Redescription of the First Japanese Halacarid Mite, Halacarus spongiphilus (Arachnida: Acari: Halacaridae)

Abstract

The first halacarid mite described from Japan, Halacarus spongiphilus Kishida, 1927, is redescribed on the basis of newly collected specimens. Several newly discernible characteristics of this species separating it from congeners are reported. In addition, the original description by Kishida is translated into English. A female specimen collected at the type locality is designated the neotype of this species to replace the lost holotype, the unique specimen on which the original publication by Kishida was based.