbosch University.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF98DC4FFF00FE326BF62E18.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named for Bernardo O’Reilly, a fictional character in the 1960 Western film “ The Magnificent Seven ” played by Charles Bronson.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF98DC4FFF00FE326BF62E18.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. The new species is similar to Hyracarus lemniscomyia and differs from it by the presence of six unspecialized setae on palpal tarsus vs. seven; posterior scutal margin pointed vs. arcuate; parasubterminala ciliated vs. nude; smaller scutum (AW = 61 – 70 vs. 77; PW = 73 – 83 vs. 99; SD = 47 – 54 vs. 58); much shorter setae (AM = 30 – 34 vs 51; AL = 35 – 45 vs. 61; PL = 35 – 42 vs. 74; H = 39 – 44 vs. 75); and shorter legs (Ip = 704 – 769 vs. 852).	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF85DC55FF00F99F69FF2EE0.taxon	description	(Figs. 13 – 15)	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF85DC55FF00F99F69FF2EE0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. SIF = 6 B-B- 3 - 1111. (2 – 3) (1 – 3) (0 – 1) (0 – 2); fPp = B / B / BBB (N); fD = [(5 – 7) - (8 – 11)] - (9 – 11) - (13 – 19) + (39 – 51), DS = 81 – 104, V = 56 – 64, Hv = 0, NDV = 143 – 167; Ip = 722 – 738; scutum pentagonal, with weakly projected, pointed posterior margin; nasus expanded in medial part, with rounded end; sensillary bases at level of PLs (PSB — P-PL from 0 to 2, mean 1); PLs situated in posterolateral scutal angles; PL = AL> AM; sensilla nude; cheliceral blade with dorsal tooth and row of 11 – 16 ventral denticles; parasubterminala (z) branched. Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): femur 6, 6, 5; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 22 – 23, 16, 17. Measurements are provided in Table 3.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF85DC55FF00F99F69FF2EE0.taxon	description	Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Fig. 13). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 81 – 104 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae; distribution by anterior rows — 15 – 18 C, 9 – 11 D, 13 – 19 E; two sternal setae between coxae III; 56 – 64 ventral setae; humeroventral setae absent; NDV = 143 – 167; stigmata and tracheae absent. GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 14). Cheliceral blade with one dorsal tooth and ventrolateral row of 11 – 16 denticles; cheliceral base with small dense puncta in proximal part; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with sparse puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta branched; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femur with rare puncta; palpal femoral, genual, dorsal and lateral tibial setae branched, ventral tibial seta branched or nude; palpal tarsus with six branched setae and tarsala (ω). SCUTUM (Fig. 13 A). With small dense puncta, pentagonal, with weakly projected, pointed posterior margin; nasus expanded in medial part, with rounded end; AMs situated at level of ALs, sensillary (trichobothrial) bases at level of PLs (PSB — P-PL from 0 to 2, mean 1); PLs in posterolateral scutal angles; PL = AL> AM; sensilla (trichobothria) nude. LEGS (Fig. 15). All six-segmented (with undivided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium, onychotriches absent. Sensory setae: Leg I: 1 genuala (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ), microtibiala (κ), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) distal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ), branched parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) at level of tarsala or slightly proximal, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ), tibiala (φ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 2, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; femur 6, 6, 5; genu 4, 4, 4; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 22 – 23 (in holotype 22 / 23), 16, 17. Numbers of nude setae: Leg I: tarsus 3 – 6, tibia 2 – 4; Leg II: tarsus 0 – 2, tibia 0 – 1, femur 0 – 1; Leg III: tarsus 2 – 3, tibia 1 – 3, genu 0 – 1, femur 0 – 2.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF85DC55FF00F99F69FF2EE0.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18684), ex Rhabdomys pumilio (No. LvRp 7), South Africa, Western Cape, Lankverwacht, 8 October 2024, coll. Lola Singo. Paratypes: two larvae (ZIN 18679 and 18680), ex R. pumilio (No. LvRp 4), same locality, date and collector; one larva (ZIN 18683), ex R. pumilio (No. LvRp 17), same locality, 9 October 2024, coll. Lola Singo; one larva (ZIN 18677), ex Micaelamys namaquensis (No. LvMn 02), same locality, 8 October 2024, coll. Alyssa Little; one larva (ZIN 18681), ex Otomys unisulcatus (No. LvOu 10), same locality, 10 October 2024, coll. Jessica Kipling. Additional material. Specimens from Lankverwacht (ex R. pumilio, M. namaquensis, and O. unisulcatus) are preserved at Stellenbosch University.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF85DC55FF00F99F69FF2EE0.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named for Lee, a fictional character in the 1960 Western film “ The Magnificent Seven ” played by Robert Vaughn.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF85DC55FF00F99F69FF2EE0.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. The new species differs from all other species of the genus Hyracarus by the presence of only one genuala I vs. two. It is most similar to Hyracarus oreillyi sp. nov. and differs from it, in addition to the above character, by the absence of humeroventral setae (Hv = 0 vs. 2); less projected posterior scutal margin (P-PL = 19 – 22 vs. 23 – 29); sensillary bases situated at level of PLs vs. posterior (PSB — P-PL from 0 to 2 vs. from - 7 to - 2); sensilla nude vs. bearing small cilia; 22 – 23 unspecialized setae on tarsus I and 16 on tarsus II vs 24 and 18, respectively; and by shorter AM (23 – 28 vs. 30 – 34).	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF80DC5BFF00FF5A69BE28D2.taxon	description	(Figs 16 – 18)	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF80DC5BFF00FF5A69BE28D2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. SIF = 6 B-B- 3 - 2111. (1 – 2) (0 – 1) 00; fPp = B / B / BBB; fD = [(4 – 6) - 8 (7)] - 8 - 8 - (6 – 8) - 6 + (4 – 8), DS = 46 – 51, V = 33 – 40, Hv = 0, NDV = 81 – 87; Ip = 752 – 781; scutum trapezoidal, with weakly projected, arcuate posterior margin; nasus expanded in medial part, with rounded end; sensillary bases at level of PLs (PSB — P-PL from - 3 to 1, mean 0); PLs situated in posterolateral scutal angles; PL> AL ≥ AM; sensilla nude; cheliceral blade with dorsal tooth and row of 6 – 8 ventral denticles; parasubterminala (z) branched or nude. Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): femur 6, 6, 5; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 25, 17, 17. Measurements are provided in Table 4.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF80DC5BFF00FF5A69BE28D2.taxon	description	Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Fig. 16). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 46 – 51 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae; distribution by anterior rows — 12 – 13 C, 8 D, 8 E, 6 – 8 F, 6 G; two sternal setae between coxae III; 33 – 40 ventral setae; humeroventral setae absent; NDV = 81 – 87; stigmata and tracheae absent. GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 17). Cheliceral blade with one dorsal tooth and ventrolateral row of 6 – 8 denticles; cheliceral base with small dense puncta in proximal part; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with sparse puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta branched; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femoral, genual, and tibial setae branched; palpal tarsus with six branched setae and tarsala (ω). SCUTUM (Fig. 16 A). With small, rather dense puncta, trapezoidal, with weakly projected, arcuate posterior margin; nasus expanded in medial part, with rounded end; AMs situated slightly posterior to level of ALs, sensillary (trichobothrial) bases at level of PLs (PSB — P-PL from - 3 to 1, mean 0); PLs in posterolateral scutal angles; PL> AL ≥ AM; sensilla (trichobothria) flagelliform, nude. LEGS (Fig. 18). All six-segmented (with undivided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium, onychotriches absent. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ), microtibiala (κ), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) distal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ), branched or nude parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) behind tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ), tibiala (φ). Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 2, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; femur 6, 6, 5; genu 4, 4, 4; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 25, 17, 17. Numbers of nude setae: Leg I: tarsus 2 – 4, tibia 0 – 2; Leg II: tarsus 0 – 1; Leg III: tarsus 1 – 2, tibia 0 – 1.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF80DC5BFF00FF5A69BE28D2.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18656), ex Micaelamys namaquensis (No. LvMn 10), South Africa, Western Cape, Lankverwacht, 8 October 2024, coll. Alyssa Little. Paratypes: four larvae (ZIN 18657 – 18660), ex same host; two larvae (ZIN 18655 and 18661), ex M. namaquensis (No. LvMn 13), same locality, date and collector. Additional material. Specimens from Lankverwacht (ex M. namaquensis) and Kloovenberg (ex R. pumilio) are preserved at Stellenbosch University.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF80DC5BFF00FF5A69BE28D2.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named for Harry Luck, a fictional character in the 1960 Western film “ The Magnificent Seven ” played by Brad Dexter.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF80DC5BFF00FF5A69BE28D2.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. The new species is similar to Hyracarus sabiensis Stekolnikov, Halajian and Matthee, 2025 and differs from it by the presence of 9 setae on tibia I vs. 8; wider and shorter scutum (AW = 59 – 67 vs. 56 – 59; PW = 74 – 81 vs. 69 – 74; PSB = 15 – 17 vs. 19 – 22; SD = 42 – 45 vs. 46 – 49); sensillary bases situated at level of PLs vs. anterior (PSB — P-PL from - 3 to 1 vs. 5 to 8); S 1 = 14 – 15 vs. 17 – 19 and S 1 <S 2 vs. S 1> S 2; 25 unspecialized setae on tarsus I vs. 24 and 17 on tarsus III vs. 16; and by longer setae (AM = 34 – 38 vs. 23 – 25; AL = 36 – 41 vs. 30 – 32; PL = 44 – 50 vs. 30 – 34; H = 44 – 50 vs. 32 – 36).	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF8FDC5CFF00FD8A68B12B3E.taxon	description	(Figs 19 – 21)	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF8FDC5CFF00FD8A68B12B3E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. SIF = 7 B-B- 3 - 2111.3 (2 – 3) (1 – 2) (2 – 3); fPp = B / b / Bbb; fD = [(4 – 5) - (6 – 8)] - 8 + (17 – 26), DS = 35 – 46, V = 37 – 44, Hv = 0, NDV = 74 – 83; Ip = 677 – 707; scutum pentagonal, with angulate posterior margin; nasus expanded in medial part, with rounded end; sensillary bases posterior to level of PLs (PSB — P-PL from - 7 to - 4, mean - 5); PLs situated in posterolateral scutal angles; PL ≥ AL> AM; sensilla nude; cheliceral blade with dorsal tooth and row of 9 – 12 ventral denticles; parasubterminala (z) nude. Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): femur 6, 6, 5; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 23 – 25, 17, 17. Measurements are provided in Table 5. ...... continued on the next page	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF8FDC5CFF00FD8A68B12B3E.taxon	description	Description of larva. IDIOSOMA (Fig. 19). Eyes 2 + 2, on ocular plate; 35 – 46 barbed dorsal idiosomal setae; distribution by anterior rows — 11 – 12 C, 8 D, ca. 7 E; two sternal setae between coxae III; 37 – 44 ventral setae; humeroventral setae absent; NDV = 74 – 83; stigmata and tracheae absent. GNATHOSOMA (Fig. 20). Cheliceral blade with one dorsal tooth and ventrolateral row of 9 – 12 denticles; cheliceral base with small dense puncta in proximal part; gnathobase (infracapitulum) with rare puncta, bears one pair of branched tritorostral setae; galeal (deutorostral) seta branched; palpal claw (odontus) with three prongs; palpal femoral seta branched; palpal genual seta with few cilia; dorsal palpal tibial seta heavily ciliated, lateral and ventral setae with few cilia or nude; palpal tarsus with seven branched setae and tarsala (ω). SCUTUM (Fig. 19 A). With small sparse puncta, pentagonal, with angulate posterior margin; nasus expanded in medial part, with rounded end; AMs situated posterior to level of ALs, sensillary (trichobothrial) bases posterior to level of PLs (PSB — P-PL from - 7 to - 4, mean - 5); PLs in posterolateral scutal angles; PL ≥ AL> AM; sensilla (trichobothria) flagelliform, nude. LEGS (Fig. 21). All six-segmented (with undivided femur), with one pair of claws and claw-like empodium, onychotriches absent. Sensory setae: Leg I: 2 genualae (σ), microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ) in tandem, distal rod-like, striated, proximal setiform, microtibiala (κ), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) distal to tarsala, subterminala (ζ), nude parasubterminala (z), pretarsala (ζ). Leg II: genuala (σ) elongated, longer than genu, microgenuala (κ), 2 tibialae (φ), tarsala (ω), famulus (ε) behind tarsala, pretarsala (ζ). Leg III: genuala (σ) greatly elongated, longer than genu, tibiala (φ) elongated, almost as long as tibia. Unspecialized setae (leg I, II, III): coxa 2, 1, 1; trochanter 1, 1, 1; femur 6, 6, 5; genu 4, 4, 4; tibia 9, 6, 6; tarsus 23 – 25 (in holotype 23 / 24), 17, 17. Numbers of nude setae: Leg I: tarsus 6 – 7, tibia 5, genu 1, femur 1; Leg II: tarsus 0 – 7, tibia 2, genu 1 – 2, femur 1 – 3; Leg III: tarsus 3, tibia 2 – 3, genu 1 – 2, femur 2 – 3.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF8FDC5CFF00FD8A68B12B3E.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype: larva (ZIN 18708), ex Rhabdomys pumilio (No. KbRp 9), South Africa, Western Cape, Kloovenberg, 26 October 2024, coll. Lola Singo. Paratypes: three larvae (ZIN 18705 – 18707), ex R. pumilio (No. KbRp 13), same locality, date and collector. Additional material. Specimens from Kloovenberg (ex R. pumilio) are preserved at Stellenbosch University.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF8FDC5CFF00FD8A68B12B3E.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named for Britt, a fictional character in the 1960 Western film “ The Magnificent Seven ” played by James Coburn.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF8FDC5CFF00FD8A68B12B3E.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. The new species is similar to Hyracarus limpopoensis Stekolnikov, Halajian and Matthee, 2025 and differs from it by the sensillary bases situated posterior to level of PLs vs. at level (PSB — P-PL from - 7 to - 4 vs. - 3 to 1); S 2 = 11 – 13 vs. 17 – 19 and S 1> S 2 vs. S 1 <S 2; 17 setae on tarsi II and III vs. 16; genuala III greatly elongated, longer than genu vs. much shorter than genu; AL> AM vs AM ≥ AL; shorter AM (24 – 29 vs. 41 – 43) and PL (38 – 41 vs. 45 – 49); shorter legs (Ip = 677 – 707 and TaIIIL = 59 – 63 vs. 815 – 832 and 79 – 86, respectively); and by a higher number of teeth on the cheliceral blade (9 – 12 vs. 7).	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
03CF1F7DFF88DC5CFF00FDA66EB22D2C.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Two larvae (ZIN 18650 and 18651), ex Micaelamys namaquensis (Nos. AsMn 9 and AsMn 14), South Africa, Western Cape, Assendelft, 18 October 2024, coll. Alyssa Little; one larva (ZIN 18652), ex M. namaquensis (No. LvMn 10), South Africa, Western Cape, Lankverwacht, 8 October 2024, coll. Alyssa Little; one larva (ZIN 18653), ex Rhabdomys pumilio (No. LvRp 02), same locality and date, coll. Lola Singo; one larva (ZIN 18654), ex M. namaquensis (No. MwMn 6), South Africa, Western Cape, Minwater, 21 October 2024, coll. Alyssa Little. Additional material. Specimens from Assendelft (ex M. namaquensis), Lankverwacht (ex M. namaquensis and R. pumilio) and Minwater (ex M. namaquensis and Otomys unisulcatus), are preserved at Stellenbosch University.	en	Stekolnikov, Alexandr A., Matthee, Conrad, Little, Alyssa Jade, Singo, Lola, Kipling, Jessica, Matthee, Sonja (2026): Description of seven new chigger mite species of the genus Hyracarus Lawrence, 1949 (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Zootaxa 5750 (1): 1-33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.1.1
