taxonID	type	description	language	source
C32A8798FFBCFFDCFDDCBFF4CE92DDA7.taxon	description	Amerus troisii: Berlese, 1896, A. M. S. It., Cryptostigmata, fasc. 79, n. 7.	en	AVANZATI, A. M., SALOMONE, N., BARATTI, M., BERNINI, F. (2003): Taxonomic revision of Amerus troisi (Berlese, 1883) (Acari, Oribatida, Ameridae) using morphological and biochemical characters. Journal of Natural History 37 (7): 797-819, DOI: 10.1080/00222930110097662, URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00222930110097662
C32A8798FFBCFFDCFDDCBFF4CE92DDA7.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Ameridae. Trilobed rostrum. The medial tooth is larger, roundish and curves downward. The prodorsum and anterior notogastral portion are flat. The sejugal suture is absent, but there is a pair of deep humeral foramina between the ta and te notogastral setae. The exobothridial prodorsal setae are as long as the rostral and lamellar setae. Interlamellar setae cross each other medially. Bothridial border with four small abaxial teeth. Ten pairs of notogastral setae differing in length: marginal setae p – p the shortest, te, ti, ms and r are longest. Plethotrichy (about 14 pairs) 1 3 1 at the aggenital setae. Lyrifissures iad located in anterior corner of anal plates. Redescription of the adult The analysis of material preserved in the Berlese Collection at the Istituto Sperimentale per la Zoologia Agraria in Florence (hereon referred to as ISZA) revealed that no specimens are labelled ‘ typus’ or ‘ typicus’ or ‘ tipico’ or ‘ cotipi’. Only slide 25 / 21 bears the label ‘ ubi? tipico? ’; it is an extremely broken specimen not suitable for study. The only reliable indication is given by the locus typicus, ‘ in agri romani (Frosinone) muscis ’. Therefore, one of us (F. B.) collected soil samples around Frosinone (a city which has greatly expanded since the end of 19 th century). The large conspecific population of Amerus, collected in the small wood ‘ Bosco Faito’ on the outskirts of Frosinone, is the source of our revision material because this area is reported to be the locus typicus restrictus of Belba Troisii Berlese, 1883. Measurements. The mean size of 10 randomly selected specimens is 914 m m × 527 m m. The specimen selected as neotypus measures 900 m m × 510 m m; it is a male just esclosed (figure 4 b, c). Colour. Reddish brown. Cerotegument. The whole body is covered by a waxy cerotegumental layer of varying thickness and consisting of spherical elements (figure 1 g). This layer is particularly thick in the dorso-sejugal depression, around the humeral foramen (figure 1 c), ventrally in the epimeral furrows and legs (figure 1 b). Cuticle. The body surface is generally smooth, but the cuticle of the rostrum and around the humeral foramen, the anal plates, and pedotecta I and II is covered by very small tubercles visible under the SEM (figure 2 d). Prodorsum. Due to the absence of the sejugal suture, this part of the body is typically not well delimited. Like the anterior notogastral area, comprising the humeral foramen and setae te (figure 1 b, c), it is very flat. The anterior border of the rostrum is divided in three by two deep incisions. The medial tooth is larger and longer than the two lateral teeth; it is apically rounded and curves downwards (figure 1 i). The prodorsal setae are generally long, rugose, basally thick and apically slender: ro and le are sagittally curved (figures 1 c, figure 4 b) while ex are directed anteriorly (figure 1 b, l). The interlamellar setae (in) are shortest; they are slender and sagittally directed so that they cross each other apically (figure 5 b). Externally, the bothridium is tube-like; internally, it has a tetradentate border on the antiaxial side (figure 1 h). The sensillus protruding from the cup-like structure is long, slender, apically flagelliform, rugose and is generally directed laterally (figure 1 b). Lateral characters. Amerus lacks a tutorium. Pedotectum I is a very large lamina, rounded along its outer border; pedotectum II is smaller, but always easily distinguishable (figure 2 c). Acetabulum III lies on a protuberance which bears the large, rounded discidium (figure 2 c). Acetabulum IV also lies on a protuberance. Notogaster. As there are no traces of the dorsosejugal suture, an imaginary line connecting the left and right humeral teeth (the pointed lateral apophysis located before the setal insertion ta) (figure 1 b), is considered the boundary between the prodorsum and notogaster. A lateral rectangular lamina and, paraxially, the humeral foramen lie posterior to this line (figure 1 b, f) beyond which the body surface rises. The 10 pairs of notogastral setae are of varying length: the marginal setae p – p 1 3 are very short and contiguous to the notogastral surface (figures 1 d, e, 4 c), the centrodorsal setae te, ti, ms and r are longest, while the remaining ta, r and r are 1 3 2 of intermediate length (figures 1 c, 4 c). Whatever their length, the centronotogastral setae lying almost in the same longitudinal row are all basally thick, apically slender and rugose or spiny (figure 1 a) while the marginal setae are smooth. The ti pair is generally sagittally curved. The position of the lyrifissures and the opening of the latero-abdominal gland gla are illustrated in figure 4 c. It is worth noting the closed position of the gla opening to the anteriorly displaced im and ip lyrifissures. The latero-abdominal glands are large and globular (figure 4 c). Ventral characters. In this genus the fourth epimeral furrow, and not the sejugal one, is largest. It is very deep and laterally has two pairs of condyles; the remaining epimeral furrows are hardly visible (figure 2 a). The epimeral setae follow the usual 3 - 1 - 3 - 3 formula; setae 1 b, 1 c, 3 c and 4 c are very long, while the others are about half their length (figure 2 a, c). The ventral plate is characterized by the plethotrichy (multiplication of setae) of the aggenital pair: 14 – 15 pairs of these setae are inserted around the genital plates (figure 2 a). The other genito-anal setal numbers are as usual: six genital pairs, two anal pairs and three adanal pairs. All these setae represented in figures 2 a and 4 c are slender, relatively long and smooth. The lyrifissures iad are situated near the anterior angle of the anal plates (figure 4 c). Gnathosoma. The infracapitulum is diarthric as is usual in this group of families; the other features of this part of the body are also normal (figure 2 b). The palp setal formula is 0 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 7 (+ 1 solenidion); the solenidion is long, thick and accumbent. Setae cha are as long as setae chb and they are equally ciliate. Legs. All legs are monodactylous with the following chaetotactic and solenidiotactic formulae (from trochanter to tarsus; numbers of solenidia in parentheses): (I) (1 - 6 - 3 (1) - 4 (2) - 20 (2) - 1); (II) (1 - 5 - 3 (1) - 4 (1) - 16 (2) - 1); (III) (2 - 3 - 3 (1) - 4 (1) - 15 - 1); (IV) (1 - 2 - 3 - 4 (1) - 12 - 1). The solenidions are short and not tactile; those proper to tarsus and tibia I inserted on distinct tubercles. The proral setae are eupathidic on tarsus I and reduced to very short on tarsi II, III and IV. The normal setae are often modified and thickened: setae v on femora of all legs are spadiform, while on tarsi II, III and IV the setae pv are thick, ceratiform with large cilia. Immatures. We found no immatures in the collected material, but Dr R. Nannelli bred this species and obtained a larva. According to Grandjean (1965), this is the one missing stasis in the development of the genus. Variations. The diagnostic characters are reasonably constant in all examined populations, except for those of two specimens found in Tangier (Morocco). In these specimens the rostral morphology and the length of the notogastral setae are in perfect agreement with A. troisi, but the interlamellar setae are shorter and more similar in length to A. polonicus and the new species to be described (figure 5 c). With great reserve, we consider the two specimens to belong to A. troisi; we are waiting for a greater number of specimens from other Riffian and / or southern Spanish populations for morphological and biochemical analyses. It should be noted (see below) that, outside of Italy, A. troisi is only found at this Moroccan site. We will discuss this later along with the biogeographical aspects of this finding. Material examined When not otherwise indicated, the samples were collected by F. Bernini.	en	AVANZATI, A. M., SALOMONE, N., BARATTI, M., BERNINI, F. (2003): Taxonomic revision of Amerus troisi (Berlese, 1883) (Acari, Oribatida, Ameridae) using morphological and biochemical characters. Journal of Natural History 37 (7): 797-819, DOI: 10.1080/00222930110097662, URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00222930110097662
C32A8798FFBCFFDCFDDCBFF4CE92DDA7.taxon	materials_examined	Italy: Bosco Faito, surroundings of Frosinone (FR), Latium, U. T. M. 33 TUG 6008: humus under Quercus pubescens and Q. cerris, 26 December 1979 (47); locus typicus restrictus; Margheria dei Boschi (IM): without indication of habitat, 1150 m, 31 August 1980 (1) (Coll. R. Poggi); M. Ravinet eastern slopes, Ligurian Alps (SV), U. T. M. 32 TMP 3289: humus under Fagus sylvatica wood, 900 m, 10 April 1977 (1) (Coll. S. Zoia); Loano, M. Carno slopes (SV), U. T. M. 32 TMP 4088: humus under Fagus sylvatica wood, 900 m, 11 March 1979 (1) (Coll. Benedetti Briganti); Cabella Ligure, Rosano, eastern Ligurian Apennines, U. T. M. 32 TNQ 0849: humus under oak wood near stream, 16 August 1979 (22) (Coll. C. Torti); S. Colombano- Certenoli, eastern Liguria, U. T. M. 32 TNQ 2713: humus under Castanea sativa wood, 13 March 1978 (18); Monte di Portofino (GE), U. T. M. 32 TNQ 1508: forest humus, 1 September 1976 (1) (Coll. S. Zoia); ibidem: 6 June 1977 (1) (Coll. R. Poggi); Traso, Bargagli (GE), U. T. M. 32 TNQ 0522: forest humus, 22 October 1978 (4) (Coll. R. Poggi); S. Stefano d’Aveto (GE), M. Groppetto, eastern Ligurian Apennines, U. T. M. 32 TNQ 3633: forest humus, 1300 m, 1 October 1978 (26) (Coll. S. Zoia); Colli Berici, U. T. M. 32 TPR 93: forest humus, 21 October 1971 (34); Mt Altissimo, Apuan Alps, U. T. M. 32 SNP 9878: humus under Fagus sylvatica wood, 1000 m, 12 June 1984 (7); Mt Freddone, Apuan Alps, U. T. M. 32 SPP 0378: humus under Fagus sylvatica and Castanea sativa, 900 m, 29 October 1969 (1) (Coll. R. Dallai); Badia Prataglia, Tuscan Apennines, U. T. M. 32 TQP 3253: humus under Fagus sylvatica wood, 1100 m, 5 August 1972 (4) (Coll. R. Dallai); Boboli Garden (FI), U. T. M. 32 TPP 8148: humus under Quercus ilex, 23 May 1970 (7); Elba island, Tuscan Archipelago, Valle delle Conche, U. T. M. 32 TNN 9540: humus under Mediterranean maquis, 250 m, 25 November 1976 (12); Montalbuccio (SI), surroundings of Siena, U. T. M. 32 TPN 8598: humus under Quercus ilex wood, 350 m, 15 December 1974 (2); ibidem: 20 December 1978 (8); ibidem: 10 June 1981 (48); ibidem: 15 January 1982 (54); ibidem: humus under Quercus ilex and Q. pubescens wood 350 m, 6 March 1990 (78); Farma Valley, Carpineta (SI), U. T. M. 32 TPN 8372: humus under Quercus ilex, 15 January 1972 (3); ibidem: riparian forest humus, 27 February 1979 (1) (Coll. G. Callaini); ibidem: humus and litter under Quercus ilex, 250 m, 27 February 1979 (9); ibidem, Bosco della Bandita (GR), U. T. M. 32 TPN 8372: humus under Taxus baccata, 25 September 1977 (1) (Coll. G. Callaini); ibidem: humus under Taxus baccata, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus ilex and Castanea sativa wood, 3 October 1977 (13) (Coll. G. Callaini); ibidem: humus under Taxus baccata near Troscia pond, 29 October 1978 (1) (Coll. G. Callaini); ibidem: humus under alder wood near Troscia pond, 20 March 1986 (1); ibidem: humus under Taxus baccata and Fagus sylvatica near Troscia pond, 20 March 1986 (9); ibidem: Il Belagaio (GR), U. T. M. 32 TPN 8073: humus under Fagus sylvatica, 14 December 1979 (2); ibidem: humus in mixed wood of Fagus sylvatica, Quercus cerris and Castanea sativa along river, 21 April 1988 (4); Mt Amiata slopes, 1 ° Refuge, U. T. M. 32 TQN 1252: moss and forest humus under Fagus sylvatica wood, 1320 m, 18 December 1970 (2); Puzzolaia del Palazzo, Pietri Neri (SI), Mt Zoccolino slopes, U. T. M. 32 TQN 1858: humus under Alnus ornus, 650 m, 24 August 1976 (2); ibidem: forest humus, 650 m, 8 November 1981 (3); Mt Zoccolino (SI), Amiata Massif, U. T. M. 32 TQN 1856: humus under Fagus sylvatica and Corylus avellanae, 900 m, 5 February 1984 (2); ibidem: idem, 5 May 1984 (1); Frontigliano d’Ussita (MC), Sibillini Mountains, U. T. M. 33 TUH 4856: moss and humus under Fagus sylvatica wood, 1550 m, 11 September 1976 (1); Monteporzio Catone (RM), Latium, U. T. M. 33 TUG 1032: forest humus, 700 m, 15 February 1972 (10); Foresta Umbra, Gargano Promontory, U. T. M. 33 TWG 8129: forest humus, 600 m, 10 April 1970 (3) (Coll. R. Lampariello); Galdo (SA), Mts Alburni U. T. M. 33 TWE 2989: humus under Castanea sativa, 700 m, 4 September 1970 (1) (Coll. M. T. Di Gasero); Bosco di Rifreddo (PZ), Basilicata, U. T. M. 33 TWF 7091: humus under Fagus sylvatica, 1200 m, 22 May 1984 (5); Pollino Massif, Mormanno (CS), U. T. M. 33 SWE 8614: humus under Quercus ilex, 700 m, 15 October 1976 (2); ibidem: Mt Dragone slopes, U. T. M. 33 SWE 9617: humus under Fagus sylvatica wood, 1300 m, 14 October 1976 (14); ibidem: humus under Pteridium aquilinum and grasses, 1300 m, 14 October 1976 (1); Sicily, Nebrodi Mountains, Cesarò (ME), U. T. M. 33 SVB 6994: humus under Quercus cerris, 1050 m, 25 March 1972 (2); ibidem: humus and litter of Fagus sylvatica 1200 m, 25 March 1972 (8); ibidem: Peloritani Mountains, Malabotta Forest, U. T. M. 33 SVC 0401: moss in beech wood, 1215 m, 15 May 1981 (1) (Coll. R. Arcidiacono); ibidem: humus of Fagus sylvatica, 1215 m, 26 October 1981 (7) (Coll. R. Arcidiacono); ibidem: humus of Quercus cerris, 1185 m, 26 October 1981 (11) (Coll. R. Arcidiacono). Morocco: Cap Spartel (Tangier): humus under maquis, 1 September 1972 (2). F. B. analysed the specimens labelled Amerus troisi preserved in Berlese’s collection housed in the Istituto Sperimentale per la Zoologia Agraria in Florence: (1) Ceresole d’Alba (155 / 21 - 22); (2) Padola, Cadore, bellissimo (147 / 46); (3) Populonia, musco (147 / 47); (4) Boboli, muschio (147 / 48); (5) Boboli, cortecce (147 / 50; 29 / 44, 30 / 8 and 148 / 1); (6) Firenze, musco (38 / 6) (the label bears the correction of Amerus on Belba troisi); (7) Ubi? Tipico? (25 / 21) (the slide belongs to the old collection and bears an extremely broken specimen with missing notogastral setae; it is therefore not suitable for study). Geographic distribution and ecology Amerus troisi is a rather rare, classic entity localized in Europe (Van der Hammen, 1952). For many years it has been cited without making a real taxonomic distinction from A. polonicus Kulczynski, 1902. Specimens of Amerus attributed to A. troisi were recorded in Italy (Berlese, 1883; Zangheri, 1966; Mahunka and Paoletti, 1984; Bernini et al., 1991, for a review), Austria (Schatz, 1983), Germany (Sellnick, 1929; Willmann, 1931; Weigmann and Kratz, 1981), Switzerland (Schweizer, 1922), The Netherlands (Van der Hammen, 1952), Czech Republic, France and Greece (Schuster, 1959), Slovenia and Croatia (Tarman, 1977), Hungary (Balogh, 1943, 1963, 1965, 1972), Poland (Olszanowski et al., 1996), Ossetia, Georgia, Armenia and Crimea (Karppinen et al., 1987), southern Spain (Andalucia) (Kahwash et al., 1991), perhaps Portugal (Pérez-Iñigo, 1997), Algeria (Michael, 1890), Morocco and western Sahara (Subias et al., 1992), the Canary Islands (Pérez-Iñigo, 1976; Pérez-Iñigo and Peña, 1996) and Madeira (Willmann, 1939; Pérez-Iñigo, 1988). As for its ecology, this species is believed to be a southern element and a climatic indicator (Schuster, 1959) for its absence from northern Europe, Great Britain and Russia. Owing to the confused systematics of this species and related taxa, no definite conclusions can be drawn on the basis of data from previous works. In particular, some reports can be immediately attributed to A. polonicus on the basis of the drawings of, e. g. Sellnick (1929), Willmann (1931) and Balogh (1943). Furthermore, some central European authors, such as the late Prof. M. Kunst (personal communication) and S. Mahunka (personal communication), believe that all or almost all the central-European citations of A. troisi should be attributed to A. polonicus. The identity of the latter species is not certain: Bulanova-Zachvatkina (1975) identified A. polonicus with A. troisi. We have addressed this issue in another paper, now in advanced preparation, which aims to redescribe the Polish species and define its geographic distribution. Other reports can be safely attributed to a new taxon described below: these citations relating to Algeria (Michael, 1890), Morocco and western Sahara (Subias et al., 1992, 1994), Canary Islands (Pérez-Iñigo, 1976; Pérez-Iñigo and Peña, 1996) and many Italian sites were directly or indirectly checked by us. They will be discussed after the description of the new species. Lastly, the Tangier report, and consequently those relating to southern Spain (Kahwash et al., 1991) and Madeira (Willmann, 1939), are dubious. The above-mentioned data indicate that the distribution of A. troisi is certain only in Italy, and confirms that A. troisi is a southern element with a definite preference for forest humus. Comparative remarks The original description only bears the generic characters. The 1914 description, an appendix to the description of A. laticephalus, is much more interesting. In this redescription Berlese explains the differences found by Kulczynski (1902) for A. polonicus with respect to A. troisi, and states that the three known species can be distinguished based on: (1) the length of the notogastral setae, (2) the length of the interlamellar setae and (3) the rostral morphology (rounded in A. laticephalus and pointed in A. polonicus). This is true in a general sense because the analysis of a larger number of populations has revealed the consistency of diagnostic characters. Nevertheless, Berlese in 1914 had two species before him, A. troisi and another previously unknown one (later described). In fact, the rostral morphology of A. troisi, described by Berlese, is almost certainly related to this new species because ‘ due brevi processi cilindrici, quasi trasparenti, che sono l’apice delle mandibole’ hampered detailed observations. Dissection of the animal or SEM observations are necessary for detailed descriptions of the rostrum. Berlese’s redescription allows a correct analysis and determination of the character-states of A. troisi and will facilitate the characterization of other congeneric species.	en	AVANZATI, A. M., SALOMONE, N., BARATTI, M., BERNINI, F. (2003): Taxonomic revision of Amerus troisi (Berlese, 1883) (Acari, Oribatida, Ameridae) using morphological and biochemical characters. Journal of Natural History 37 (7): 797-819, DOI: 10.1080/00222930110097662, URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00222930110097662
C32A8798FFB2FFC1FD26B9E0CE18DB39.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Ameridae. Rostrum tripartite with an additional sagittal pointed cusp. Exobothridial, rostral and lamellar setae of equal length. Interlamellar setae are short and never touch each other. Bothridial border abaxially indented. Humeral foramen generally shallower and smaller than in A. troisi. Ten pairs of notogastral setae of varying length: the marginal setae p – p are shortest (but longer than in 1 3 troisi), setae te, ti, ms, r and r are longest. 3 1 Description The new species is compared to A. troisi: only differences are remarked and illustrated. The new species is also found in the Berlese collection housed in Florence (ISZA). Nevertheless, we have used new material from Farma Valley (SI) to describe the new taxon. Measurements. The mean size of 10 randomly selected specimens are 1013 m m × 574 m m. The male selected as holotypus is 980 m m × 570 m m. According to these measurements, A. cuspidatus is larger than both A. troisi and the populations of A. cuspidatus from the Canary Islands. Colour, cerotegument and cuticle. The only difference in character states seems to be the amount of cerotegument, more dense in A. cuspidatus (figure 3 d) and the presence of a punctated microsculpture in the fourth epimeral furrow (figure 2 g) and on the humeral surface (figure 3 h). Prodorsum. The most evident diagnostic character of this new species is the peculiar morphology of the rostrum. Its basic structure is similar to that of A. troisi, with two deep incisions forming three cusps, but a pointed tooth surmounts the medial, downward curved cusp (figures 3 b, 4 a). This feature is so peculiar that no authors, including the good redescription of Amerus troisi from Tenerife by Pérez-Iñigo (1976), have observed it previously: when viewed dorsally, the medial depressed cusp was confused with the long, desclerotized ventral infracapitulum (figure 2 f). All prodorsal setae are similar except for the interlamellar ones: the latter are very short, smooth and slender (figure 5 c). Antiaxially, the border of the bothridium is deeply indented; from a dorsal view there are two clear ridges (figure 3 c, g). Lateral characters and notogaster. The humeral foramina seem shallower and the microsculpture is more marked (figure 3 e). The notogastral setae are similar to those of A. troisi, but setae r and the p - series are generally longer in the new species 3 (figure 3 a, i). Latero-abdominal gland opening is evident (figure 3 f). Ventral characters. It is hard to discern differences; only the g and g genital 5 6 setae and the epimeral setae 4 a are generally longer than those of A. troisi (figure 2 e). The surface depression at the level of the insertion of pedotectum I is deeper than in A. troisi (figure 2 e). Gnathosoma and legs. There are no differences. Immatures. Unknown. Variations. These are related to the dimensions (see above) and all the stated diagnostic characters. We have studied the variability of the most significant diagnostic character: the rostral morphology. The rostral outline of selected specimens from the type population is illustrated dorsally and laterally (figure 5 a). The basic morphology is constant, but the medial tooth differs in prominence and sharpness. Material examined When not otherwise indicated, the samples were collected by F. Bernini.	en	AVANZATI, A. M., SALOMONE, N., BARATTI, M., BERNINI, F. (2003): Taxonomic revision of Amerus troisi (Berlese, 1883) (Acari, Oribatida, Ameridae) using morphological and biochemical characters. Journal of Natural History 37 (7): 797-819, DOI: 10.1080/00222930110097662, URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00222930110097662
C32A8798FFB2FFC1FD26B9E0CE18DB39.taxon	materials_examined	Italy: Carpineta, Farma Valley (SI), Southern Tuscany, U. T. M. 32 TPN 8372: humus near the river, 250 m, 27 February 1979 (33) (Coll. G. Callaini); locus typicus; Monte di Portofino (GE), U. T. M. 32 TNQ 1508: forest humus, 20 May 1974 (2) (Coll. G. Gardini); ibidem: 1 September 1976 (19) (Coll. S. Zoia); ibidem: 6 June 1977 (16) (Coll. R. Poggi); Traso, Bargagli (GE), U. T. M. 32 TNQ 0522: forest humus, 22 October 1978 (9) (Coll. R. Poggi); S. Stefano d’Aveto (GE), M. Groppetto, eastern Ligurian Apennines, U. T. M. 32 TNQ 3633: forest humus, 1300 m, 1 October 1978 (9) (Coll. S. Zoia); Zumaglia (VC), Piedmont, U. T. M. 32 TMR 2949: forest humus, 600 m, 17 August 1979 (1) (Coll. R. Poggi); Poiano (RE), Reggian Apennines, U. T. M. 32 TPR 1618: forest humus, 400 m, 13 March 1984 (1) (Coll. G. Manicardi); Mt Freddone, Apuan Alps. U. T. M. 32 SPP 0378: humus under Fagus sylvatica and Castanea sativa, 850 m, 29 October 1969 (11) (Coll. R. Dallai); ibidem: U. T. M. 32 SPP 0378: humus under Castanea sativa near stream, 830 m, 29 October 1969 (1) (Coll. R. Dallai); ibidem: humus under C. sativa, 850 m, 29 October 1969 (4) (Coll. R. Dallai); ibidem: idem, 870 m, 29 October 1969 (4) (Coll. R. Dallai); Mt Altissimo, Apuan Alps, U. T. M. 32 SNP 9878: humus under Fagus sylvatica wood, 1000 m, 12 June 1984 (16); ibidem: idem, 1120 m, 14 April 1997 (1); Mt Forato, Apuan Alps, U. T. M. 32 SPP 0774: moss on ground and rock, 400 m, 16 June 1970 (3); Camaldoli (AR), Tuscan Apennines, U. T. M. 32 TQP 2854: moss and humus under fir trees, 900 m, 5 August 1972 (4) (Coll. R. Dallai); Badia Prataglia (AR), Tuscan Apennines, U. T. M. 32 TQP 3253: humus under Fagus sylvatica wood, 1100 m, 5 August 1972 (3) (Coll. R. Dallai); Vallombrosa, Tuscan Apennines, U. T. M. 32 TQP 0545: humus under Fagus sylvatica wood, 950 m, 21 October 1964 (12) (Coll. J. Travé), kept in Travé Collection, Banyuls-sur-Mer; Farma Valley, Carpineta (SI), U. T. M. 32 TPN 8372: humus under Quercus ilex, 250 m, 15 January 1972 (6); ibidem: idem, 250 m, 27 February 1979 (27) (Coll. G. Callaini); ibidem: idem, 250 m, 13 April 1981 (6); ibidem: Bosco della Bandita (GR), U. T. M. 32 TPN 8372: humus under Taxus baccata, 25 September 1977 (28) (Coll. G. Callaini); ibidem: humus under Taxus baccata, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus ilex and Castanea sativa wood, 3 October 1977 (38) (Coll. G. Callaini); ibidem: humus under Castanea sativa, 27 February 1979 (1); ibidem: humus under almer wood near Troscia pond, 20 March 1986 (12); ibidem: humus under Taxus baccata and Fagus sylvatica near Troscia pond, 23 March 1986 (1); ibidem: Il Belagaio (GR), U. T. M. 32 TPN 8073: humus under Fagus sylvatica, 250 m, 14 December 1979 (51); ibidem: humus under Fagus sylvatica, Castanea sativa, Juniperus and ferns, 6 February 1985 (16); ibidem: humus under Fagus sylvatica and Castanea sativa, 6 February 1985 (1); ibidem: humus and litter in mixed wood of Fagus sylvatica, Quercus cerris and Castanea sativa beside river, 21 April 1988 (15); Puzzolaia del Palazzo, Pietri Neri (SI), Mt Zoccolino slopes, U. T. M. 32 TQN 1858: humus under Alnus ornus, 650 m, 24 August 1976 (2); ibidem: forest humus, 650 m, 8 November 1981 (5); Mt Zoccolino, Amiata Massif (SI), U. T. M. 32 TQN 1856: humus under Fagus sylvatica and Corylus avellana, 900 m, 5 February 1984 (10); ibidem: idem, 5 May 1984 (5); Pian di Stura, Reatini Mountains (RI), U. T. M. 33 TUH 21: humus under Fagus sylvatica wood, 1300 m, 3 August 1967 (4) (Coll. R. Dallai); ibidem: 6 August 1969 (1); Parco degli Astroni, near Naples (NA), U. T. M. 33 TVF 2922: humus inside of a trunk, 75 m, 16 February 1972 (9); Galdo (SA), U. T. M. 33 TWE 2989: humus under Castanea sativa wood, 380 m, 4 July 1970 (9) (Coll. M. T. Di Gasero); Bosco di Rifreddo (PZ) (Basilicata), U. T. M. 33 TWF 7091: humus under Fagus sylvatica, 1200 m, 22 May 1984 (64); Mt Dragone slopes, Pollino massif, U. T. M. 33 SWE 9617: humus under Fagus sylvatica wood, 1300 m, 14 October 1976 (14); ibidem: humus under Pteridium aquilinum and grasses, 1300 m, 14 October 1976 (4); Il Fortino, Pollino Massif, U. T. M. 33 SWE 9412: humus and moss under Fagus sylvatica wood, 1500 m, 12 October 1977 (37); Pantano degli Abruzzi, Sila Massif, U. T. M. 33 SXD 2829: humus under Fagus sylvatica wood, 1250 m, 28 March 1972 (1); Falconara Albanese, Catena Costiera, U. T. M. 33 SWD 9549: humus, 12 October 1976 (2) (Coll. A. Di Penna); Sardinia, Iglesiente (southwestern Sardinia), is Seddas, U. T. M. 32 SNJ 2675: humus under Quercus ilex, 1 May 1975 (6) (Coll. E. Malatesta); ibidem: Sa Duchessa, U. T. M. 32 SMJ 6658: idem, 300 m, 21 March 1976 (1) (Coll. R. Dallai); ibidem: Colle della Campanasissa, U. T. M. 32 SMJ 83: humus under Quercus ilex and Arbutus unedo, 250 m; 22 March 1976 (1) (Coll. R. Dallai); ibidem: humus under Arbutus unedo, 22 March 1976 (2) (Coll. R. Dallai); ibidem: near Perdaxius, U. T. M. 32 SMJ 63: humus under Pistacia lentiscus, 100 m, 22 March 1976 (26) (Coll. R. Dallai); ibidem: near Is Carillus, U. T. M. 32 SMJ 71: humus and moss under Pistacia lentiscus, 280 m, 23 March 1976 (8) (Coll. R. Dallai); ibidem: Domus de Maria to Teulada, U. T. M. 32 SMJ 81: humus and moss under Mediterranean maquis, 50 m, 24 March 1976 (1) (Coll. R. Dallai); ibidem: Rio Mt Nieddu, Sarroch, U. T. M. 32 SNJ 02: moss and humus under Quercus ilex, 150 m, 24 March 1976 (57) (Coll. R. Dallai); ibidem: along the road between Is Palaceris and Is Cannoneris, U. T. M. 32 SMJ 90: humus under Quercus ilex, 565 m, 24 March 1976 (3) (Coll. R. Dallai); Sicily island, Nebrodi Mountains, Cesarò (ME), U. T. M. 33 SVB 6994: humus under Quercus cerris, 1050 m, 25 March 1972 (3); ibidem: humus under Fagus sylvatica, 1200 m, 25 March 1972 (12); ibidem: S. Fratello (ME), humus under Quercus sp., 800 m, 25 March 1972 (1); ibidem: M. te Pagano, Valle del Caronia, U. T. M. 33 SVC 5005: humus under Quercus suber, 300 m, 14 May 1991 (2) (Coll. M. Migliorini and M. Baratti); ibidem: U. T. M. 33 SVC 5003: humus under Quercus gussonei and Q. suber, 580 m, 14 May 1991 (9) (Coll. M. Migliorini and M. Baratti); ibidem: Peloritani Mountains, Monforte S. Giorgio (ME), U. T. M. 33 SWC 3323: moss and humus in a Quercus wood, 300 m, 25 March 1972 (2); Ibidem: Malabotta Forest, U. T. M. 33 SVC 0401: humus under Fagus sylvatica, 1250 m, 26 October 1981 (35) (Coll. R. Arcidiacono); ibidem: humus under Quercus cerris, 1185 m, 26 October 1981 (1) (Coll. R. Arcidiacono); ibidem: humus under Quercus cerris and Fagus sylvatica, 1215 m (1) (Coll. M. Migliorini and M. Baratti); ibidem: Etna volcano slopes (CT): humus under Fagus sylvatica, 1500 m, 12 September 1972 (30) (Coll. R. Arcidiacono); ibidem: along the coastal road near Gioiosa Marea (ME), U. T. M. 33 SVC 9025: humus under meadows and Mediterranean maquis, 25 March 1972 (3); ibidem: along the coastal road near Tindari (ME), U. T. M. 33 SWC 0522: moss on the ground, 25 March 1972 (2); Aeolian archipelago, Salina island, Malfa (ME), U. T. M. 33 SVC 8570: humus under Castanea sativa, 120 m, 24 April 1970 (26); ibidem: moss on the ground in garigue near a canyon, 80 m, 24 April 1970 (3); ibidem: moss on the ground in meadows, 90 m, 24 April 1970 (2). Portugal: Madeira island: on trunks, 3 – 12 August 1956 (3) (Coll. J. Travé), kept in Travé Collection, Banyuls-sur-Mer. Spain: Goernika, Pais Vasco: humus under Quercus and Castanea, 18 October 1994 (2) (Coll. N. Salomone); Ceida, Pais Vasco: humus under Quercus sp., 18 October 1994 (21) (Coll. N. Salomone); Canary Islands, Tenerife, El Bailadero, U. T. M. 28 RCS 8258: humus and litter under Laurisilva, 1 September 1961 (3) (Coll. D. Selga); ibidem: Taganana, U. T. M. 28 RCS 8058: moss, 1 September 1961 (2) (Coll. D. Selga); ibidem: Monte del Agua, cumbre de Erjos, U. T. M. 28 RCS 2134: humus and litter under Laurisilva, 9 September 1961 (1) (Coll. D. Selga); ibidem: Vueltas de Taganana, U. T. M. 28 RCS 8058: 15 March 1973 (1) (Coll. A. Machado); ibidem: M. ta de Totavista, Ruigomez: humus under Laurisilva, 880 m, 21 March 1991 (34) (Coll. G. Sabella); ibidem, Montes de la Mercedes: humus under Laurisilva, 700 m, 10 March 1992 (7) (Coll. A. M. Avanzati and M. Migliorini); ibidem: Macizo de l’Anaga, Afur: humus under Laurisilva, 700 m, 10 March 1992 (13) (Coll. A. M. Avanzati and M. Migliorini); ibidem: Macizo de l’Anaga, El Bailadero, U. T. M. 28 CS 134: moss and humus in Laurisilva, 700 m, 10 March 1992 (40) (Coll. A. M. Avanzati and M. Migliorini); Canary Islands, Gran Canaria, Barranco de los Tilos, Moya: humus under Laurisilva, 700 (m, 19 March 1991 (23) (Coll. G. Sabella); Canary Islands, La Gomera, M. te del Cedro, Barranco del Cedro: humus in Laurisilva, 800 m, 19 March 1991 (9) (Coll. G. Sabella); ibidem, Parco Garajonay: moss on the ground and on trunks, 1200 m, 7 March 1992 (10) (Coll. A. M. Avanzati and M. Migliorini); ibidem: humus under Laurisilva forest, 1000 m, 7 March 1992 (21) (Coll. A. M. Avanzati and M. Migliorini); ibidem: Cerro de Araña, U. T. M. 28 RCS 7616: humus under Laurisilva, 1100 m, 2 April 1997 (7) (Coll. N. Salomone); ibidem: Aparta-Caminos, near the boundary of the Parque Nacional de Garajonay, U. T. M. 28 RCS 7516: humus under Laurisilva, 1000 m, 2 April 1997 (3) (Coll. N. Salomone); ibidem: La Laguna Grande, U. T. M. 28 RCS 7913: humus under Laurisilva, 800 m, 2 April 1997 (2) (Coll. N. Salomone); ibidem: Camino per El Cedro, U. T. M. 28 RCS 8213: humus under Laurisilva, 800 m, 3 April 1997 (3) (Coll. N. Salomone). Morocco: near Ketama, Rif: humus under Quercus ilex in Cedrus atlantica wood, 1550 m, 22 April 1986 (5). Algeria: Blidah, Algeria, 4 / 89, specimen kept in Michael’s Collection (British Museum of Natural History, London) and labelled Damaeus troisii Berl., 1930.8.25.925. (figure 4 a); Aokas, Great Kabylia: humus and moss under Eucalyptus sp. and Pinus alepensis near the beach, 2 May 1983 (26); Forêt d’Akfadou, Great Kabylia: humus under Quercus mirbeckii, 1230 m, 3 May 1983 (70); ibidem: humus under Q. mirbecki and Taxus baccata, 1230 m, 3 May 1983 (2); ibidem: moss and humus under Pteridium sp. alongside the stream, 1230 m, 3 May 1983 (3); Forêt du Col de Taimez: humus under Quercus, 3 May 1983 (39); near Tala Guilef, Massif du Djurdjura, Great Kabylia: humus under Quercus ilex and Citisus sp., 1200 m, 9 May 1983 (12); Forêt de Mizrana: humus under Quercus suber, Q. afares and Mediterranean maquis, 740 m, 10 May 1983 (60); Fontaine de Singes, Great Kabylia: humus under Quercus mirbeckii and Q. suber, 695 m, 11 May 1983 (2); near Seraidi, Massif de l’Edough: humus under Quercus suber and Mediterranean maquis, 625 m, 23 October 1984 (5); ibidem: humus inside of a stump, 23 October 1984 (23); Aokas, Great Kabylia: humus under Eucalyptus sp. and Pinus alepensis, 26 October 1984 (5); Forêt d’Akfadou, Great Kabylia: humus under Quercus mirbeckii, 1250 m, 26 October 1984 (13); ibidem: humus and moss in meadow, 1350 m, 27 October 1984 (30); Azeffoun, Great Kabylia: moss and humus under Mediterranean maquis, 10 m, 1 November 1984 (15); Aftis, Lesser Kabylia: moss on ground and rock, 20 m, 4 November 1984 (30); Col du Malab, Lesser Kabylia: humus under Quercus suber and Quercus mirbeckii, 600 m, 6 November 1984 (16); Tamanart, Lesser Kabylia: humus and moss under garigue, 50 m, 8 November 1984 (5). Tunisia: Ain Drahan: humus under an oak, 700 m, 30 April 1983 (1); ibidem: humus inside of a trunk of Quercus sp., 700 m, 30 April 1983 (4); ibidem: humus under Quercus suber and Q. mirbeckii, 21 October 1984 (5). France: Montrejeau, Hautes Pyrénées: without indication of habitat, 6 March 1970 (2) (Coll. A. Valle). Greece: Mt Pelion: humus under Fagus sylvatica wood, 15 August 1966 (2) (Coll. Matzakis), kept in Travé’s Collection, Banyuls-sur-Mer; Mt Ossa: humus and litter, about 1000 m, 6 November 1968 (3) (Coll. J. Travé), kept in Travé’s Collection, Banyuls-sur-Mer. The analysis of material labelled Amerus troisii in the Berlese Collection revealed that some specimens belong to the new taxon: (1) Corfù, Thon! decol. artif. (10 / 39); (2) Vallombrosa, muschio (147 / 49, 150 / 5, 171 / 17); (3) Boboli, castagno (24 / 5); (4) Firenze, legno castagno (210 / 35). Preparation 171 / 16 from Vallombrosa contains a dried specimen and its diagnostic characters cannot be detected. Other specimens, preserved in alcohol vials, have not been examined. They come from the following localities: Vallombrosa (20 ° / 999 and 22 ° / 1095), chestnut-tree wood, Firenze, Cascine (40 ° / 1974) and Populonia (40 ° / 1975). Geographic distribution and ecology Amerus cuspidatus is a Mediterranean element widespread in the North (Italy and Greece) and South (Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco). It is also present in the Atlantic islands and has colonized the southern mountains (Apennines, Mt Amiata, Pollino, Peloritani Mountains and Sila Massifs). In these countries A. cuspidatus is neither rare nor localized, apart from its ecological preference for forest humus. In spite of thorough collections by several authors, this taxon is rare and localized in north-eastern Spain (our collection) and French Pyrénées and apparently absent in central Spain (even its presence in southern Spain is dubious, see earlier), Mediterranean France (Corsica included), most of the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago (except for a few specimens on Elba Island) and most of Sardinia. Collections on the latter island are almost all concentrated in its south-western corner, the Iglesiente. Amerus troisi and A. cuspidatus cohabitate at many sites along the whole Italian peninsula: in the Ligurian and Tuscan Apennines, the Apuan Alps, Mt Amiata, the Farma Valley (SI), the Pollino Massif and the Nebrodi Mountains. Comparative analysis The diagnostic characters of this new species are as follows: (1) presence of an additional medial tooth in the typical generic rostrum (tripartite); (2) short interlamellar setae; (3) long exobothridial setae; (4) indentation of the antiaxial bothridial border; and (5) very long notogastral setae. Character-states (1), (2) and (4) differentiate A. cuspidatus from A. troisi, while (1) and (5) distinguish the new species from A. polonicus. Finally, the short notogastral setae and the rounded rostrum distinguish A. laticephalus from all the other congeneric species (Mahunka and Mahunka-Papp, 1995). Do these character-states really distinguish these species or are they only the expression of subspecific differences due to ecologic or geographic factors? In the past, some authors have confused these classical species and / or have identified A. troisi with A. polonicus or A. laticephalus with A. polonicus. New data reveal that specimens of A. troisi and A. cuspidatus largely cohabit, apparently without giving rise to intermediate morphological phenotypes. Is this sufficient evidence? To address this issue and establish the presence of hybrids, we have tested the genetic structure of populations of these two phenotypes (A. troisi and A. cuspidatus). The next section describes the results of this study. To investigate the systematic relationships between A. polonicus and A. laticephalus, we undertook a morphological study; due to the rarity of these species (A. laticephalus, in particular, may only be a relict or missing entity), biochemical systematics could not be applied.	en	AVANZATI, A. M., SALOMONE, N., BARATTI, M., BERNINI, F. (2003): Taxonomic revision of Amerus troisi (Berlese, 1883) (Acari, Oribatida, Ameridae) using morphological and biochemical characters. Journal of Natural History 37 (7): 797-819, DOI: 10.1080/00222930110097662, URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00222930110097662
