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Taxonomy and Phylogeny in African water mites of the genus Diplodontus Dugés, 1834 (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Hydryphantidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2009

R. Gerecke
R. Gerecke*
Affiliation:
Biesingerstr. 11, D 72070 Tübingen, Germany.
*
[email protected]
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Abstract

The diagnostic features of the African species of the monotypic subfamily Diplodontinae K. Viets, 1936 are discussed. D. chutteri K.O.Viets, 1980 obviously represents the outgroup of all remaining species. D. scapularis Dugés, 1834 and D. semiperforatus Walter, 1925, both in Africa restricted to the palaearctic part, are sister species characterized by synapomorphic character states in the genital field and shape of palps and legs. Diplodontus schaubi gracilirostris Lundblad, 1942 is elevated to species rank. Two species from Madagascar are described as new to science, with morphological characteristics and a habitat preference so far unknown in this genus. Obviously, they have evolved particular adaptations under long term stable conditions in isolated rain forests of N and E Madagascar. A new diagnosis is proposed for the subfamily Diplodontinae K.Viets, 1936.

Keywords

DiversityzoogeographyMadagascarinland waterssexual dimorphism
Type
Research Article
Information
Annales de Limnologie - International Journal of Limnology , Volume 40 , Issue 1 , March 2004 , pp. 71 - 85
Copyright
© Université Paul Sabatier, 2004

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