A review of the genus Pedocortesella Hammer in Australia (Acarina: Cryptostigmata: Pedrocortsellidae)
Abstract
The paper reviews the genus Pedrocortesella Hammer in Australia and a rediagnosis is given for the genus. Pedrocortesella propinqua P. Balogh and P. temperata P. Balogh are redescribed and adults of 17 new species are described: P. anica, P. augusta, P. bannisteri, P. bithongabela, P. callitarsus, P. calmorum, P. conundrum, P. enigma, P. gunjina, P. hangayi, P. impedita, P. kanangra, P. leei, P. nortoni, P. obesa, P. subula, and P. truncata. Pedrocortesella conundrum and P. kanangra are regarded as incertae sedis. Acupedicellus Hunt & Lee, 1995 becomes a junior synonym of Pedrocortesella and a new combination is established for its type species: Pedrocortesella cornuta (Hunt & Lee, 1995). Pedrocortesella dispersa P. Balogh and P. queenslandica P. Balogh are assigned to different genera in other papers. A key is given to adults of the 22 Australian Pedrocortesella species currently recognised. Characters of systematic value are examined. Five possible species groups are discussed. The World distribution of the genus is briefly discussed and relevant literature cited.
