Axonopsalbia

Smith, Ian M., Cook, David R. & Gerecke, Reinhard, 2015, Revision of the status of some genus-level water mite taxa in the families Pionidae Thor, 1900, Aturidae Thor, 1900, and Nudomideopsidae Smith, 1990 (Acari: Hydrachnidiae), Zootaxa 3919 (1), pp. 111-156 : 136-137

Axonopsalbia -like mites (sensu Cook, 1974)

Axonopsalbia -like mites Cook, 1974a, pp. 307–322, figs. 1232–1312. Axonopsalbia -like mites Cook, 1999, pp. 317–327, figs. 1–33.

Diagnosis. Larva: Unknown.

Adults (modified from Cook 1974a): Character states of subfamily Axonopsinae. Idiosoma with dorsal shield entire. Ventral shield lacking ridge that originates at lateral end of suture line between third and fourth coxal plates and extends anterolaterally. Coxal plates with all setae slender; first three pairs of coxal plates with anterior edges broadly rounded; fourth coxal plate with small to moderately large condyle, but without large projection, associated with opening for insertion of fourth leg. Genital field bearing three to several pairs of acetabula on acetabular plates that are fused with ventral shield in males and surrounded by soft integument in females. Gnathosomal setae small. Pedipalp tibia without a ventral projection. Idiosoma and legs of males slightly to greatly modified.

Genera included. Many genera listed by Cook (1974a) and species listed by K.O. Viets (1987), supplemented by Cook (1999).

Distribution. Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America.

Discussion. Cook (1974a) characterized the Axonopsalbia -like mites as a distinct group of the Axonopsinae and noted that diagnoses of genera in the group are essentially based on male character states making generic placement of females somewhat problematic. We are not proposing any changes in the classification of this group at this time.