The oribatid mite subgenus Metabelba (Pateribelba) (Acari, Oribatida, Damaeidae): redescription of M. (P.) filippovi and description of two new species
Abstrakt
Metabelba (Pateribelba) filippovi, a large species of Metabelba known from the Transcaucasus and Caspian areas, is redescribed on the basis of material from Arasbaran forest (East Azerbaijan, North-West Iran). A new, closely related species, M. (P.) abkhasica Kolesnikov & Miko sp. nov., is described on the basis of newly collected material from Abkhaziaand and an individual from the collection of BulanovaZachvatkina (Abkhazia).
The two species form an easily distinguishable species group, characterized by unusually-shaped notogastral setae having a sharp terminal spike. Another new species, Metabelba (Pateribelba) stepposa Kolesnikov & Miko sp. nov., belonging to the M. sphagni group, is described from Kazakhstan steppes.
Variability and similarities of these three species are discussed together with broader relations within the genus Metabelba.