Two new records of the genus Prozercon Sellnick, 1943 (Acari: Zerconidae) from Turkey*

Abstract

Zerconid mites are important members of the soil fauna, and they colonize various soil substrates. They are free-living and mostly associated with humus and soil, decomposed litter, leaf mold, plant parts, and mosses (Urhan, 2010). These small, predatory mites feed on the eggs, larvae, and nymphs of other mites and springtails (Shereef et al., 1984). At present, approximately 40 genera composed of more than 400 species are known worldwide. Only two genera, Prozercon and Zercon, are known from Turkey. Based on the number of species in Turkey and worldwide, the genus Prozercon is the second richest genus in the family Zerconidae. Until now, more than 60 species of this genus have been recorded from western Asia, Europe, and North Africa (Ujvári et al., 2013). Twentysix species of them are known from Turkey (Karaca and Urhan, 2015). The number of recorded Prozercon species from Turkey has been raised from 26 to 28 by this study. Previously, Prozercon bulbiferus and P. graecus were described by Ujvári (2011) on the basis of materials collected from different habitats of Greece. The aim of this study was to contribute to the knowledge of the Turkish zerconid fauna. Litter, moss, and soil samples taken from Kırklareli and Tekirdağ provinces were brought to the laboratory in plastic bags. Mites were extracted using a Berlese funnel apparatus. They were then cleared with lactic acid and mounted in glycerin. Measurements and illustrations were made using a standard light microscope equipped with a drawing attachment (Olympus CX41 and DP25 camera). Finally, mites were fixed and stored in 75% ethanol. The examined materials are deposited at the

The diversity of zerconid mites (Acari, Zerconidae) in Giresun province, with a new record for the Turkish fauna

“…At present, approximately 40 A genera consisting of some 400 species are known worldwide. From Turkey, until now only two genera, Prozercon and Zercon, and 88 species were recorded (Karaca & Urhan 2014, 2015b). …”