Taxonomic status of Laelaps petrischevae Zemskaya et Lange, 1979 (Acari: Parasitiformes: Gamasina)

Abstract

Laelaps petrischevae Zemskaya et Lange, 1979 was described ex Microtus voles from the northern parts of Western and Middle Siberia. However, the species has not been mentioned later in taxonomic and faunistic papers dealing with the ectoparasitic gamasid mites of Siberia. Examination of newly collected laelapid mites from the Yamal Peninsula as well as the comparison with the published data led to conclusion that L. petrischevae Zemskaya et Lange, 1979 (syn. n.) is a junior synonym of L. alaskensis Grant, 1947. Key for identification of females of the Laelaps species inhabiting the northern regions of Western and Middle Siberia is given.