Description of Scutovertex pileatus sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Scutoverticidae) and molecular phylogenetic investigation of congeneric species in Austria

The oribatid mite Scutovertex pileatus sp. nov. is described on the basis of adult individuals originating from southern Austria (Carinthia). The new species shows the typical habitus of Scutovertex and is distinguished by the cerotegument and cuticle forming irregular nodules and bars over the entire body; the rostrum with two visor-like projections, with the ventral projection larger and arched ventrally; short lamellar setae; two pairs of converging ridges between the lamellae; small notogastral setae that are not broadened distally; and a sclerotized rib across the mentum. Furthermore, DNA sequences of the COI gene (region 2, 567 bp) of S. pileatus were compared with those of S. minutus, S. sculptus, using Cymbaeremaeus cymba as the outgroup. Molecular data unambiguously support the discreteness of all three species by placing them reciprocally monophyletic, as well as by large genetic divergences. Interspecific distances among C. cymba, S. minutus, S. pileatus and S. sculptus amounted to 13.7–29.9%.