Revision of the subgenus Marquesania (Acari : Atopomelidae : Listrophoroides)

Abstract

The subgenus Marquesania Womersley (Acari : Atopomelidae : Listrophoroides) is revised. The species of this subgenus are permanent parasites living in the fur of rats (Rodentia : Murinae) in the Oriental region, Australia and New Guinea. Most of the type material has been examined. Two new species, Listrophoroides melomys, sp. nov. from Melomys moncktoni (Thomas) and L. mordax, sp. nov. from Rattus mordax (Thomas) are described from New Guinea. A new diagnosis of the subgenus Marquesania, detailed descriptions, and a key for all species is provided. The phylogenetic reconstruction of the subgenus Marquesania was effected by the method of parsimonius cladistics. The monophyly of the subgenus is strongly supported by this analysis, and most species from the Oriental region fall at the base of the cladogram. The distribution of Marquesania species on their hosts is discussed. It is suggested that these mites originated in the Oriental region and then migrated to Australia and New Guinea. The distribution of Marquesania species in the Australian and New Guinean regions is noticeably complicated, reflecting the complex settling history of their hosts.