Blattisocius (Acari, Blattisociidae) species from Brazil, with description of a new species, redescription of Blattisocius keegani and a key for the separation of the world species of the genus

Fifteen species have been placed in Blattisocius Keegan of which only three were previously reported from Brazil. These mites are found in several different habitats and often mentioned as predators of pests of stored food. In this work, specimens of this genus collected from commercial dog food in Brazil were determined as a new species which is here described as Blattisocius everti n. sp. and the closely related Blattisocius keegani Fox, here redescribed. Subsequently, other specimens of Blattisocius deposited in the mite collection of "Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia of Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Universidade de Sao Paulo" were examined and identified. Finally, a dichotomous key to separate the world species of Blattisocius was elaborated based on the examination of the specimens at hand and on the descriptions and redescriptions of other species.

Brazilian CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico)

Brazilian CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico)