Arenicolous Halacaridae (Acari) in Hawaiian Waters

Abstract

On beaches of the Hawaiian Islands, several marine mites were collected. Eight arenicolous species are described, viz. Actacarus pacificus Bartsch. A. uniscutatus Bartsch, Acarochelopodia triunguis Bartsch, n.sp., .A. biunguis Bartsch, n.sp., Acarochelopodia sp., Scaptognathus kunzi Bartsch, n.sp., Scaptognathides hawaiiensis Bartsch. n.sp., and S. ornatus Bartsch, n.sp. The geographical distribution of these genera is outlined. On the basis of the form of leg I and the gnathosoma, hypotheses on the mode of feeding are proposed. Keys to the species of Aclacarus, Acarochelopodia, Scaptognathus and Scaptognathides, known from the eastern North Pacific, are added.