Distributions, range extensions and host list update for four phoretic mite genera (Acari: Klinckowstroemiidae) on Passalidae (Coleoptera)

Abstract

Mites of the family Klinckowstroemiidae are phoretic on passalid beetles in the New World. The family includes 37 species distributed in 4 genera, Klinckowstroemia (28 spp.), Similantennurella (2 spp.), Klinckowstroemiella (5 spp.) y Antennurella (2 spp.). Little is known about the true distribution and species diversity of these genera, especially the latter 3. We examined specimens of Antennurella, Similantennurella and Klinckowstroemiella collected from passalids from several entomological collections. We added Ecuador, French Guyana, Guatemala and Mexico to the distribution range of Similantennurella, Belize, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Trinidad and Venezuela for Antenurella, and Bolivia, Ecuador, Honduras and Peru for Klinckowstroemiella. We report 8 new passalid host species previously unknown for these genera. Our study suggests a broad distribution range of the 3 genera, probably encompassing Mesoamerica and South America except Chile and Patagonia, where passalids are not found. Antennurella, Similantennurella and Klinckowstroemiella apparently occur primarily below 1500m altitude, while Klinckowstroemia has been repeatedly found above this limit. All genera have been found mostly on large passalids (>22 mm, long). We also cite the family for the first time from El Salvador.