# A new species of stilt-legged mite of the genus Neophyllobius Berlese (Acari: Camerobiidae) from Brazil

Hector Alonso Escobar-Garcia, Daniel Júnior de Andrade, Mojtaba Mohammad-Doustaresharaf, Edward A Ueckermann

Mohammad-Doustaresharaf, Edward A Ueckermann

► To cite this version:

Hector Alonso Escobar-Garcia, Daniel Júnior de Andrade, Mojtaba Mohammad-Doustaresharaf, Edward A Ueckermann. A new species of stilt-legged mite of the genus Neophyllobius Berlese (Acari: Camerobiidae) from Brazil. Acarologia, 2024, 64 (2), pp.592-601. 10.24349/x6a3-jlvy. hal-04582901

HAL Id: hal-04582901

https://hal.science/hal-04582901

Submitted on 22 May 2024

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# A new species of stilt-legged mite of the genus Neophyllobius Berlese (Acari: Camerobiidae) from Brazil

Hector Alonso Escobar-Garcia, Daniel Júnior de Andrade, Mojtaba Mohammad-Doustaresharaf, Edward A Ueckermann

Mohammad-Doustaresharaf, Edward A Ueckermann

► To cite this version:

Hector Alonso Escobar-Garcia, Daniel Júnior de Andrade, Mojtaba Mohammad-Doustaresharaf, Edward A Ueckermann. A new species of stilt-legged mite of the genus Neophyllobius Berlese (Acari: Camerobiidae) from Brazil. Acarologia, 2024, 64 (2), pp.592-601. 10.24349/x6a3-jlvy. hal-04582901

HAL Id: hal-04582901

https://hal.science/hal-04582901v1

Submitted on 22 May 2024

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access
archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci-
entific research documents, whether they are pub-
lished or not. The documents may come from
teaching and research institutions in France or
abroad, or from public or private research centers.

L'archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est
destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents
scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non,
émanant des établissements d'enseignement et de
recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires
publics ou privés.

<figure><img src="image_1.png" /></figure>

Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
Acarologia

Open Science
in Acarology

# A new species of stilt-legged mite of the genus *Neophyllobius* Berlese (Acari: Camerobiidae) from Brazil

Hector Alonso Escobar-Garcia ID a,b, Daniel Júnior de Andrade ID a, Mojtaba Mohammad-Doustaresharaf ID c, Edward A. Ueckermann ID d

## Original research

### ABSTRACT

A new species of Neotropical Camerobiidae from Brazil, *Neophyllobius (Neophyllobius) unespensis* n. sp., is collected and described from the raceme-type inflorescences of a native South America forest tree, Cannonball tree, *Couroupita guianensis* Aubl. (Lecythidaceae), description based on females, a protonymph, and a larva. The new stilt-legged mite was found during two springs for two consecutive years, which coincides with the inflorescence period of this tree.

**Keywords** systematics; Prostigmata; Raphignathoidea; free-living predatory mites; forest tree

**Zoobank** http://zoobank.org/FBAA69ED-20E6-4532-B979-F081E0169CEE

## Introduction

The family Camerobiidae Southcott (Acari: Trombidiformes: Prostigmata) is the second largest family in the superfamily Raphignathoidea; it consists of almost 171 species in seven genera; with the genus *Neophyllobius*, the largest of the family with 133 species reported (Beron 2020; Mirza *et al.* 2022; Escobar-Garcia *et al.* 2023). This stilt-legged mites, are widely distributed in both, temperate and tropical zones, and are free-living predators feeding on different phytophagous mites and crawlers of scale insects (Homoptera: Diaspididae, Margarodidae); however, in their habitats, they are usually in very low in numbers, as reported in the literature to date (Bolland 1986; Du Toit *et al.* 1998; Fan & Zhang 2005; Beron 2020; Mirza *et al.* 2022; Escobar-Garcia *et al.* 2023). Two stilt-legged mites' species have been recorded in South America, namely *Tycherobius edaphon* Flechtmann (Flechtmann 2001) described from Brazil, and *Neophyllobius (Neophyllobius) unpensis* Escobar-Garcia, Welbourn & Ueckermann (Escobar-Garcia *et al.* 2023) described from Peru.

Herein a new species of *Neophyllobius* is described and illustrated, on *Couroupita guianensis* Aubl. (Lecythidaceae), a native tree from the Amazon rainforest in South America recognized for its great economic, social, and environmental benefits, ethnomedicine, and its ability to control important pests and pathogens, such as larvicidal and ovicidal activities against the pest insects (Baskar *et al.* 2015; Esposito *et al.* 2023, Escobar-Garcia *et al.* 2024; CABI 2024). The purpose of this paper is to describe a new species of *Neophyllobius*.

Received 08 March 2024

Accepted 22 April 2024

Published 30 April 2024

Corresponding author
Hector Alonso Escobar-Garcia ID:
hescobarg@unp.edu.pe

Academic editor
Faraji, Farid

https://doi.org/10.24349/x6a3-jlvy

ISSN 0044-586X (print)

ISSN 2107-7207 (electronic)

<figure><img src="image_2.png" /></figure>

Escobar-Garcia H. A. *et al.*

Licensed under
Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0

<footnote>ªSão Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Jaboticabal, Brazil.</footnote>

<footnote>ᵇFacultad de Agronomía, Universidad Nacional de Piura (UNP), Piura, Peru.</footnote>

<footnote>Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.</footnote>

<footnote>dUnit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.</footnote>
Acarologia

Open Science
in Acarology

# A new species of stilt-legged mite of the genus *Neophyllobius* Berlese (Acari: Camerobiidae) from Brazil

Hector Alonso Escobar-Garcia ID a,b, Daniel Júnior de Andrade ID a, Mojtaba Mohammad-Doustaresharaf ID c, Edward A. Ueckermann ID d

## Original research

### ABSTRACT

A new species of Neotropical Camerobiidae from Brazil, *Neophyllobius (Neophyllobius) unespensis n. sp.*, is collected and described from the raceme-type inflorescences of a native South America forest tree, Cannonball tree, *Couroupita guianensis* Aubl. (Lecythidaceae), description based on females, a protonymph, and a larva. The new stilt-legged mite was found during two springs for two consecutive years, which coincides with the inflorescence period of this tree.

**Keywords** systematics; Prostigmata; Raphignathoidea; free-living predatory mites; forest tree

**Zoobank** http://zoobank.org/FBAA69ED-20E6-4532-B979-F081E0169CEE

## Introduction

The family Camerobiidae Southcott (Acari: Trombidiformes: Prostigmata) is the second largest family in the superfamily Raphignathoidea; it consists of almost 171 species in seven genera; with the genus *Neophyllobius*, the largest of the family with 133 species reported (Beron 2020; Mirza *et al.* 2022; Escobar-Garcia *et al.* 2023). This stilt-legged mites, are widely distributed in both, temperate and tropical zones, and are free-living predators feeding on different phytophagous mites and crawlers of scale insects (Homoptera: Diaspididae, Margarodidae); however, in their habitats, they are usually in very low in numbers, as reported in the literature to date (Bolland 1986; Du Toit *et al.* 1998; Fan & Zhang 2005; Beron 2020; Mirza *et al.* 2022; Escobar-Garcia *et al.* 2023). Two stilt-legged mites' species have been recorded in South America, namely *Tycherobius edaphon* Flechtmann (Flechtmann 2001) described from Brazil, and *Neophyllobius (Neophyllobius) unpensis* Escobar-Garcia, Welbourn & Ueckermann (Escobar-Garcia *et al.* 2023) described from Peru.

Herein a new species of *Neophyllobius* is described and illustrated, on *Couroupita guianensis* Aubl. (Lecythidaceae), a native tree from the Amazon rainforest in South America recognized for its great economic, social, and environmental benefits, ethnomedicine, and its ability to control important pests and pathogens, such as larvicidal and ovicidal activities against the pest insects (Baskar *et al.* 2015; Esposito *et al.* 2023, Escobar-Garcia *et al.* 2024; CABI 2024). The purpose of this paper is to describe a new species of *Neophyllobius*.

Received 08 March 2024

Accepted 22 April 2024

Published 30 April 2024

Corresponding author
Hector Alonso Escobar-Garcia ID:
hescobarg@unp.edu.pe

Academic editor
Faraji, Farid

https://doi.org/10.24349/x6a3-jlvy

ISSN 0044-586X (print)

ISSN 2107-7207 (electronic)

<figure><img src="image_2.png" /></figure>

Escobar-Garcia H. A. *et al.*

Licensed under
Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0

<footnote>ªSão Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Jaboticabal, Brazil.</footnote>

<footnote>ᵇFacultad de Agronomía, Universidad Nacional de Piura (UNP), Piura, Peru.</footnote>

<footnote>Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.</footnote>

<footnote>dUnit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.</footnote>
**Material and methods**

Stilt-legged mites were collected from raceme-type inflorescences of *Couroupita guianensis* on the campus of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil (21°14'50.28" S, 48°17'51.85" W), in the spring of 2022 and 2023. Sampling involved collecting two raceme-type inflorescences from each of the four trees, every two weeks. Samples were placed in paper bags, and transferred to the Acarology laboratory (AcaroLab), UNESP, Jaboticabal, Brazil. The red mites with a dorsocentral opisthosomal white spot and long legs were collected with a fine-tipped brush under the stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ61), and then mounted dorsoventrally on microscope slides in 7 µl Hoyer's medium and put in an oven at 50 °C for 7 days (Walter & Krantz 2009), the slides were then sealed with nail polish. Mite morphology was studied using a phase-contrast compound microscope (Nikon Eclipse E200). Specimens were measured with an ocular micrometre coupled to the microscope and presented in micrometres (µm); the holotype highlighted in bold. Distances between setae were calculated as the distance between the centres of two setal bases: the apparent length of a seta was measured from the setal base to the tip of the seta. Body length was measured between the posterior border of the idiosoma and the tip of the infracapitulum. Notations of gnathosomal follows those of Grandjean (1946) and for the idiosomal setae and leg setation those of Kethley (1990). The photos were taken using a camera (AixoCam MRc5) mounted on a phase-contrast compound microscope (Zeiss Axioscope AX10 Lab.A1). The type material is deposited in ESALQ— Department of Entomology and Acarology, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil.

**Taxonomy**

**Family Camerobiidae Southcott, 1957**

**Genus Neophyllobius Berlese, 1886**

Type species: *Neophyllobius elegans* Berlese, 1886:19 [1].

**Neophyllobius (Neophyllobius) unespensis Escobar-Garcia & Ueckermann n. sp.**

Zoobank: 5B0ABC3F-B771-4DD5-B7D8-D9228858EB59

(Figures 1–6)

**Type materials**

Holotype female, Brazil, collected on *Couroupita guianensis*, campus of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil (21°14'50.28" S, 48°17'51.85" W, 588 m a.s.l.), November 13, 2023; coll. H.A. Escobar-Garcia. Paratypes: a female (collected November 27, 2022), a protonymph (collected October 30, 2022), and a larva (collected December 11, 2022), same place of the holotype, coll. H.A. Escobar-Garcia, separate microscope slides and deposited in ESALQ.

**General diagnosis. Female**

Tarsi I–IV each with two mid-ventral setae; coxae II with one seta; femura I–IV with 4–3–3–2 setae; setae $f_1 \ge e_1$, and are the longest of dorsocentral setae; most distal seta on femura I–IV not reaching articulation facet between genu and femur; genual setae I–III reaching slightly beyond the base of basal tibial seta; genual setae I–IV lengths as follows: I (70–74), II (65–66), III (70–74), IV (108–118).

**Description. Female (n = 2)**

(Figures 1–3)
**Material and methods**

Stilt-legged mites were collected from raceme-type inflorescences of *Couroupita guianensis* on the campus of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil (21°14'50.28" S, 48°17'51.85" W), in the spring of 2022 and 2023. Sampling involved collecting two raceme-type inflorescences from each of the four trees, every two weeks. Samples were placed in paper bags, and transferred to the Acarology laboratory (AcaroLab), UNESP, Jaboticabal, Brazil. The red mites with a dorsocentral opisthosomal white spot and long legs were collected with a fine-tipped brush under the stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ61), and then mounted dorsoventrally on microscope slides in 7 µl Hoyer's medium and put in an oven at 50 °C for 7 days (Walter & Krantz 2009), the slides were then sealed with nail polish. Mite morphology was studied using a phase-contrast compound microscope (Nikon Eclipse E200). Specimens were measured with an ocular micrometre coupled to the microscope and presented in micrometres (µm); the holotype highlighted in bold. Distances between setae were calculated as the distance between the centres of two setal bases: the apparent length of a seta was measured from the setal base to the tip of the seta. Body length was measured between the posterior border of the idiosoma and the tip of the infracapitulum. Notations of gnathosomal follows those of Grandjean (1946) and for the idiosomal setae and leg setation those of Kethley (1990). The photos were taken using a camera (AixoCam MRc5) mounted on a phase-contrast compound microscope (Zeiss Axioscope AX10 Lab.A1). The type material is deposited in ESALQ— Department of Entomology and Acarology, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil.

**Taxonomy**

**Family Camerobiidae Southcott, 1957**

**Genus Neophyllobius Berlese, 1886**

Type species: *Neophyllobius elegans* Berlese, 1886:19 [1].

**Neophyllobius (Neophyllobius) unespensis Escobar-Garcia & Ueckermann n. sp.**

Zoobank: 5B0ABC3F-B771-4DD5-B7D8-D9228858EB59

(Figures 1–6)

**Type materials**

Holotype female, Brazil, collected on *Couroupita guianensis*, campus of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil (21°14'50.28" S, 48°17'51.85" W, 588 m a.s.l.), November 13, 2023; coll. H.A. Escobar-Garcia. Paratypes: a female (collected November 27, 2022), a protonymph (collected October 30, 2022), and a larva (collected December 11, 2022), same place of the holotype, coll. H.A. Escobar-Garcia, separate microscope slides and deposited in ESALQ.

**General diagnosis. Female**

Tarsi I–IV each with two mid-ventral setae; coxae II with one seta; femura I–IV with 4–3–3–2 setae; setae $f_1 \ge e_1$, and are the longest of dorsocentral setae; most distal seta on femura I–IV not reaching articulation facet between genu and femur; genual setae I–III reaching slightly beyond the base of basal tibial seta; genual setae I–IV lengths as follows: I (70–74), II (65–66), III (70–74), IV (108–118).

**Description. Female (n = 2)**

(Figures 1–3)
<figure><img src="image_3.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 1** Body of female *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. A – Idiosomal dorsum of female and legs; B – Gnathosoma of larva, dorsal infracapitulum with pair supracoxal setae *ep* (indicated by arrow); C – Idiosomal dorsal with 15 pairs of serrated setae, set on small tubercles; D – Idiosomal venter with striae form a diamond-shaped pattern between setae 3a–4a; E – Region aggenital and genito-anal; F – Tarsus IV with two mid-ventral setae (indicated by arrow).</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_3.png" /></figure>

**Figure 1** Body of female *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. A – Idiosomal dorsum of female and legs; B – Gnathosoma of larva, dorsal infracapitulum with pair supracoxal setae ep (indicated by arrow); C – Idiosomal dorsal with 15 pairs of serrated setae, set on small tubercles; D – Idiosomal venter with striae form a diamond-shaped pattern between setae 3a–4a; E – Region aggenital and genito-anal; F – Tarsus IV with two mid-ventral setae (indicated by arrow).
<figure><img src="image_4.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 2** Body of female *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. **A** – Gnathosoma, venter infracapitulum, and chelicerae; **B** – Palp; **C** – Idiosomal dorsum; **D** – Idiosomal venter.</figcaption></figure>

**Body** —In life, the color is red with a white dorsocentral opisthosomal spot. Dorsoventrally compressed, ovoid to nearly circular body with two lateral eyes on either side of the prodorsum. Body length **325–338**. (Figs 1A and 2C).

**Idiosomal dorsum** — Idiosoma broadly oval; two pairs of eyes anterolateral to sce, anterior pair smaller than posterior pair; cuticular striae transverse, oblique, and arched; cuticular striae transverse between $v_i-v_i$, striae arching between $c_1-d_1-e_2$ (but diagonal behind $e_2$); transverse between $e_1-f_1-h_1$; longitudinal (and often oblique) thin striae laterally between $c_1-c_2$, $d_1-d_2$; shield-like areas carrying setae $c_2$, $d_2$ and $e_2$; with 15 pairs of distinctly serrated setae, slightly curved; five pairs of prodorsal setae (vi, ve, sci, pdx, sce) and 10 pairs of dorsal opisthosomal setae ($c_{1-2}$, $d_{1-2}$, $e_{1-2}$, $f_{1-2}$, $h_{1-2}$) all inserted on small tubercles (Figs 1C and 2C); some dorso-
<figure><img src="image_4.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 2** Body of female *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. **A** – Gnathosoma, venter infracapitulum, and chelicerae; **B** – Palp; **C** – Idiosomal dorsum; **D** – Idiosomal venter.</figcaption></figure>

**Body** —In life, the color is red with a white dorsocentral opisthosomal spot. Dorsoventrally compressed, ovoid to nearly circular body with two lateral eyes on either side of the prodorsum. Body length **325–338**. (Figs 1A and 2C).

**Idiosomal dorsum** — Idiosoma broadly oval; two pairs of eyes anterolateral to sce, anterior pair smaller than posterior pair; cuticular striae transverse, oblique, and arched; cuticular striae transverse between $v_i-v_i$, striae arching between $c_1-d_1-e_2$ (but diagonal behind $e_2$); transverse between $e_1-f_1-h_1$; longitudinal (and often oblique) thin striae laterally between $c_1-c_2$, $d_1-d_2$; shield-like areas carrying setae $c_2$, $d_2$ and $e_2$; with 15 pairs of distinctly serrated setae, slightly curved; five pairs of prodorsal setae (vi, ve, sci, pdx, sce) and 10 pairs of dorsal opisthosomal setae ($c_{1-2}$, $d_{1-2}$, $e_{1-2}$, $f_{1-2}$, $h_{1-2}$) all inserted on small tubercles (Figs 1C and 2C); some dorso-
<figure><img src="image_5.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 3** *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. Female, Legs I–IV with serrated setae, **A** – Leg I; **B** – Leg II; **C** – Leg III; **D** – Leg IV.</figcaption></figure>

central setae shorter than interval to setae next behind; setae $f_1 \ge e_1$ are the longest and $h_2$ the shortest ($f_1 \ge e_1 \ge c_2 \ge d_1 \ge c_1 \ge \text{sci} = \text{pdx} \ge \text{vi} \ge \text{sce} \ge \text{ve} = d_2 \ge e_2 > f_2 \ge h_1 > h_2$, based on mean). Length of dorsal setae: *vi* 40–42, *ve* 38–40, *sci* 40–45, *pdx* 40–45, *sce* 38–43, $c_1$ 44–45, $c_2$ 50, $d_1$ 42–50, $d_2$ 38–40, $e_1$ 51–57, $e_2$ 36–39, $f_1$ 54–55, $f_2$ 30, $h_1$ 25–30, $h_2$ 23–24. Distance between setae: *vi–vi* 50–52, *ve–ve* 75–80, *sci–sci* 94–100, *pdx–pdx* 10–15, *sce–sce* 118–128, $c_1–c_1$ 10–16, $c_2–c_2$ 150–165, $d_1–d_1$ 12–14, $d_2–d_2$ 134–140, $e_1–e_1$ 10–15, $e_2–e_2$ 112–114, $f_1–f_1$ 13–17, $f_2–f_2$ 92–98, $h_1–h_1$ 10, $h_2–h_2$ 60–62.

**Gnathosoma** — Stylophore with one pair of peritremes forming a complete loop. Dorsal infracapitulum with pair of supracoxal setae *ep* (Figs 1B and 2A). The ventral infracapitulum with three pairs slender and simple setae: the *m* setae 20 long, two pairs of adoral setae *or*₁ 6 and *or*₂ 6. Distance between the *m* setae (*m*–*m*) 16–17, *or*₁–*or*₁ 15, *or*₂–*or*₂ 8–10. Cheliceral stylet 20–22 long (Fig. 2A). Palps, five-segmented (Fig. 2B): trochanter without setae; femur with two serrated setae (*d* 10, *l*′ 23), genu with one tactile seta *d*, tibia with three tactile setae (*l*′, *l*″ and *d*) and one sword-like seta, tarsus with two eupathidia (*acmζ*, *sulζ*), two tactile setae (*ba*, *va*), and a small solenidion (*ω*) 3.

**Idiosomal venter** — Longitudinal striae between 1a–1a and 3a–3a; transverse between
<figure><img src="image_5.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 3** *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. Female, Legs I–IV with serrated setae, **A** – Leg I; **B** – Leg II; **C** – Leg III; **D** – Leg IV.</figcaption></figure>

central setae shorter than interval to setae next behind; setae $f_1 \ge e_1$ are the longest and $h_2$ the shortest ($f_1 \ge e_1 \ge c_2 \ge d_1 \ge c_1 \ge \text{sci} = \text{pdx} \ge \text{vi} \ge \text{sce} \ge \text{ve} = d_2 \ge e_2 > f_2 \ge h_1 > h_2$, based on mean). Length of dorsal setae: *vi* 40–42, *ve* 38–40, *sci* 40–45, *pdx* 40–45, *sce* 38–43, $c_1$ 44–45, $c_2$ 50, $d_1$ 42–50, $d_2$ 38–40, $e_1$ 51–57, $e_2$ 36–39, $f_1$ 54–55, $f_2$ 30, $h_1$ 25–30, $h_2$ 23–24. Distance between setae: *vi–vi* 50–52, *ve–ve* 75–80, *sci–sci* 94–100, *pdx–pdx* 10–15, *sce–sce* 118–128, $c_1–c_1$ 10–16, $c_2–c_2$ 150–165, $d_1–d_1$ 12–14, $d_2–d_2$ 134–140, $e_1–e_1$ 10–15, $e_2–e_2$ 112–114, $f_1–f_1$ 13–17, $f_2–f_2$ 92–98, $h_1–h_1$ 10, $h_2–h_2$ 60–62.

**Gnathosoma** — Stylophore with one pair of peritremes forming a complete loop. Dorsal infracapitulum with pair of supracoxal setae *ep* (Figs 1B and 2A). The ventral infracapitulum with three pairs slender and simple setae: the *m* setae 20 long, two pairs of adoral setae *or*₁ 6 and *or*₂ 6. Distance between the *m* setae (*m*–*m*) 16–17, *or*₁–*or*₁ 15, *or*₂–*or*₂ 8–10. Cheliceral stylet 20–22 long (Fig. 2A). Palps, five-segmented (Fig. 2B): trochanter without setae; femur with two serrated setae (*d* 10, *l*′ 23), genu with one tactile seta *d*, tibia with three tactile setae (*l*′, *l*″ and *d*) and one sword-like seta, tarsus with two eupathidia (*acmζ*, *sulζ*), two tactile setae (*ba*, *va*), and a small solenidion (*ω*) 3.

**Idiosomal venter** — Longitudinal striae between 1a–1a and 3a–3a; transverse between
4a-4a, striae arching between 4a-ag. The striations between 1a-3a setae are longitudinal. Setae 3a and 4a set on individual platelets. Striae form a diamond-shaped pattern between setae 3a-4a (Figs 1D and 2D). Striae on coxal fields I-II and III-IV stippled. One pair of aggenital setae (ag) present, genito-anal valves with a pair of genital setae (g) and three pairs of pseudanal setae ps<sub>1-3</sub> (Figs 1E and 2D). Length of ventral setae: 1a 25-26, 3a 30, 4a 18-20, ag 13-14, g 10-12, ps<sub>1-3</sub> 9-10. Distance between setae: 1a-1a 72-92, 3a-3a 45-47, 4a-4a 49-50, ag-ag 15-17, g-g 18-25.

**Leg chaetotaxy** — Coxae I–II and coxea III–IV well separated; legs I–IV slender and long; all tarsi with ambulacrum bearing a pair of claws and an empodium with two rows of rayed hairs. Tarsi I–IV with two midventral setae (Figs 1F and 3). Genua I–IV each with one serrated seta; genu IV with a whip–like seta (d), IV (108–118) > III (70–74) = I (70–74) > II (65–66). Genua I and II each with a seta κ. Genual setae I–III reaching slightly beyond the base of basal tibial seta. Genual setae IV reaching beyond half the length of the tibia. Number of setae on leg segments (Fig. 3), with solenidia (on tibiae and tarsus), supracoxal setae (on coxeae), and specialized setae (on genua) given in parentheses and not included in setal counts: coxeae 3(+1eI)–1–2–2, trochanters 1–1–1–1, femora 4–3–3–2, genua 1(+1κ)–1(+1κ)–1–1, tibiae 9(+1φ)–8(+1φ)–8(+1φ)–7(+1φ), tarsi 10(+1ω)–10(+1ω)–8–8. Length of solenidia on tibiae (φ): Iφ (10–11); IIφ (7–8); IIIφ (7–8); IVφ (6). Length of solenidia on tarsi (ω): Iω (5); IIω (4).

**Description. Protonymph (n = 1)**

(Figure 4)

**Body** — Protonymph is also red, with two lateral prodorsal eyes and a dorsocentral opisthosomal white patch. Protonymph is dorsoventrally compressed, ovoid, or almost circular, and smaller than females. Body length 260 (Fig. 4A).

**Idiosomal dorsum** — As in female (Fig. 4B). Lengths of prodorsal setae: vi 35, ve 33, sci 38, pdx 33, sce 35 (sci > vi = sce > ve = pdx); lengths of dorsal opisthosomal setae: c₁ 40, c₂ 44, d₁ 40, d₂ 35, e₁ 45, e₂ 34, f₁ 45, f₂ 21, h₁ 22, h₂ 16, (e₁ = f₁ > c₂ > c₁ = d₁ > d₂ > e₂ > h₁ > f₂ > h₂); distances between dorsal idiosomal setae: vi–vi 43, ve–ve 65, sci–sci 74, pdx–pdx 12, sce–sce 95, c₁–c₁ 10, c₂–c₂ 125, d₁–d₁ 10, d₂–d₂ 105, e₁–e₁ 10, e₂–e₂ 95, f₁–f₁ 10, f₂–f₂ 70, h₁–h₁ 7, h₂–h₂ 35.

**Gnathosoma** — As in female. Infracapitulum with three pairs simple and slender setae: one pair infracapitular setae *m* 17, and two pairs of adoral setae *or*₁ 5 and *or*₂ 5, *m*–*m* 17, *or*₁–*or*₁ 10, *or*₂–*or*₂ 8. Dorsal infracapitulum with pair of supracoxal setae (*ep*). Cheliceral stylet 16 long. Palps five-segmented: trochanter without setae; femur with two serrated setae (*d*, *l*'), genu with one long dorsal tactile seta (*d*), tibia with three tactile setae (*l''*, *l''* and *d*) and one sword-like seta, tarsus with two eupathidia (*acmζ*, *sulζ*), two tactile setae (*ba*, *va*), and a small solenidion (*ω*) 2.

**Idiosomal Venter** — Similar to the female in having three pairs of pseudanal setae ps<sub>1-3</sub>, but without *ag* and *g* setae (Fig. 4C). Lengths of ventral setae: 1a 15, 3a 20, 4a 14, ps<sub>1-3</sub> 6. Distances between ventral idiosomal setae: 1a-1a 85, 3a-3a 37, 4a-4a 46.

**Leg chaetotaxy** — Legs like that of female. Tarsus I–IV each with one mid–ventral seta (Fig. 4D). Genua I–IV each with one serrated seta; genu IV with whip–like seta (d), IV 90 > III 85 > I 75 > II 70. Genua I and II each with a κ seta. Genual setae I–III reaching beyond half the length of the tibia. Genual setae IV reaching the base of the solenidion on tibia. Number of setae on leg segments, solenidia (on tibiae and tarsus), supracoxal setae (on coxeae), and specialized setae (on genua) are given in parentheses and not included in setal counts: coxeae 3(+1eI)–1–2–0, trochanters 1–1–1–0, femora 3–2–1–1, genua 1(+1κ)–1(+1κ)–1–1, tibiae 5(+1φ)–5(+1φ)–5(+1φ)–3(+1φ), and tarsi 9(+1ω)–9(+1ω)–7–5. Length of solenidia on tibiae (φ): Iφ 8; IIφ 5; IIIφ 5; IVφ 5. Length of solenidia on tarsi (ω): Iω 4; IIω 3.

**Description. Larva (n = 1)**

(Figure 5)
4a-4a, striae arching between 4a-ag. The striations between 1a-3a setae are longitudinal. Setae 3a and 4a set on individual platelets. Striae form a diamond-shaped pattern between setae 3a-4a (Figs 1D and 2D). Striae on coxal fields I-II and III-IV stippled. One pair of aggenital setae (ag) present, genito-anal valves with a pair of genital setae (g) and three pairs of pseudanal setae ps<sub>1-3</sub> (Figs 1E and 2D). Length of ventral setae: 1a 25-26, 3a 30, 4a 18-20, ag 13-14, g 10-12, ps<sub>1-3</sub> 9-10. Distance between setae: 1a-1a 72-92, 3a-3a 45-47, 4a-4a 49-50, ag-ag 15-17, g-g 18-25.

**Leg chaetotaxy** — Coxae I–II and coxea III–IV well separated; legs I–IV slender and long; all tarsi with ambulacrum bearing a pair of claws and an empodium with two rows of rayed hairs. Tarsi I–IV with two midventral setae (Figs 1F and 3). Genua I–IV each with one serrated seta; genu IV with a whip–like seta (d), IV (108–118) > III (70–74) = I (70–74) > II (65–66). Genua I and II each with a seta κ. Genual setae I–III reaching slightly beyond the base of basal tibial seta. Genual setae IV reaching beyond half the length of the tibia. Number of setae on leg segments (Fig. 3), with solenidia (on tibiae and tarsus), supracoxal setae (on coxeae), and specialized setae (on genua) given in parentheses and not included in setal counts: coxeae 3(+1eI)–1–2–2, trochanters 1–1–1–1, femora 4–3–3–2, genua 1(+1κ)–1(+1κ)–1–1, tibiae 9(+1φ)–8(+1φ)–8(+1φ)–7(+1φ), tarsi 10(+1ω)–10(+1ω)–8–8. Length of solenidia on tibiae (φ): Iφ (10–11); IIφ (7–8); IIIφ (7–8); IVφ (6). Length of solenidia on tarsi (ω): Iω (5); IIω (4).

**Description. Protonymph (n = 1)**

(Figure 4)

**Body** — Protonymph is also red, with two lateral prodorsal eyes and a dorsocentral opisthosomal white patch. Protonymph is dorsoventrally compressed, ovoid, or almost circular, and smaller than females. Body length 260 (Fig. 4A).

**Idiosomal dorsum** — As in female (Fig. 4B). Lengths of prodorsal setae: vi 35, ve 33, sci 38, pdx 33, sce 35 (sci > vi = sce > ve = pdx); lengths of dorsal opisthosomal setae: c₁ 40, c₂ 44, d₁ 40, d₂ 35, e₁ 45, e₂ 34, f₁ 45, f₂ 21, h₁ 22, h₂ 16, (e₁ = f₁ > c₂ > c₁ = d₁ > d₂ > e₂ > h₁ > f₂ > h₂); distances between dorsal idiosomal setae: vi–vi 43, ve–ve 65, sci–sci 74, pdx–pdx 12, sce–sce 95, c₁–c₁ 10, c₂–c₂ 125, d₁–d₁ 10, d₂–d₂ 105, e₁–e₁ 10, e₂–e₂ 95, f₁–f₁ 10, f₂–f₂ 70, h₁–h₁ 7, h₂–h₂ 35.

**Gnathosoma** — As in female. Infracapitulum with three pairs simple and slender setae: one pair infracapitular setae *m* 17, and two pairs of adoral setae *or*₁ 5 and *or*₂ 5, *m*–*m* 17, *or*₁–*or*₁ 10, *or*₂–*or*₂ 8. Dorsal infracapitulum with pair of supracoxal setae (*ep*). Cheliceral stylet 16 long. Palps five-segmented: trochanter without setae; femur with two serrated setae (*d*, *l*'), genu with one long dorsal tactile seta (*d*), tibia with three tactile setae (*l''*, *l''* and *d*) and one sword-like seta, tarsus with two eupathidia (*acmζ*, *sulζ*), two tactile setae (*ba*, *va*), and a small solenidion (*ω*) 2.

**Idiosomal Venter** — Similar to the female in having three pairs of pseudanal setae ps<sub>1-3</sub>, but without *ag* and *g* setae (Fig. 4C). Lengths of ventral setae: 1a 15, 3a 20, 4a 14, ps<sub>1-3</sub> 6. Distances between ventral idiosomal setae: 1a-1a 85, 3a-3a 37, 4a-4a 46.

**Leg chaetotaxy** — Legs like that of female. Tarsus I–IV each with one mid–ventral seta (Fig. 4D). Genua I–IV each with one serrated seta; genu IV with whip–like seta (d), IV 90 > III 85 > I 75 > II 70. Genua I and II each with a κ seta. Genual setae I–III reaching beyond half the length of the tibia. Genual setae IV reaching the base of the solenidion on tibia. Number of setae on leg segments, solenidia (on tibiae and tarsus), supracoxal setae (on coxeae), and specialized setae (on genua) are given in parentheses and not included in setal counts: coxeae 3(+1eI)–1–2–0, trochanters 1–1–1–0, femora 3–2–1–1, genua 1(+1κ)–1(+1κ)–1–1, tibiae 5(+1φ)–5(+1φ)–5(+1φ)–3(+1φ), and tarsi 9(+1ω)–9(+1ω)–7–5. Length of solenidia on tibiae (φ): Iφ 8; IIφ 5; IIIφ 5; IVφ 5. Length of solenidia on tarsi (ω): Iω 4; IIω 3.

**Description. Larva (n = 1)**

(Figure 5)
<figure><img src="image_6.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 4** Body of protonymph *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. **A** – Gnathosoma and idiosomal dorsum of protonymph; **B** – Idiosomal dorsum with cuticular striae; **C** – Genito-anal valves with three pairs of pseudanal setae *ps*₁₋₃; **D** – Tarsus IV with one mid-ventral setae (indicated by arrow).</figcaption></figure>

**Body** — Larva is likewise reddish yellow, with two lateral prodorsal eyes and a dorsocentral opisthosomal white patch. Larva are dorsoventrally compressed, ovoid, or almost circular, and smaller than protonymph. Body length 190 (Fig. 5A).

**Idiosomal dorsum** — In general, like that of protonymph. Idiosoma dorsally with 14 pairs of setae (*pdx* absent) situated on small tubercles (Fig. 5B). Shape of setae similar. Lengths of prodorsal setae: *vi* 28, *ve* 30, *sci* 33, *sce* 34 (*sce* > *sci* > *ve* > *vi*); lengths of dorsal opisthosomal setae: *c*₁ 36, *c*₂ 38, *d*₁ 35, *d*₂ 28, *e*₁ 34, *e*₂ 25, *f*₁ 34, *f*₂ 24, *h*₁ 16, *h*₂ 10, (*c*₂ > *c*₁ > *d*₁ > *e*₁ = *f*₁ = *d*₂ > *e*₂ > *f*₂ > *h*₁ > *h*₂); distances between dorsal idiosomal setae: *vi*–*vi* 33, *ve*–*ve* 55, *sci*–*sci* 65, *sce*–*sce* 77, *c*₁–*c*₁ 8, *c*₂–*c*₂ 110, *d*₁–*d*₁ 10, *d*₂–*d*₂ 80, *e*₁–*e*₁ 8, *e*₂–*e*₂ 75, *f*₁–*f*₁ 7, *f*₂–*f*₂ 50, *h*₁–*h*₁ 8, *h*₂–*h*₂ 36.

**Gnathosoma** — As in protonymph. Infracapitulum with three pairs simple and slender setae: one pair infracapitular setae *m* 6, and two pairs of adoral setae *or*₁ 6 and *or*₂ 6, *m*–*m* 20, *or*₁–*or*₁ 8, *or*₂–*or*₂ 6. Dorsal infracapitulum with pair of supracoxal setae (*ep*). Cheliceral stylet 16 long. Palps five-segmented: trochanter without setae; femur with a serrated setae *d*, genu with one long dorsal tactile seta *d*, tibia with three tactile setae (*l'*, *l''* and *d*) and one sword-like seta, tarsus with two eupathidia (*acmζ*, *sulζ*), two tactile setae (*ba*, *va*), and a small solenidion (*ω*) 2.
<figure><img src="image_6.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 4** Body of protonymph *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. **A** – Gnathosoma and idiosomal dorsum of protonymph; **B** – Idiosomal dorsum with cuticular striae; **C** – Genito-anal valves with three pairs of pseudanal setae *ps*₁₋₃; **D** – Tarsus IV with one mid-ventral setae (indicated by arrow).</figcaption></figure>

**Body** — Larva is likewise reddish yellow, with two lateral prodorsal eyes and a dorsocentral opisthosomal white patch. Larva are dorsoventrally compressed, ovoid, or almost circular, and smaller than protonymph. Body length 190 (Fig. 5A).

**Idiosomal dorsum** — In general, like that of protonymph. Idiosoma dorsally with 14 pairs of setae (*pdx* absent) situated on small tubercles (Fig. 5B). Shape of setae similar. Lengths of prodorsal setae: *vi* 28, *ve* 30, *sci* 33, *sce* 34 (*sce* > *sci* > *ve* > *vi*); lengths of dorsal opisthosomal setae: *c*₁ 36, *c*₂ 38, *d*₁ 35, *d*₂ 28, *e*₁ 34, *e*₂ 25, *f*₁ 34, *f*₂ 24, *h*₁ 16, *h*₂ 10, (*c*₂ > *c*₁ > *d*₁ > *e*₁ = *f*₁ = *d*₂ > *e*₂ > *f*₂ > *h*₁ > *h*₂); distances between dorsal idiosomal setae: *vi*–*vi* 33, *ve*–*ve* 55, *sci*–*sci* 65, *sce*–*sce* 77, *c*₁–*c*₁ 8, *c*₂–*c*₂ 110, *d*₁–*d*₁ 10, *d*₂–*d*₂ 80, *e*₁–*e*₁ 8, *e*₂–*e*₂ 75, *f*₁–*f*₁ 7, *f*₂–*f*₂ 50, *h*₁–*h*₁ 8, *h*₂–*h*₂ 36.

**Gnathosoma** — As in protonymph. Infracapitulum with three pairs simple and slender setae: one pair infracapitular setae *m* 6, and two pairs of adoral setae *or*₁ 6 and *or*₂ 6, *m*–*m* 20, *or*₁–*or*₁ 8, *or*₂–*or*₂ 6. Dorsal infracapitulum with pair of supracoxal setae (*ep*). Cheliceral stylet 16 long. Palps five-segmented: trochanter without setae; femur with a serrated setae *d*, genu with one long dorsal tactile seta *d*, tibia with three tactile setae (*l'*, *l''* and *d*) and one sword-like seta, tarsus with two eupathidia (*acmζ*, *sulζ*), two tactile setae (*ba*, *va*), and a small solenidion (*ω*) 2.
<figure><img src="image_7.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 5** Body of larva *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. A – Gnathosoma and idiosomal dorsum of larva; B – Idiosomal dorsum with cuticular striae; C – Genito-anal valves with three pairs of pseudanal setae ps<sub>1-3</sub>; D – Tarsus I with one mid-ventral setae (indicated by arrow).</figcaption></figure>

**Idiosomal Venter** — Like the protonymph in having three pairs of pseudanal setae ps<sub>1-3</sub>, but without 4a, ag, and g setae (Fig 5C). Lengths of ventral setae: 1a 12, 3a 20, ps<sub>1-3</sub> 5. Distances between ventral idiosomal setae: 1a–1a 55, 3a–3a 28.

**Leg chaetotaxy** — Legs like that of protonymph, but without leg IV. Tarsus I–III each with one mid–ventral seta (Fig. 5D). Genua I–III each with one whip–like serrated setae, III 112 > I 100 > II 87. Genua I and II each with a κ seta. Genual setae I–III reaching beyond half the length of the tarsus. Number of setae on leg segments, solenidia (on tibiae and tarsus), supracoxal setae (on coxae), and specialized setae (on genua) are given in parentheses and not included in setal counts: coxae 2(+1eI)–0–0, trochanters 0–0–0, femora 2–2–1, genua 1(+1κ)–1(+1κ)–1, tibiae 3(+1φ)–3(+1φ)–3(+1φ), and tarsi 7(+1ω)–7(+1ω)–5. Length of solenidia on tibiae (φ): Iφ 5; IIφ 5; IIIφ 5. Length of solenidia on tarsi (ω): Iω 2; IIω 2.

## Etymology

The specific epithet “unespensis” refers to the name of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil, where this species was collected.
<figure><img src="image_7.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 5** Body of larva *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. A – Gnathosoma and idiosomal dorsum of larva; B – Idiosomal dorsum with cuticular striae; C – Genito-anal valves with three pairs of pseudanal setae ps<sub>1-3</sub>; D – Tarsus I with one mid-ventral setae (indicated by arrow).</figcaption></figure>

**Idiosomal Venter** — Like the protonymph in having three pairs of pseudanal setae ps<sub>1-3</sub>, but without 4a, ag, and g setae (Fig 5C). Lengths of ventral setae: 1a 12, 3a 20, ps<sub>1-3</sub> 5. Distances between ventral idiosomal setae: 1a–1a 55, 3a–3a 28.

**Leg chaetotaxy** — Legs like that of protonymph, but without leg IV. Tarsus I–III each with one mid–ventral seta (Fig. 5D). Genua I–III each with one whip–like serrated setae, III 112 > I 100 > II 87. Genua I and II each with a κ seta. Genual setae I–III reaching beyond half the length of the tarsus. Number of setae on leg segments, solenidia (on tibiae and tarsus), supracoxal setae (on coxae), and specialized setae (on genua) are given in parentheses and not included in setal counts: coxae 2(+1eI)–0–0, trochanters 0–0–0, femora 2–2–1, genua 1(+1κ)–1(+1κ)–1, tibiae 3(+1φ)–3(+1φ)–3(+1φ), and tarsi 7(+1ω)–7(+1ω)–5. Length of solenidia on tibiae (φ): Iφ 5; IIφ 5; IIIφ 5. Length of solenidia on tarsi (ω): Iω 2; IIω 2.

## Etymology

The specific epithet “unespensis” refers to the name of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil, where this species was collected.
<figure><img src="image_8.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 6** Color in life of *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. **A** – Female; **B** – Larva.</figcaption></figure>

**Remarks**

The new species resembles *Neophyllobius mkuzensis* du Toit, Theron & Ueckermann 1998; and *Neophyllobius gigantorum* Bolland 1991; nevertheless *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. can be distinguished from *N. mkuzensis* by a) serrated setae, slightly curved inserted on small tubercles (**vs.** serrated setae, slightly curved inserted on strong tubercles); b) cuticular striae arching between $c_1-d_1-e_2$, (**vs.** transverse between $c_1-d_1-e_2$); c) lengths of prodorsal setae *vi* (40–42), *ve* (38–40), *sci* (40–45), *pdx* (40–45), and *sce* (38–43) are shorter, [vs. (60–61), (63–72), 54, (47–54), and 54, respectively]; d) lengths of hysterosomal setae $c_2$ 50, $d_1$ (42–50), $d_2$ (38–40), $e_1$ (51–57), $e_2$ (36–39), $f_1$ (54–55), $f_2$ 30, $h_1$ (25–30), and $h_2$ (23–24), are shorter, [vs. (88–95), (54–60), 57, (88–95), (50–54), 76, 44, (38–44), and (35–38) respectively]; e) seta on each of genua I and II exceeding the first row of tibial setae, (**vs.** seta on each of genua I and II not reaching base of basal tibial setae); f) setae $f_1 \ge e_1$ are the longest of idiosomal setae, (**vs.** setae $c_2 \ge e_1$ are the longest of idiosomal setae).

*Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. can be distinguished from *N. gigantorum* by a) all serrated setae, slightly curved inserted on small tubercles (**vs.** $c_2-e_1-f_1$ serrated setae, slightly curved inserted on strong tubercles); b) lengths of prodorsal setae *vi* (40–42), *ve* (38–40), *sci* (40–45), and *sce* (38–43) are shorter, [vs. (45–50), (60–70), (55–60), and (45–55), respectively]; c) lengths of hysterosomal setae $d_1$ (42–50), $d_2$ (38–40), $e_1$ (51–57), $e_2$ (36–39), $f_2$ 30, $h_1$ (25–30), and $h_2$ (23–24), are shorter, [vs. (60–65), (70–75), (65–70), 55, (55–60), 35, and 30 respectively]; d) seta on each of genua I–III exceeding the first row of tibial setae, (**vs.** seta on each of genua I–III not reaching base of basal tibial setae); e) genual IV reaching beyond half the length of the tibia, (**vs.** genual IV reaching base of the first tibial seta); f) setae $f_1 \ge e_1$ are the longest of idiosomal setae, (**vs.** setae $d_2 \ge e_1$ are the longest of idiosomal setae).

**Ecological observations**

In this study *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. was found in very low numbers on raceme-type inflorescences of *Couroupita guianensis* (Fig. 6). The orange eggs were observed to be placed individually and covered with webbing. Most mites were collected from October to December corresponding to the spring season in Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil. Environmental conditions in the spring ranged from 11.8 to 21.7 °C to a maximum of 21.6 to 35.3 °C with a relative humidity ranging from 39.8 to 91.6%.
<figure><img src="image_8.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 6** Color in life of *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. **A** – Female; **B** – Larva.</figcaption></figure>

**Remarks**

The new species resembles *Neophyllobius mkuzensis* du Toit, Theron & Ueckermann 1998; and *Neophyllobius gigantorum* Bolland 1991; nevertheless *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. can be distinguished from *N. mkuzensis* by a) serrated setae, slightly curved inserted on small tubercles (**vs.** serrated setae, slightly curved inserted on strong tubercles); b) cuticular striae arching between $c_1-d_1-e_2$, (**vs.** transverse between $c_1-d_1-e_2$); c) lengths of prodorsal setae *vi* (40–42), *ve* (38–40), *sci* (40–45), *pdx* (40–45), and *sce* (38–43) are shorter, [vs. (60–61), (63–72), 54, (47–54), and 54, respectively]; d) lengths of hysterosomal setae $c_2$ 50, $d_1$ (42–50), $d_2$ (38–40), $e_1$ (51–57), $e_2$ (36–39), $f_1$ (54–55), $f_2$ 30, $h_1$ (25–30), and $h_2$ (23–24), are shorter, [vs. (88–95), (54–60), 57, (88–95), (50–54), 76, 44, (38–44), and (35–38) respectively]; e) seta on each of genua I and II exceeding the first row of tibial setae, (**vs.** seta on each of genua I and II not reaching base of basal tibial setae); f) setae $f_1 \ge e_1$ are the longest of idiosomal setae, (**vs.** setae $c_2 \ge e_1$ are the longest of idiosomal setae).

*Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. can be distinguished from *N. gigantorum* by a) all serrated setae, slightly curved inserted on small tubercles (**vs.** $c_2-e_1-f_1$ serrated setae, slightly curved inserted on strong tubercles); b) lengths of prodorsal setae *vi* (40–42), *ve* (38–40), *sci* (40–45), and *sce* (38–43) are shorter, [vs. (45–50), (60–70), (55–60), and (45–55), respectively]; c) lengths of hysterosomal setae $d_1$ (42–50), $d_2$ (38–40), $e_1$ (51–57), $e_2$ (36–39), $f_2$ 30, $h_1$ (25–30), and $h_2$ (23–24), are shorter, [vs. (60–65), (70–75), (65–70), 55, (55–60), 35, and 30 respectively]; d) seta on each of genua I–III exceeding the first row of tibial setae, (**vs.** seta on each of genua I–III not reaching base of basal tibial setae); e) genual IV reaching beyond half the length of the tibia, (**vs.** genual IV reaching base of the first tibial seta); f) setae $f_1 \ge e_1$ are the longest of idiosomal setae, (**vs.** setae $d_2 \ge e_1$ are the longest of idiosomal setae).

**Ecological observations**

In this study *Neophyllobius* (N.) unespensis n. sp. was found in very low numbers on raceme-type inflorescences of *Couroupita guianensis* (Fig. 6). The orange eggs were observed to be placed individually and covered with webbing. Most mites were collected from October to December corresponding to the spring season in Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil. Environmental conditions in the spring ranged from 11.8 to 21.7 °C to a maximum of 21.6 to 35.3 °C with a relative humidity ranging from 39.8 to 91.6%.
Acknowledgments

This study was financed in part by the Coordination of Superior Level Staff Improvement (CAPES), Brazil. We thank LCMAP Laboratory FCAV/UNESP—Brazil for the help with the figures. The meteorological elements used in this work were extracted from a set of data belonging to the collection of the Agroclimatological Station–Department of Exact Sciences, FCAV/UNESP–Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; 21°14'05" S, 48°17'09" W, 615 m a.s.l.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Hector Alonso Escobar-Garcia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5003-2268

Daniel Júnior de Andrade https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0054-879X

Mojtaba Mohammad-Doustaresharaf https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9323-2668

Edward A. Ueckermann https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4213-4309

References

Baskar K., Ignacimuthu S., Jayakumar M. 2015. Toxic Effects of *Couroupita guianensis* Against *Spodoptera litura* (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Neotrop. Entomol., 44(1): 84-91.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-014-0260-7

Berlese A. 1886. Acari dannosi alle piante coltivate. Premiata tipografia editrice. Padova: F. Sacchetto; p. 31.

Beron P. 2020. Acarorum Catalogus VII. Trombidiformes, Prostigmata, Raphignathoidea (Fam. Barbutiidae, Caligonellidae, Camerobiidae, Cryptognathidae, Dasythyreidae, Dytiscacaridae, Eupalopsellidae, Homocaligidae, Mecognathidae, Raphignathidae, Stigmaeidae, Xenocaligonellidae). Pensoft & National Museum of Natural History, Sofia, p. 39-68. https://doi.org/10.3897/ab.e55087

Bolland H.R. 1986. Review of the systematics of the family Camerobiidae (Acari, Raphignathoidea). I. The genera *Camerobia*, *Decaphyllobius*, *Tillandsobius*, and *Tycherobius*. Tijdschrift voor Entomologie, 129: 191-215.

CABI Compendium. 2019. (accessed on February 2024). https://doi.org/10.1079/cabicompendium.15578

Du Toit B.J., Theron P.D., Ueckermann, E.A. 1998. A new genus and four new species of the family Camerobiidae (Acari: Raphignathoidea) from South Africa. Int. J. Acarol., 24: 3-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/01647959808684122

Escobar-Garcia H.A, de Andrade D.J, Welbourn C., Ueckermann E.A. 2023. Description of a new species of stilt-legged mite of the genus *Neophyllobius* Berlese (Acari: Camerobiidae) from Peru, Int. J. Acarol., 49: 214-221. https://doi.org/10.1080/01647954.2023.2236109

Escobar-Garcia H.A., Nascimento V.F., De Melo M.A., Ramalho D.G., De Bortoli S.A. 2024. Aqueous botanical extracts, via different extraction methods, for control of the diamondback moth, *Plutella xylostella* (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). J. Plant Dis. Prot., 131: 255-263. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41348-023-00809-6

Esposito T., Pisanti S., Martinelli R., Celano R., Mencherini T., Re T., Aquino R.P. 2023. *Couroupita guianensis* bark decoction: From Amazonian medicine to the UHPLC-HRMS chemical profile and its role in inflammation processes and re-epithelialization. J. Ethnopharmacol., 313: 116579.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116579

Fan Q.-H., Zhang Z.-Q. 2005. Raphignathoidea (Acari: Prostigmata). Fauna of New Zealand. Manaaki Whenua Press, 52, p. 1-25.

Flechtmann C.H.W. 2001. A new stilt-legged mite from the Brazilian Neotropics (Acari: Camerobiidae). Int. J. Acarol., 27(1): 41-44. https://doi.org/10.1080/01647950108684222

Grandjean F. 1946. Au sujet de l'organe de Claparède, des eupathidies multiples et des taenidies mandibulaires chez les Acariens actinochitineux. Archives des Sciences Physiques et Naturelles. 28: 63-87.

Kethley J. 1990. Acariformes, Prostigmata (Actinedida). In: Dindal, D.L. (Ed.), *Soil Biology Guide*. New York: John Wiley & Sons, p. 667-756.

Mirza J.H., Kamran M., Alatawi F.J. 2022. New genus and new subgenera of camerobiid mites (Acari: Prostigmata: Camerobiidae) with a key to world species of the genus *Neophyllobius*. Insects, 13(344): 1-34. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13040344

Southcott R.V. 1957. Description of a new Australian Raphignathoid mite, with remarks on the classification of the Trombidiformes (Acarina). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 81: 306-312.

Walter D.E., Krantz G.W. 2009. Collecting, rearing, and preparing specimens. In: Krantz G.W., Walter D.E. (Eds), *A manual of Acarology*. 3rd ed. Texas Tech University Press, p. 83-96.
## Acknowledgments

This study was financed in part by the Coordination of Superior Level Staff Improvement (CAPES), Brazil. We thank LCMAP Laboratory FCAV/UNESP—Brazil for the help with the figures. The meteorological elements used in this work were extracted from a set of data belonging to the collection of the Agroclimatological Station–Department of Exact Sciences, FCAV/UNESP–Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; 21°14'05" S, 48°17'09" W, 615 m a.s.l.

## Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

## ORCID

Hector Alonso Escobar-Garcia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5003-2268

Daniel Júnior de Andrade https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0054-879X

Mojtaba Mohammad-Doustaresharaf https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9323-2668

Edward A. Ueckermann https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4213-4309

## References

Baskar K., Ignacimuthu S., Jayakumar M. 2015. Toxic Effects of *Couroupita guianensis* Against *Spodoptera litura* (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Neotrop. Entomol., 44(1): 84-91.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-014-0260-7

Berlese A. 1886. Acari dannosi alle piante coltivate. Premiata tipografia editrice. Padova: F. Sacchetto; p. 31.

Beron P. 2020. Acarorum Catalogus VII. Trombidiformes, Prostigmata, Raphignathoidea (Fam. Barbutiidae, Caligonellidae, Camerobiidae, Cryptognathidae, Dasythyreidae, Dytiscacaridae, Eupalopsellidae, Homocaligidae, Mecognathidae, Raphignathidae, Stigmaeidae, Xenocaligonellidae). Pensoft & National Museum of Natural History, Sofia, p. 39-68. https://doi.org/10.3897/ab.e55087

Bolland H.R. 1986. Review of the systematics of the family Camerobiidae (Acari, Raphignathoidea). I. The genera *Camerobia*, *Decaphyllobius*, *Tillandsobius*, and *Tycherobius*. Tijdschrift voor Entomologie, 129: 191-215.

CABI Compendium. 2019. (accessed on February 2024). https://doi.org/10.1079/cabicompendium.15578

Du Toit B.J., Theron P.D., Ueckermann, E.A. 1998. A new genus and four new species of the family Camerobiidae (Acari: Raphignathoidea) from South Africa. Int. J. Acarol., 24: 3-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/01647959808684122

Escobar-Garcia H.A, de Andrade D.J, Welbourn C., Ueckermann E.A. 2023. Description of a new species of stilt-legged mite of the genus *Neophyllobius* Berlese (Acari: Camerobiidae) from Peru, Int. J. Acarol., 49: 214-221. https://doi.org/10.1080/01647954.2023.2236109

Escobar-Garcia H.A., Nascimento V.F., De Melo M.A., Ramalho D.G., De Bortoli S.A. 2024. Aqueous botanical extracts, via different extraction methods, for control of the diamondback moth, *Plutella xylostella* (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). J. Plant Dis. Prot., 131: 255-263. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41348-023-00809-6

Esposito T., Pisanti S., Martinelli R., Celano R., Mencherini T., Re T., Aquino R.P. 2023. *Couroupita guianensis* bark decoction: From Amazonian medicine to the UHPLC-HRMS chemical profile and its role in inflammation processes and re-epithelialization. J. Ethnopharmacol., 313: 116579.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116579

Fan Q.-H., Zhang Z.-Q. 2005. Raphignathoidea (Acari: Prostigmata). Fauna of New Zealand. Manaaki Whenua Press, 52, p. 1-25.

Flechtmann C.H.W. 2001. A new stilt-legged mite from the Brazilian Neotropics (Acari: Camerobiidae). Int. J. Acarol., 27(1): 41-44. https://doi.org/10.1080/01647950108684222

Grandjean F. 1946. Au sujet de l'organe de Claparède, des eupathidies multiples et des taenidies mandibulaires chez les Acariens actinochitineux. Archives des Sciences Physiques et Naturelles. 28: 63-87.

Kethley J. 1990. Acariformes, Prostigmata (Actinedida). In: Dindal, D.L. (Ed.), *Soil Biology Guide*. New York: John Wiley & Sons, p. 667-756.

Mirza J.H., Kamran M., Alatawi F.J. 2022. New genus and new subgenera of camerobiid mites (Acari: Prostigmata: Camerobiidae) with a key to world species of the genus *Neophyllobius*. Insects, 13(344): 1-34. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13040344

Southcott R.V. 1957. Description of a new Australian Raphignathoid mite, with remarks on the classification of the Trombidiformes (Acarina). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 81: 306-312.

Walter D.E., Krantz G.W. 2009. Collecting, rearing, and preparing specimens. In: Krantz G.W., Walter D.E. (Eds), *A manual of Acarology*. 3rd ed. Texas Tech University Press, p. 83-96.