Yunus Esen

Six species in one: evidence of cryptic speciation in the Hygrobates fluviatilis complex (Acariformes, Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae)

Abstract Water mites of the genus Hygrobates are widely distributed in all biogeographic regions except the Antarctic. Palaearctic Hygrobates species with reticulated soft integument generally have been considered as representatives of one common and widely distributed species, Hygrobates fluviatilis Strøm, 1768. Based on partial COI sequences (DNA-barcodes) and statistical analysis of morphological data, we show that these mites belong to six distinct lineages. Two of them are widely distributed in Central Europe: Hygrobates fluviatilis here redescribed based on a neotype designated from the type locality in Norway, and a species new to science, H. arenarius Smit & Pešić. The four remaining lineages represent additional species new to science that appear to have more restricted distributions: H. corsicus Pešić & Smit (Corsica, Sardinia), H. marezaensis Pešić & Dabert (Montenegro, Albania, Croatia), H. turcicus Pešić, Esen & Dabert (Turkey), and H. persicus Pešić & Asadi (Iran, E Turkey). Statistical morphometric analysis reveals that the latter two species cannot be separated on morphological characters and should be considered true cryptic species. We provide data concerning biology and geographical distributions together with a key to all species of the complex.

New host-parasite association of Acherontacarus rutilans (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Acherontacaridae) on Scarodytes halensis (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)

ABSTRACT We report on a new larval host of the water mite Acherontacarus rutilans E. Angelier, 1951: the aquatic beetle Scarodytes halensis (Fabricius, 1787) (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae). Among 3715 beetle specimens belonging to 14 genera of Dytiscidae collected from Bingöl province in the Eastern Anatolian Region of Turkey, two male individuals of S. halensis were found with five larvae of A. rutilans attached on the mesosternal region. The host species have not been reported previously and A. rutilans is also a new record for the Turkish fauna.

New water mites of the family Hygrobatidae (Acari, Hydrachnidia) from Turkey.

Abstract In this study, the findings of three water mite species of the family Hygrobatidae collected from different streams in Turkey were evaluated. Hygrobates (s. str.) anatolicus Esen & Pešić, sp. n. is described as new for science. Hygrobates (Rivobates) diversiporus Sokolow, 1927 and Atractides (s. str.) nikooae Pešić, 2004, which were illustrated and thoroughly discussed, are new records for the Turkish fauna.

Parasitism of diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) by larvae of the water mite Acherontacarus rutilans (Hydrachnidiae, Acari) in Diyarbakır Province, Turkey

ABSTRACT This study was conducted in Diyarbakır Province in 2013–2014. Specimens of predatory diving beetles belonging to the family Dytiscidae Leach, 1815 were collected from various aquatic habitats. In total, 2115 specimens were collected that belong to 32 species of 12 genera: Agabus, Bidessus, Colymbetes, Dytiscus, Hydroglyphus, Hydroporus, Hygrotus, Ilybius, Laccophilus, Nebrioporus, Platambus, and Scarodytes. Twenty eight specimens belonging to seven species of the genus Agabus Leach, 1817 (Agabus biguttatus, A. bipustulatus, A. caraboides, A. conspersus, A. guttatus guttatus, A. nebulosus, and A. sturmii) and collected from eight different localities were parasitized by larvae of the water mite Acherontacarus rutilans E. Angelier, 1951. Except for A. biguttatus and A. nebulosus, host–parasite associations of A. rutilans are reported for the first time. The number of water mite larvae per host specimen ranged from 1 to 30. In our study area, the infestation rate of all Dytiscid beetles was 1.32% versus 5.99% in the genus Agabus. These infestation rates are compatible with previous reports.

First record of larvae of the water mite Hydrachna processifera Piersig, 1895 from Turkey (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Hydrachnidae)

Abstract Larvae of water mite Hydrachna processifera Piersig, 1895 (Acari, Hydrachnidiae) were reported on diving beetles Dytiscus marginalis Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) from Turkey. The redescription of the larva was made. Earlier, the larva H. processifera was described as H. inermis, but it was subsequently synonymized with H. processifera. The larva of H. processifera is a new record for the Turkish fauna. All larvae of H. processifera were found on the mesosternum of the one specimens (prevalence = 16.7%).

FIRST DESCRIPTION OF THE FEMALE OF ARRENURUS NAGYSALLOENSIS SZALAY (ACARI, HYDRACHNIDIA)

In this study, the female of Arrenurus (Truncaturus) nagysalloensis Szalay, 1934 is described for the first time from Elazığ Province, Turkey.