Fauna of some Mesostigmatic Mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) in Khorramabad Region, Lorestan Province, Iran

Abstract

Objective: In soil habitats, mesostigmatic mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) are among the most important predators of smallarthropods and nematodes. Methods: A study was carried out during 2009-2010 to identify theirfauna in Khorramabad county, Western Iran. Soil samples were taken from different regions. Mites were extracted by Berlese-Tullgren funnel and cleared in nesbit fluid. Microscopic slides were prepared using Hoyer's medium. Different species of some families of Mesostigmata were collected. 21 species of 12 families have been identified. Among them, 8 genera and 8 species are the first records for Lorestan province fauna that marked with one asterisk. Results: In the present study 21 species belong to 19 genera and 12 families were collected and identified of which eight species are new records for Lorestan Province fauna that are marked by an asterisk.