Descriptions of larval Leptus (Acarina : Erythraeidae) ectoparasitic on Australian diptera, and two earlier described Australian larvae

Abstract

The Australian larval Leptus (Acarina : Erythraeidae) ectoparasitic on Diptera are reviewed, with the redescription of L. bathypogonus Womersley and the description of seven new species: L. alopecurus, L. alvimordax, L. charon, L. comosus, L. fortei, L. francesi and L. swani.

Redescriptions are given of L. anomalus Southcott (no host known) and L. chelonethus Womersley (off Pseudoscorpionida). A key is given to the known larvae from Australia and New Guinea. L. debeauforti (Oudemans) from an ant, West Irian, is left unkeyed.