Morphology of nymphal instars of Montizetes abulensis (Acari, Oribatida, Oribellidae)

Abstract

The morphology of nymphal instars of the oribatid mite Montizetes abulensis Pérez-Íñigo, 1984 (Oribellidae) is described and illustrated. In most aspects all these instars are similar: body with granular cerotegument; gastronotum with sclerites; sensilli elongate, spindle-shaped; interlamellar setae minute, spiniform; setal formulae of body (proto- to tritonymph): genital (1–3–5), aggenital (0–1–1), anal (0–0–2), adanal (0–3–3), gastronotic (15–15–15) and epimeral (3–1–2–1, 3–1–2–2, 3–1–3–3); palpal setation: 0–2–1–3–8(+я); tarsi II with one solenidion. The nymphal instars of M. abulensis differ from those of M. alpestris by having fewer gastronotic sclerites and shorter sensillar apex. The juveniles of Montizetes and Pantelozetes differ from those of Banksinoma by the presence of body sclerites.