Abstract

Gamasellus onitiaesp. nov. (Ologamasidae: Mesostigmata) has been identified and described after being been collected from a dung beetle, Onitis philemon (Scarabaeidae, Coleoptera), in India. The specimen was found to be attached via a claw to the head region of the beetle. The mite–beetle association appeared to be phoretic. The distal setae, ventral setae, sternal shield length, and peritreme of G. onitiae sp. nov. differ from those of the closely related Gamasellus falciger (G. Canestrini & R. Canestrini), Gamasellus deepdelensis (Ryke), Gamasellus racovitzai (Jumeau and Usher), and Gamasellus bellavistae Emberson.

dung beetle, head region, claw, distal setae, peritreme
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Author notes

3

Rice Research Station, Ambasamudram–627 401, India.

4

Department of Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore–641 003, India.

5

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sandhiyur–636 203.

6

Regional Research Station, Vriddhachalam–606 001, India.

7

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (retired), Coimbatore–641 003, India.

2024