Goodeniacarus uri, Beard & Seeman, 2025

Beard, Jennifer J. & Seeman, Owen D., 2025, Two new genera and six new species of flat mites (Prostigmata: Tenuipalpidae) from Goodeniaceae (Asterales) in Australia, Zootaxa 5637 (2), pp. 201-259 : 231-242

publication ID	https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5637.2.1
publication LSID	lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D067874C-A450-4BC5-9029-5A9C1FA344F6
DOI	https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15562348
persistent identifier	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03F8C565-8002-A02E-A7A1-FE04FEAAF821
treatment provided by	Plazi
scientific name	Goodeniacarus uri
status	sp. nov.

Treatment

Goodeniacarus uri sp. nov. Beard & Seeman

( Figs 26–36 View FIGURE 26 View FIGURE 27 View FIGURE 28 View FIGURE 29 View FIGURE 30 View FIGURE 31 View FIGURE 32 View FIGURE 33 View FIGURE 34 View FIGURE 35 View FIGURE 36 )

Types. Holotype. Female, Australia, Serpentine Creek Historic Cemetery, Serpentine Cemetery Road, Redland Bay , Queensland, 27°40’10”S 153°18’05”E, ex. Goodenia rotundifolia R.Br. ( Goodeniaceae ), 24.ix.2015, J.J. Beard, G. Leiper and P.I. Forster ( QM) GoogleMaps . Paratypes. 6 females, 2 males, 3 deutonymphs, 2 protonymphs, 2 larvae, same data as holotype ( QM) .

Other material examined. 1 pharate protonymph, same data as holotype ( QM) .

Diagnosis. Female. Dorsal ornamentation comprising elongate longitudinal plicae; dorsal setae length 4–7. Setae g1 positioned in transverse line with g2. Setae ps2 and ps3 blunt, lengths ps2 5–6, ps3 5–6. Femora I–II with seta bv″ fine blunt; femora IV with 1 seta (ev′ present, d absent; companion seta ftʺ slightly longer than solenidion ωʺ. Blunt setae on femora and tibiae: femur I–II d, l′, bv″; femur III d; genu I–II d, l″; tibia I–II d (1–2 barbs), l″; tibia III–IV d. Most blunt setae apparently smooth.

Description

Adult female. (7 measured)

Dorsum. ( Figs 26 View FIGURE 26 , 27 View FIGURE 27 ) Body measurements: v2–h1 206–224 [221], sc2–sc2 135–154 [142], c3–c3 133–161 [143], f3–f3 76–87 [84]. Prodorsal and opisthosomal shields weakly developed. Prodorsum with mostly elongate longitudinal plicae narrowly spaced, becoming mostly smooth centrally; anterior margin of prodorsum with small median forked projection forming a notch (8–11) [10]; with up to 4 pairs of minute pores in longitudinal band posterior to v2 (can be difficult to see), and with pore-like invagination just mesad sc2 (indicated by arrows in Fig. 26 View FIGURE 26 ). Opisthosoma with complicated plicae mostly longitudinal to oblique, but almost forming weak elongate reticulation; with 3 pairs of large pores—mesad setae c3, mesad setae d3 and posteromesad d3; with at least 3 pairs minute pores (can be difficult to see). Dorsal setae all short, blunt. Setal measurements: v2 6–7 [6–7], sc1 6–7 [6–7], sc2 6–7 [6–7], c1 6–7 [6–7], c3 4–7 [4–5], d1 5–6 [-], d3 5–6 [5–6], e3 4 –6 [5–6], f3 4–6 [5–6], h1 4–6 [5].

Infracapitulum. ( Figs 26 View FIGURE 26 , 28A View FIGURE 28 ) Dorsal cuticle with fine longitudinal plicae laterally, ventral cuticle with fine oblique plicae; infracapitular setae m weakly lanceolate with 1–2 small barbs (11–12) [11]. Palp tarsus phaneres (1–2 and 8–9); femur-genu-tibia with single barbed dorsal seta (13–15) [13–14].

Venter. ( Figs 28A View FIGURE 28 , 29 View FIGURE 29 ) Ventral cuticle with longitudinal and oblique plicae on coxae I–II; with fine longitudinal plicae between 1b–1a; with widely spaced transverse plicae between setae 1a–3a, becoming finer 3a–ag; with small region broadly U-shaped plicae between coxae III–IV just anterior to 4a–4a; with arching plicae surrounding region of transverse plicae between 4a–ag setae; with sparse weak transverse plicae between ag and g1–g2 setae; genital region flanked by widely spaced longitudinal plicae. Setae g1 and g2 inserted in transverse row posteriorly on genital flap. Most ventral setae short, fine, smooth; except setae 1a and 4a elongate, fine, and often broken; and ps2 and ps3 blunt. Setae ps3 often obscured within lateral folds of genital opening. Setal measurements: 1a 64–96 [75–86], 1b 18–20 [19], 1c 14–16 [15], 2b 18–21 [18–19], 2c 14–17 [15–16], 3a 13–17 [15], 3b 11–19 [16], 4a 41–56 [56], 4b 15–17 [17], ag 9–12 [10–11], g1 8–12 [8–9], g2 9–13 [9], ps2 5–6 [5], ps3 5–6 [6].

Spermathecal apparatus. ( Fig. 28B View FIGURE 28 ) A moderately short membranous duct slightly broadened midway, with a narrower distal portion, terminating in a small rounded vesicle with granular appearance.

Legs. ( Fig. 30 View FIGURE 30 ) See genus Diagnosis for full setal formulae for legs I – IV, except femur IV with 1 seta (ev′ present, d absent). See description of type species, G. rosulatus sp. nov., for full leg chaetotaxy. Tarsi I and II each with one abaxial solenidion ωʺ (both 5–6 [5–6, 6]); barbed companion seta ftʺ (7–9 [8], 8–9 [8], respectively) slightly longer than solenidion; pair of prorals p′ζ, pʺζ inserted on minute cuneiform tubercles (both 8–9). Solenidia inserted on small tubercles. Some leg setae blunt and of similar form to the dorsal idiosomal setae—seta l′ on trochanter III; setae d, l′, bv″ on femora I– II, d on femora III; setae d, l″ on genua I–II; setae d, l″ on tibiae I– II and d on tibiae III– IV.

Microplates. ( Fig. 31 View FIGURE 31 ) Individual microplates are hexagonal in shape ( Figs 31A, B View FIGURE 31 ), and have a mostly smooth surface with a few short parallel ridges visible at 10,000 X ( Fig. 31B View FIGURE 31 ).

Adult male. (2 measured)

Dorsum. ( Figs 32 View FIGURE 32 , 33 View FIGURE 33 ) Body measurements: v2–h1 153–156, sc2–sc2 95–111, c3–c3 97–102, f3–f3 55–57. Prodorsum similar to female, with mostly longitudinal to oblique plicae narrowly spaced, becoming mostly smooth centrally; anterior margin of prodorsum with small median forked projection forming a notch (4–6); with up to 4 pairs of minute pores sublaterally (can be difficult to see). Dorsal opisthosoma divided into mesonotal and pygidial shields; metanotal shield captures setal pairs c1–c3 and d1–d3; pygidial shield posterior to D row setae with few arching plicae anterior to smooth central region; with 3 pairs of large pores—just mesad setae c3, mesad d3 and posteromesad d3; with up to 4 pairs of minute pores (can be difficult to see; arrow indicates pores in Fig. 33 View FIGURE 33 ); with a pair of large deep pore-like invaginations just laterad d1. Dorsal setae as in female, all short, blunt. Setal measurements: v2 5–6, sc1 6–7, sc2 5–6, c1 5–6, c3 5–6, d1 5–6, d3 5, e3 4 –5, f3 5–6, h1 5–6.

Infracapitulum. ( Figs 32 View FIGURE 32 , 33 View FIGURE 33 , 34 View FIGURE 34 ) Dorsal cuticle with fine longitudinal plicae, ventral cuticle with fine oblique plicae; infracapitular setae m (7–9) appears smooth. Palp tarsus phaneres (2 and 7–8); femur-genu-tibia with single barbed dorsal seta (8–10).

Venter. ( Fig. 34A, B View FIGURE 34 ) Ventral cuticle with widely spaced transverse plicae from 1a–3a; with region of broadly V-shaped plicae between coxae III–IV just anterior to 4a–4a; with band of fine transverse plicae 4a–ag, and with few weak transverse plicae ag –genital region; genital region often concealed under large fold of cuticle ( Fig. 34A, B View FIGURE 34 ), genital setae and anogenital opening flanked by plicae arching around region anteriorly. Setae g1 inserted just anterior to g2 on anterior margin of anogenital opening ( Fig. 34B View FIGURE 34 ). Most ventral setae short, fine, appear smooth; except setae 1a and 4a elongate, fine, and often broken; ps2 tapered, blunt. Setae ps3 modified into short, thick, clavate accessory genital stylets, often obscured under posterior projections of anogenital opening. Setal measurements: 1a 68–78, 1b 11–16, 1c 12, 2b 11–15, 2c 11–12, 3a 11–13, 3b 11–12, 4a 31–34, 4b 12–13, ag 6–10, g1 11–13, g2 11, ps2 5–7, ps3 5.

Aedeagus. ( Fig. 34C View FIGURE 34 ) Sclerotised, elongate, subulate (62), with narrow membranous tube emerging from sclerotised section.

Legs. ( Fig. 35 View FIGURE 35 ) Setal formulae and chaetotaxy same as adult female except ta I–II with solenidion ω′ also present. Tarsi I and II each with two solenidia (ta I adaxial ω′ 7–8, abaxial ωʺ 7; ta II adaxial ω′ 8, abaxial ωʺ 6–7); companion seta ftʺ barbed (both 7); pair of prorals p′ζ, pʺζ inserted on minute cuneiform tubercles (both 7–8). Form of leg setae similar to that of female.

Deutonymph. (3 measured)

Dorsum. Body measurements: v2–h1 157–188, sc2–sc2 101–114, c3–c3 109–125, f3–f3 47–58. Prodorsal and opisthosomal shields weakly developed, with smooth cuticle; anterior margin smoothly rounded without median notch. Dorsal opisthosoma with a few broad transverse striae. Dorsal setae form as in adults. Setal measurements: v2 3–5, sc1 4–6, sc2 4–5, c1 4–5, c3 3–4, d1 3–5, d3 3–4, e3 3 –5, f3 3–4, h1 3–4.

Infracapitulum. Cuticle as in adults; infracapitular setae m (7–8). Palp tarsus phaneres (1 and 6–7); femur-genu-tibia with single barbed dorsal seta (9–11).

Venter. Strong longitudinal plicae between 1b–1a; strong transverse, finely granulate plicae 1a to just posterior 4a; plicae from 4a to ag arching, becoming transverse between ag to g1; with sparse oblique plicae surrounding genital region. Form of ventral setae as in adults. Setal measurements: 1a 58, 1b 14–18, 1c 7–10, 2b 10–15, 2c 8–11, 3a 8–13, 3b 9–13, 4a 24–34, 4b 7–11, ag 5–8, g1 6–8, ps2 3, ps3 3–4.

Legs. Setal formulae and chaetotaxy for legs I – IV same as adult female except trochanters 1-1-1-0. Tarsi I and II each with one abaxial solenidion ωʺ (4–5, 4, respectively); barbed companion seta ftʺ (both 5–6); pair of prorals p′ζ, pʺζ (6–7, 5–6, respectively). Some leg setae short to minute, blunt—seta d on femora I–IV, genua I–II, tibiae I, III–IV, and seta lʺ on genua I–II and tibiae I–II.

Protonymph. (2 measured)

Dorsum. Body measurements: v2–h1 139–143, sc2–sc2 95–100, c3–c3 103–107, f3–f3 40–41. Prodorsum mostly smooth, with smoothly rounded anterior margin without median notch; dorsal opisthosoma with broadly spaced transverse plicae between c1–d1; pygidial region between d1–h1 smooth. Dorsal setae form as in adults. Setal measurements: v2 3–5, sc1 4–5, sc2 4–5, c1 4, c3 3–4, d1 3, d3 3–4, e3 3 –4, f3 3, h1 2–3.

Infracapitulum. Cuticle as in deutonymph; infracapitular setae m (6–8). Palp tarsus phaneres (1 and 5–6); femur-genu-tibia with single barbed dorsal seta (8).

Venter. Ventral cuticle with longitudinal plicae 1b–1a; transverse plicae 1a–ps3; small region between coxae IV with arching plicae. Setal measurements: 1a 42–51, 1b 9–10, 1c 9–10, 2c 9–10, 3a 7–11, 3b 8–10, ag 6–7, ps2 1–2, ps3 1–2.

Legs. Setal formulae for legs I – IV: cx 2-1-1-0, tr 0-0-0-0, fe 3-3-2-1, ge 0-0-0-0, ti 5-5-3-3, ta 7(1)-7(1)-3-3 respectively. Leg chaetotaxy same as larva except 1c, 2c, 3b added to cx I, II, III respectively. Tarsi I and II each with one abaxial solenidion ωʺ (both 3); barbed companion seta ftʺ (both 4–5); pair of prorals p′ζ, pʺζ (both 5).

Larva. (2 measured)

Dorsum. ( Fig. 36A View FIGURE 36 ) Body measurements: v2–h1 107–123, sc2–sc2 76–89, c3–c3 83–92, f3–f3 31–33. Dorsum mostly membranous with fine plicae, no shields developed but central prodorsum with thickened patterned cuticle. Prodorsum colliculate anteriorly and centrally with oblique to longitudinal plicae laterally; anterior margin smoothly rounded without median notch. Dorsal opisthosoma with fine transverse plicae between c1–c1 and d1–d1, and a narrow band of widely spaced transverse striae between setal rows C and D; with longitudinal to oblique plicae d1–h1. Pair of large rounded pores anterior to setae e3. Dorsal setae form as in adults. Setal measurements: v2 4, sc1 4–5, sc2 4–5, c1 4–6, c3 3–4, d1 3–4, d3 3–4, e3 3, f3 3, h1 3.

Infracapitulum. Cuticle with fine transverse plicae; infracapitular setae m absent. Palp tarsus phaneres (1 and 5); femur-genu-tibia with single barbed dorsal seta (5–6).

Venter. Ventral cuticle mostly finely plicate. Setal measurements: 1a 29–33, 1b 9–10, 3a 8–9, ps2 1, ps3 1.

Legs. ( Fig. 36B View FIGURE 36 ) Setal formulae for legs I – III: cx 1-0-0, tr 0-0-0, fe 3-3-2, ge 0-0-0, ti 5-5-3, ta 7(1)-7(1)-3 respectively. Leg chaetotaxy: cx I 1b; fe I–II d, v′, bvʺ; fe III d, ev′; ge I–III nude; ti I–II d, l′, lʺ, v′, vʺ; ti III d, v′, vʺ; ta I–II ft′, ftʺ, p′ζ, pʺζ, u′, uʺ, ωʺ; ta III ft′, u′, uʺ. Tarsi I and II each with one abaxial solenidion ωʺ (both 3); barbed companion seta ftʺ (5–6, 6–7, respectively); pair of prorals p′ζ, pʺζ (both 5). Some leg setae blunt and similar in form to dorsal setae: d on fe I–III and ti III; d, l″ ti I–II.

Colour. These mites were bright red when alive.

Host. Goodenia rotundifolia R.Br. ( Goodeniaceae ).

Distribution. This mite is so far known only from Redland Bay in southeast Queensland, Australia.

Etymology. This species is posthumously named for our friend and mentor, the late Uri Gerson. Uri contributed enormously to our understanding of the Tenuipalpidae , especially so for the Australian fauna, and it is because of his direct invitation and encouragement that the senior author embarked on her journey with this fabulous family of plant-feeding mites. It was an honour to know and work with him and he is painfully missed.

Remarks. Host plant identification made by Queensland Herbarium (BRI voucher: PIF43028). Atypical ontogeny of leg setae additions: larval setae l′, l″ on genua I–II are delayed to the deutonymph to be added with seta d; tectal setae tc′, tcʺ delayed to deutonymph on tarsus I–II ( Table 1).

Goodeniacarus uri sp. nov. and G. leiperi sp. nov. are found on the same host plant, but were collected approximately 160 km apart from each other. See Remarks for G. leiperi sp. nov. and the key to species for their diagnostic features.