Revisiting the genus Sphexicozela (Winterschmidtiidae): redescription of S. connivens Mahunka and description of a new species from Brazil

Acarologia 2026 Open access

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Authors: Lucas Lorena Godoy, Thais Juliane do Prado, Denise Návia
DOI: 10.24349/q0jg-px66
Cited by: 0
References: 17

Abstract

Sphexicozela Mahunka (Sarcoptiformes: Astigmatina: Winterschmidtiidae) was until now represented by a single described species, S. connivens Mahunka, 1970, found in Hungary in nests of Polistes species (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae). In this study, we provide a redescription of S. connivens and describe Sphexicozela neotropica Godoy and Prado sp. nov., based on specimens collected from nests of Polistes simillimus Zikán in southeastern Brazil. This is the first record of the genus in the Neotropical region and highlights a previously undocumented association between Ensliniellinae mites and the social wasp P. simillimus.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Study of Mite Species Spider Taxonomy and Behavior Studies Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior

Publication details

Journal / source
Acarologia
Volume
66
Issue
1
Pages
14–27
Publication date
12 January 2026
Language
EN