Persian Journal of Acarology

Abstract In this study, we conducted a comprehensive review of all heterostigmatic mites that have previously been recorded from Iran. Thus far, 319 species, 70 genera, 12 families and 6 superfamilies of Heterostigmata (Acari: Prostigmata) (of 2265 known world species, 232 genera, 18 families and 8 superfamilies) have been recorded from different regions of Iran. Our study reveals a substantially immense diversity of Iranian heterostigmatic mite fauna, representing 15% and 4% of all heterostigmatic mites recorded and described from Iran, respectively by reviewing research of many scientists during more than 50 years. In addition to Iranian heterostigmatic mite taxa, all genera, families and superfamilies of world's Heterostigmata have been mentioned.

Abstract A faunistic survey was carried out on the manure-inhabiting mesostigmatic mites in Kerman County, South Eastern Iran, during 2011–2012. In this research, 36 species belonging to 23 genera and 14 families were collected and identified of which Ameroseius pavidus (C.L. Koch) (Ameroseiidae) and Trachytes baloghi Hirschmann & Zirngiebl-Nicol (Trachytidae) are considered here as new records for Iran mite fauna. The Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index was also calculated for these mite communities within cow, poultry, and sheep manures in nine different districts of the County. Mite community within cow manures, with 31 species, was more diverse than poultry and sheep manures which had 14 and 13 species, respectively. The highest (2.2±0.07) and the lowest (0) mean values of diversity index were calculated for Sekonj and Langar districts, respectively. Based on relative frequency, Uroobovella marginata (C.L. Koch), U. difoveolata Hirschmann & Zirngiebl-Nicol, and Androlaelaps casalis (Berlese) were the most dominant species in cow, sheep, and poultry manures, respectively. On the other hand, Macrocheles merdarius (Berlese) and Androlaelaps casalis (Berlese) were the most widespread species.