Corallihalacarus chilcottensis sp. nov., (Acarina: Halacaridae), a new genus and species of marine mite from Chilcott Islet in the Coral Sea

Updated: 2017-11-20

A new genus and species of marine mite, Corallihalacarus chilcottensis sp. nov. was described from Chilcott Islet in the Coral Sea. Two female specimens were extracted from coarse coral sand collected from the reef slope at Chilcott Island on 14 September 1998. The reef slope was covered with algae, hydroids and rubble.A new subfamily, Mictognathinae was also established to incorporate the genera, Corallihalacarus and Mictognathus. This research was conducted as part of a survey of marine mites from northern Australia. The holotype (S105139) and paratype (S105140) were lodged with the Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville.