Morphometric analysis between Spinacus pagonis Keifer and its affined species (Acarina: Eriophyidae).
Huang KunWei, Huang Tsan, Wang ChinFah
Author Affiliation: Division of Collection & Research, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, 404 Taiwan.
Zoological Studies 35 : 178-187
Abstract : Three species of eriophyids were found coexisting on leaves of mango trees in southwest Taiwan during 1994. These mites were identified as Cisaberoptus kenyae, Spinacus pagonis and S. longinquus sp. nov. Morphometric analysis was used to distinguish between the latter 2 species. Distances between homologous structures were measured and the ratio of these variables was calculated. Males were distinguishable from females by size variables. The long setae type was separate from the short setae type by shape variables. However, the same variable could not be used to distinguish differences in sex and age of these 2 types. The major differences between the Spinacus species were the length of dorsal setae, the distance between the 3rd coxal tubercles and the distance between the 3rd ventral tubercles. S. longinquus is described.