# First record of family Otopheidomenidae Treat (Acari: Mesostigmata) in Central Asia, with description of a new species of Nabiseius Chant and Lindquist

Omid Joharchi, Vladimir Khaustov, Maria Stanyukovich

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Omid Joharchi, Vladimir Khaustov, Maria Stanyukovich. First record of family Otopheidomenidae Treat (Acari: Mesostigmata) in Central Asia, with description of a new species of Nabiseius Chant and Lindquist. Acarologia, 2022, 62 (2), pp.431-445. 10.24349/xo13-9sb4. hal-03645928

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# First record of family Otopheidomenidae Treat (Acari: Mesostigmata) in Central Asia, with description of a new species of *Nabiseius* Chant & Lindquist

Omid Joharchi IDª, Vladimir A. Khaustov IDª, Maria K. Stanyukovichᵇ

## Original research

### ABSTRACT

We present the first record of Otopheidomenidae Treat in Central Asia on the basis of a new ectoparasitic species, *Nabiseius palifer* Joharchi & Khaustov n. sp., collected on damsel bug, *Nabis palifer* Seidenstücker (Hemiptera: Nabidae), from Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The new species is described and illustrated based on morphological characters of the adult female and immature stages (including larva and deutonymphal stages) and compared with closely related species.

**Keywords** Parasitiformes; Gamasina; ectoparasite; Hemiptera; Phytoseioida

**Zoobank** http://zoobank.org/8028C439-31B3-46BB-AF59-E5297CDE8BE5

### Introduction

Members of the family Otopheidomenidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) have been reported as ectoparasites on different orders of insects (e.g., Hemiptera, Orthoptera and Lepidoptera) (Costa 1968; Prasad 1970a, b, 1972, 1973, 1975; Fain and Lukoschus 1983; Zhang 1995). One of its genera, *Nabiseius* Chant & Lindquist, is known as a group of ectoparasite mites that are more intimate association with damsel bugs (Hemiptera: Nabidae) (Halliday 1994; Zhang 1995; Menon *et al.* 2011; Negm and Alatawi 2013). The genus comprises only four nominal species: Chant and Lindquist (1965) erected the genus *Nabiseius* to accommodate a new species *N. duplicisetus*, which was described as an ectoparasite on an unknown nabid bug found with grapes from Chile, intercepted in New York, USA. Amitai and Swirski (1980) described *Nabiseius rivnayae* from Israel where it was found on salt cedar, *Tamarix* sp. (Plantae: Tamaricaceae). Afterwards, Halliday (1994) extended the geographical range of the genus to Australia by describing a new species, *N. melinae*, in association with plant bugs, *Creontiades* sp. (Hemiptera: Miridae). Finally, Negm and Alatawi (2013) described *N. arabicus* on Bermuda grass, *Cynodon dactylon* (L.) Pers. (Plantae: Poaceae) in a date palm orchard from Saudi Arabia. Herein, we describe a new species belonging to the genus *Nabiseius* on the basis of specimens (including adult female, larva and deutonymphal stages) collected on *Nabis palifer* Seidenstücker (Hemiptera: Nabidae) from Tajikistan and Turkmenistan and extend the geographical range of the family Otopheidomenidae to include Central Asia.

Received 18 March 2022

Accepted 14 April 2022

Published 15 April 2022

Corresponding author

Omid Joharchi ID:

j.omid2000@gmail.com

Academic editor

Faraji, Farid

https://doi.org/
10.24349/xo13-9sb4

ISSN 0044-586X (print)

ISSN 2107-7207 (electronic)

<figure><img src="image_7.png" /></figure>

Joharchi O. et al.

Licensed under
Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0

<footnote>ª Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, Semakova Str. 10, 625003 Tyumen, Russia.</footnote>

<footnote>ᵇ Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia.</footnote>
## Material and methods

The specimens documented in this study originate from the collection of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ZIN, Saint Petersburg). The line drawings and examinations of the specimens were performed with Zeiss Axio Imager A2 and Leica DM 2500 compound microscopes equipped with drawing tubes and differential interference contrast and phase contrast optical systems, attached to cameras AxioCam ICc 5 and ICC50 HD, respectively. Most images were captured in stacks (with focal depth manually controlled). Selected images were combined using the Helicon Focus software (Version 7.6.4 Pro) by ©Helicon Soft Ltd., 2000 to produce final images with enhanced quality. Digital drawings were prepared using Adobe Photoshop CS2 software based on the original pencil line drawings. Images and morphological measurements were taken via ZEN 2012 software (version 8.0) and Leica Application Suite (LAS) software (version 4.2, Live and Interactive Measurements modules). Photomicrographs were taken with an AxioCam 506 camera (Carl Zeiss, Germany). Measurements of structures are expressed as ranges (minimum–maximum) in micrometers (µm). The length and width of the dorsal shield were taken from the anterior to the posterior margins along the midline, and at level of *r3*, respectively. Length and width of the sternal shield were measured at the maximum length and broadest points (at level between setae *ST1*, *ST2* and posterior to *ST2*), respectively. The length of the genital shield was measured along the midline from the anterior margin of the hyaline extension to the posterior margin of the shield, and its width where maximal, posteriorly to genital setae *ST5*. The ventral shield length and width were measured along the midline from the anterior to posterior margins, including the cribrum, and at the broadest point (at level of *JV2*), narrowest (at level of *JV1*), respectively. The lengths of the second cheliceral segment were taken from their base to the apex of the fixed digit, and their widths at the broadest point. The lengths of the fixed cheliceral digits were measured from the dorsal poroid to the apex and that of the movable digits from the base to apex. Leg length was measured from the base of the coxa to the apex of the tarsus (excluding the pre-tarsus). The nomenclature used for the dorsal idiosomal chaetotaxy follows that of Chant and Yoshida-Shaul (1991, 1992), Chant (1993) and Prasad (2011). The notations for leg and palp setae follow those of Chant and Lindquist (1965) and Evans (1963a, b). Other anatomical structures mostly follow Evans and Till (1979). Notations for idiosomal pore-like structures (gland pores and poroids/lyrifissures) and peritrematal shield follow mostly Athias-Henriot (1971, 1975). The notations for pore-like structures on the sternal shield and for the peritrematal shield region also follow modifications and additions by Johnston and Moraza (1991). The holotype and paratypes are deposited at the ZIN.

## Taxonomy

**Family Otopheidomenidae Treat, 1955**

**Subfamily Treatiinae Wainstein, 1972**

**Genus Nabiseius Chant & Lindquist**

*Nabiseius* Chant & Lindquist, 1965: 516.

Type species *Nabiseius duplicisetus* Chant & Lindquist, 1965: 516; by original designation.

**Diagnosis** — The concept of *Nabiseius* used here is based on that of Chant and Lindquist (1965) with modifications by Wainstein (1972) and Zhang (1995).

**Nabiseius palifer Joharchi & Khaustov n. sp.**

Zoobank: 90079BC8-08B2-4ADE-B345-97D0817C6C0C

(Figures 1–9)
**Type material**

Holotype, Kondara gorge, 1100 m. a. s. l., Varzob river valley, Tajikistan, 19 June 1937, Gusakovsky coll., under elytra of *Nabis palifer* Seidenstücker (Hemiptera: Nabidae). Paratypes, three females with same data as holotype; one female, three larvae, and eight deutonymphs, Chapaev (Niyazov) settlement, Turkmenistan, 05 June 1931, Frolova coll., under elytra of *Nabis palifer* Seidenstücker (Hemiptera: Nabidae) (in ZIN).

**Diagnosis (adult female)**

Dorsal shield entire, broad, reticulate throughout, smooth centrally (or faintly reticulate), bearing 18 pairs of moderately long setae, posterior margin of shield truncated; sternal shield smooth, with two pairs of setae and a median notch in its anterior margin, without distinguishable pore-like structures, shield with irregular posterior margin, ST3 and metasternal setae (ST4) located on soft integument; metasternal platelets absent. Genital shield wedge-shaped, faintly lineate, anterior hyaline margin of shield convex, extending beyond base of setae ST3, ventrianal shield sub-pentagonal, transversely lineate throughout (more distinct between *JV1-2*) and two pairs of very long pre-anal setae (*JV1-2*), in addition to circum-anals, anus large and located in posterior part of shield. Soft opisthoastric cuticle with 5-6 pairs of very long setae and a pair of incompletely divided metapodal plates; fixed digit of chelicera reduced to a small protuberance, proximally with membranous lobe, movable digit long, slender and bidentate.

**Description adult female**

(Figures 1–5)

Five specimens measured.

**Dorsal idiosoma** — (Figures 1A & 5A) — Length 590–604, width 365–375. Dorsal shield entire, broad, 500–510 long, 300–315 wide, truncate posteriorly, not covering entire dorsal idiosoma, leaving broad band of membrane exposed, and strongly expanded laterally surrounding dorsal shield, reticulate throughout, smooth centrally (or faintly reticulate) and 18 pairs of moderately long setae (39–50): 12 pairs of podonotal setae (*j1, j3–j6, z2–z5, s4, s6, r3*), six pairs of opisthonotal setae (*J1, J2, J5, Z4, Z5, S4*), almost uniform in length and smooth except *Z4, Z5* and *S4* (52–58) longer and *Z5* with 2–4 small barbs, *j1* (27–30) shorter and *J5* (7–10) shortest. Cuticle around dorsal shield strongly striated; occasionally with setae *S4* (in holotype and two paratypes). Muscle insertions prominent as desclerotized circular patches. Dorsal shield with 13 pairs of pore-like structures (*id1, id2, id4, id5, idm1-idm6, idx, idl3, idl4*), including one pair of gland opening (*gd8*).

**Ventral idiosoma** — (Figures 1B, 5B & 5H) — Tritosternum with paired pilose laciniae (81–85), fused along basal third of their length (33–35), columnar base 15–17 × 19–21 wide; presternal area lightly sclerotized, with a few transverse curved lines. Sternal shield (length 71–96) narrowest (79–84), widest (106–110), smooth almost throughout (or faintly reticulate), with two pairs of smooth setae (*ST1* 32–34, *ST2* 25–27), and a median notch in its anterior margin, without distinguishable pore-like structures, with irregular posterior margin, endopodal extensions between coxe I and II, II and III united with sternal shield, those between III-IV absent. Sternal setae *ST3* (26–28), *ST4* (metasternal setae) (25–27) located on soft integument, metasternal poroids and platelets absent (Figures 1B & 5B). Genital shield somewhat wedge-shaped, length 203–209, width at broadest level 136–147, faintly lineate, anterior hyaline margin of shield convex, extending beyond base of setae *ST3*, poroids *iv5* located on soft cuticle posterolaterad *ST5*, lateral margins relatively constricted anterior to genital setae and posterior margin irregularly rounded, postgenital platelets absent (Figures 1B & 5B). Ventrianal shield sub-pentagonal, narrower than genital shield, with irregular margins, length 205–220, maximum width 108–115 (at level of *JV2*), narrowest (at level of *JV1*) 84–86, transversely lineate throughout (more distinct between *JV1-2*) and two pairs of smooth and very long pre-anal setae (*JV1-2* (68–78)), in addition to circum-anal setae (in three specimens (including
<figure><img src="image_8.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 1** *Nabiseius palifer* Joharchi & Khaustov *n. sp.*, adult female: A – Dorsal idiosoma; B – Ventral idiosoma.</figcaption></figure>

holotype) a supernumerary seta between post-anal and para-anal setae present, Figure 1B), gland pores gv3 small, rounded, present on lateral margins of shield at level of para-anal setae (Figures 1B & 5B). Anterior margin of shield slightly convex, lateral margins concaved between levels of *JV1-2*, anus large and located in posterior part of shield, para-anal setae (54–58) slightly longer than post-anal seta (47–51), cribrum wide, limited to region posterior to post-anal seta. Soft opistogastric cuticle surrounding genital, ventricular shields, with one pair of suboval (sometimes incompletely divided) metapodal plates (29–31 long × 17–19 wide), two pairs of poroids (*ivo*) and 5–6 pairs of very long setae (*JV4-JV5, ZV1-ZV3, JV3*) occasionally present; setae relatively uniform in length (72–80) (Figures 1B & 5B). Peritremes short, anteriorly extending to level of coxae III (setae *r3*) (Figures 1B & 5H), peritrematal shield reduced to small platelet laterad peritremes, bearing one gland pores at level near coxae III (Figures 1B & 5H), fused posteriorly to expodal-parapodal curving behind coxae IV, with three pairs of poroids and two pair of gland pores (including gv2), free anteriorly, not extending beyond peritremes to connect anterolateral extensions of dorsal shield (Figures 1B & 5H).

**Gnathosoma** — (Figures 2A, 2B, 2D-F & 5C-F) — Epistome subtriangular, with entirely smooth margin (Figures 2B & 5D). Hypostomal groove with nine transverse rows of denticles, each row with 4–9 variously sized denticles, with smooth anterior convex transverse line, groove progressively narrowing from posterior to anterior. Corniculi (Figures 2A & 5C) considerably short and internal malae shorter than corniculi, comprising a pair of smooth
<figure><img src="image_9.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 2** *Nabiseius palifer* Joharchi & Khaustov *n. sp.*, adult female: A – Subcapitulum; B – Epistome; C – Spermatheca; D – Palptarsus; E – Palp trochanter-tibia; F – Chelicera.</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_10.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 3** *Nabiseius palifer* Joharchi & Khaustov *n. sp.*, adult female: A – Leg I (coxa-tibia); B – Leg II (coxa-tibia); C – Leg III (coxa-tibia); D – Leg IV (coxa-tibia).</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_11.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 4** *Nabiseius palifer* Joharchi & Khaustov *n. sp.*, adult female: A – Tarsus I; B – Tarsus II; C – Tarsus III; D – Tarsus IV.</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_12.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 5** DIC micrographs of *Nabiseius palifer* Joharchi & Khaustov *n. sp.*, adult female: A – Idiosoma in dorsal view; B – Idiosoma in ventral view; C – Subcapitulum; D – Epistome; E – Palp; F – Chelicera; G – Spermatheca; H – Details of peritrematal shield.</figcaption></figure>
median projections, hypostomal and capitular setae smooth, *h3* (18–20) > *h1*, *h2* (14–17) > *pc* (13–15); *h1* and *pc* slightly thickened, with blunt tip. Chaetotaxy of palps: trochanter 1, femur 4, genu 5, tibia 12, tarsus 10, all setae smooth; palptarsus apotele weakly two-tined at apex (Figures 2D, 2E & 5E). Second segment of chelicera 76–79 long; cheliceral fixed digit reduced to small protuberance 17–20 long with membranous lobe proximally, pilus dentilis absent; movable digit 30–32 long, slender and bidentate, dorsal cheliceral seta short and thick, arthrodial membrane with a rounded flap and short filaments; cheliceral lyrifissures indistinct (Figures 2F & 5F).

**Insemination structures** — (Figures 2C & 5G) — Phytoseiid type, calyx of spermatheca funnel-shaped, atrium incorporated in the calyx, minor duct thin and prominent, major duct visible.

**Legs** — (Figures 3 & 4) — Legs II and III short (323–355, 333–346), I and IV longer (369–397, 355–372) (excluding pre-tarsus). Chaetotaxy normal for genus *Nabiseius* (*sensu Chant and Lindquist 1965*): Leg I (Figure 3A): coxa 0-0/1, 0/1-0, trochanter 1-0/1, 1/2-1, femur 2-2/1, 2/2-2 (*ad1* and *pd1* longer 53–58), genu 2-2/1, 2/1-2 (dorsals slightly thicker and longer 39–44), tibia 2-2/1, 2/1-2. Leg II (Figure 3B): coxa 0-0/1, 0/1-0, trochanter 1-0/1, 0/2-1, femur 1-2/1, 2/1-1 (*ad1* and *pd1* longer 53–58), genu 1-2/0, 2/0-1 (dorsals slightly thicker and longer 39–44), tibia 1-1/1, 2/1-1. Leg III (Figure 3C): coxa 0-0/1, 0/1-0, trochanter 1-1/2, 0/1-0, femur 1-2/1, 1/0-0 (*ad1* thicker and longer 56–58), genu 1-2/1, 2/0-1 (dorsals slightly thicker and longer 40–44, *av* present), tibia: 1-1/1, 2/1-1. Leg IV (Figure 3D): coxa 0-0/1, 0/0-0, trochanter 1-1/2, 0/1-0 (*ad* slightly longer), femur 1-2/1, 1/0-0 (*ad1* thicker and longer 55–57), genu 1-2/1, 2/0-0 (dorsals slightly thicker and longer 43–48), tibia 1-1/1, 1/0-1. Tarsus I (Figure 4A) with an irregular shallow pit on dorso-distal edge of telotarsus discernible, with six short and modified setae. Tarsi II-IV with 18 setae (3-3/2, 3/2-3 + *mv*, *md*), all pretarsi with a well-developed membranous ambulacrum and claws indiscernible (Figure 4A-D).

## Description larva

(Figures 6 & 7)

Three specimens measured.

**Dorsal idiosoma** — (Figure 6A) — Whitish, oval (254–259 long × 190–202 wide), with podonotal (155–160 long × 150–155 wide) and pygidial (50–55 long × 106–111 wide) shields, mesonotal scutellae absent. Podonotal shield with nine pairs of simple setae (*j1*, *j3–6*, *z2*, *z4*, *z5*, *s4*) and two pairs of discernible pore-like structures (*id4*, *id5*). All setae similar in length (9–12) except *j1* (8–10) shortest and *j6* (27–30) longest. Pygidial shield without setae, 4–5 pairs of rounded structures in alveoli shape (incipient setae) present on shield and four pairs located on soft integument between podonotal and pygidial shields.

**Ventral idiosoma** — (Figure 6B) — Sternal shield indistinct, intercoxal area with three pairs of smooth setae (*ST1* (13–15), *ST2* and *ST3* (8–11)), related poroids, metasternal (*ST4*) and genital setae (*ST5*) absent. Anal shield small, suboval, weakly sclerotized, margins hardly conspicuous, circumanal setae smooth, postanal seta (14–17) shorter than para-anal setae (25–28). Soft opistogastric cuticle with three pairs of setae (*JV1*, *JV2*, *ZV2*) and three pairs of rounded structures in alveoli shape (incipient setae); setae relatively uniform in length (8–11), except *JV2* (17–21) longest. Metapodal plates and peritremes absent.

**Gnathosoma** — (Figure 6C-E) — Similar to the adult except hypostome with two pairs of setae (*h1* and *h2*), *h3* and palpcoxal setae absent and deutosternal denticles indiscernible (Figure 6C). Chaetotaxy of palps: trochanter 0, femur 4, genu 5, tibiotarsus 19, all setae smooth (Figure 6D). Cheliceral fixed digit reduced to small protuberance as in adult female; movable digit long, slender with one tooth, dorsal cheliceral seta, arthrodial membrane and cheliceral lyrifissures indistinct (Figure 6E).

**Legs** — (Figure 7) — Legs II and III short (147–151, 154–158), I longer (162–170) (excluding pre-tarsus). Chaetotaxy: Leg I (Figure 7A): coxa 0-0/1, 0/1-0, trochanter 1-0/1, 0/1-1, femur 2-2/1, 2/1-2, genu 1-2/1, 2/1-1, tibia 1-2/1, 2/1-1. Leg II (Figure 7B): coxa 0-0/1, 0/1-0, trochanter 1-0/1, 0/1-1, femur 1-2/1, 2/0-1, genu 1-2/0, 2/0-1, tibia 1-1/1, 2/1-1. Leg III
<figure><img src="image_13.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 6** *Nabiseius palifer* Joharchi & Khaustov *n. sp.*, larva: A – Dorsal idiosoma; B – Ventral idiosoma; C – Subcapitulum; D – Palp trochanter-genu; E – Chelicera.</figcaption></figure>

(Figure 7C): coxa 0-0/1, 0/1-0, trochanter 1-1/2, 0/1-0, femur 1-2/1, 1/0-0, genu 1-2/0, 1/0-1, tibia: 1-1/1, 2/1-1. Tarsi II-III with 16 setae (3-3/2, 3/2-3, *mv*, *md* absent). All pretarsi with a well-developed membranous ambulacrum and claws indiscernible.

**Description deutonymph**

(Figures 8 & 9)

Seven specimens measured

**Dorsal idiosoma** — (Figure 8A) — Dorsal shield entire, oval, 378–385 long, 200–271 wide, not covering entire dorsal idiosoma, leaving broad band of membrane exposed, and strongly expanded laterally surrounding dorsal shield, shield with weak reticulation, podonotal and opisthonotal sections separated by lateral incisions at a level between *j6* and *J1*. Podonotal region with 11 pairs of setae (*j1*, *j3-j6*, *z2-z5*, *s4*, *s6*) plus *r3* on lateral soft cuticle. Opisthonotal
<figure><img src="image_14.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 7** *Nabiseius palifer* Joharchi & Khaustov **n. sp.**, larva: A – Leg I; B – Leg II; C – Leg III.</figcaption></figure>

region with five pairs of setae (J1, J2, J5, Z4, Z5), S4 on lateral soft cuticle. Almost all setae uniform in length (20–28) and smooth except r3, Z4, Z5 (36–41) and s6, S4 (33–36) longer and Z5 with 2–4 small barbs, j1 (7–10) shorter and J5 (5–8) shortest.

**Ventral idiosoma** — (Figure 8B) — Tritosternum with paired pilose laciniae (52–57), fused along basal third of their length (21–23), columnar base 14–18 × 19–21 wide. Sternal shield somewhat pandurate shape (length 116–123) widest (72–80), smooth throughout, with two pairs of smooth setae (ST1 20–24, ST2 13–16), without distinguishable pore-like structures,
<figure><img src="image_15.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 8** *Nabiseius palifer* Joharchi & Khaustov *n. sp.*, deutonymph: A – Dorsal idiosoma; B – Ventral idiosoma; C – Subcapitulum; D – Palp trochanter-genu; E – Chelicera.</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_16.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 9** *Nabiseius palifer* Joharchi & Khaustov *n. sp.*, deutonymph: A – Leg I; B – Leg II; C – Leg III; D – Leg IV.</figcaption></figure>

sternal setae *ST3* and *ST4* (12–16) present, located on soft integument, metasternal poroids, related platelets and endopodal extensions absent. Genital shield completely divided from sternal shield, not developed, somewhat obovate, length 73–84, width at broadest level 58–71, poroids *iv5* located on soft cuticle posterolaterad *st5*. Anal shield large, smooth, subcircular, length 72–82, maximum width 80–90 (at level of *gv3*), bearing only circum-anal setae, anal gland pores (*gv3*) on anterolateral margin of shield, anus large, para-anal setae (30–37) slightly longer than post-anal seta (23–28), cribrum wide, limited to region posterior to post-anal seta. Soft opisthogastric cuticle with 7–8 pairs of very long setae (*JV1–JV5, ZV1–ZV3*); in some specimens *JV3* absent, setae relatively uniform in length (37–52). Peritremes slightly shorter than as in adult female, peritrematal shield and metapodal plates absent.

**Gnathosoma** — (Figure 8C-E) — Similar to adult female, except cheliceral movable digit with one tooth, dorsal cheliceral seta distinct, arthrodial membrane and cheliceral lyrifissures
indistinct (Figure 8E).

**Legs** — (Figure 9) — Legs II (Figure 9B) and III (Figure 9C) short (250–263), I (Figure 9A) and IV (Figure 9D) longer (265–275, 278–281) (excluding pre-tarsus). Chaetotaxy similar to adult female.

**Male and protonymph**

Unknown.

**Etymology**

The name of this species refers to its occurrence on damsel bug of the species *Nabis palifer*
Seidenstücker (Hemiptera: Nabidae).

**Remarks**

*Nabiseius palifer* Joharchi & Khaustov most resembles the type species of the genus, *N. duplicisetus* Chant & Lindquist, 1965 (couplet 2 in the identification key to *Nabiseius* species provided by Negm and Alatawi 2013), due to the entire dorsal shield, genital setae (*ST5*) present, anus located in posterior part of ventral shield (terminal) and one pair of metapodal plates present. *Nabiseius palifer* differs from *N. duplicisetus* by having 18 pairs of dorsal setae (versus 19 in *N. duplicisetus*, a supernumerary pair setae between *z2* and *z3* present), sternal and metasternal setae (*ST3* and *ST4*) located on soft integument (versus *ST4* absent in *N. duplicisetus*), pre-anal and opisthogastric setae long enough to reach well past the base of next posterior seta (versus in *N. duplicisetus* both pre-anal and opisthogastric setae short), genu III with seven setae (1-2/1, 2/0-1) (versus in *N. duplicisetus* genu III with six setae, *av* absent). *Nabiseius palifer* Joharchi & Khaustov is also similar to *N. rivnayae* Amitai & Swirski, 1980, due to the dorsal shield having 18 pairs of setae (three pairs of setae present in *J* series and a supernumerary pair setae absent) and incompletely divided metapodal plates, however, the new species can easily be distinguished from *N. rivnayae* by having much longer dorsal setae (especially *S4*, *Z4* and *Z5*, more than six times the length of *J5*), sternal and metasternal setae (*ST3* and *ST4*) located on soft integument and metasternal platelets absent, while in *N. rivnayae* dorsal setae much shorter (*S4*, *Z4* and *Z5* about four times the length of *J5*), *ST4* absent and *ST3* located on metasternal platelets.

**Acknowledgements**

The present research was supported by the cooperative agreement No. FEWZ-2021-0004
from the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education; and for Maria K. Stanyukovich
was supported by the state task for ZIN RAS AAAA-A19-1021051603202-7. We are deeply
grateful to Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ZIN, Saint Petersburg) for
their hospitality of the first author during his visit to the Museum.

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