Feiderzetes latus

Mahunka, S., 2001, Oribatids from Switzerland IX (Acari: Oribatidae, Mycobatidae 2) (Acarologica Genavensia CI), Archives des Sciences, Geneve 54, pp. 129-138 : 134-136

Feiderzetes latus (Schweizer, 1956)

(Figs 10-11)

Punctoribates (Minunthozetes) latus Schweizer, 1956: 321, fig. 276.

Allozetes latus Feider, Vasiliu & Calugar, 1971: 299, figs 1-3.

Feiderzetes latus Subías, 1977: 261.

Feiderizetes [sic!] latus Balogh & Balogh, 1992: 225, figs 292: A-B.

Material examined: Switzerland: GR-12: the Grisons: Val Poschiavo (=Puschlav), above Cavajone, mosses at base of rocks, 2050-2100m ; 18.VII.1984; leg. C. Besuchet - (89);

TI-9: Ticino: Nufenen pass , leaf litter and rotten wood in larch forest; 15.VI.1979; leg. S. Mahunka & L. Mahunka-Papp - (18).

Introduction: A rare species, probably favouring biotopes at high altitudes. It was found in samples only once in low numbers. Feider et al. (1971) prepared a redescription of the species originating from the Carpathian Mountains prior to the present relegation of the species. On the basis of this redescription Balogh & Balogh (1992) included this species in their identification book.

Remarks: Unfortunately, the figures in Balogh & Balogh (1992) are charged with some errors, thus, e.g. the pteromorpha, whose short desclerotization line on the Swiss specimens is clearly observable. Furthermore, the ventral side also lacks some details, since pedotecta I are not sharp, nor auricular, but rounded; pedocteta II, the custodium and the discidium are well developed, clearly seen. The robust, outward bending custodium reaches the anterior margin of pedotecta II. The tiny setae 3c and 4c are present. One genital plate bears 5 setae and the other 6. The posterior median mentum of notogaster is undivided, reaching well over the ventral plate as far as the posterior margin of the anal plate. All legs monodactylous. The tibia of leg I bearing a solenidion on its surface. Solenidion phi1 far behind phi2. The anterodorsal apophysis on the tibia of leg II is extraordinarily large. If further specimens are found a new redescription will be needed.