Taxonomy of European Damaeidae (Acari: Oribatida) V. Redescription of Epidamaeus bituberculatus (Kulczynski, 1902)
Abstract
Epidamaeus bituberculatus (Kulczynski, 1902) - type species of the genus Epidamaeus Bulanova-Zachvatkina 1957 (Damaeidae) - is redescribed and illustrated in detail based on adult specimens collected in dead wood and tree hollows in natural forest in Upper Silesia, Poland. The species is characterized mainly by a single pair of postbothridial tubercles (Ba) on prodorsum; comparatively strong sensillus with slightly indicated subterminal expansion and blunt tip; fully developed propodoventral (E2a, E2p) and ventrosejugal (Va, Vp) enantiophyses.
The neotype is designated, because the original type series is lost. The species seems to be comparatively rare and remained poorly known until present.
At least part of the published records is probably based on confusion with other species of the genus.