Second Palearctic Record of the Genus Stereoglyphus Berlese (Acari: Acaridae) with Morpho-Molecular Description of a New Species from Zagros Mountains, Iran

In this study, the astigmatid mite genus Troglocoptes Fain, 1966 is proposed as a junior synonym of Stereoglyphus Berlese, 1923. As a part of the project concerning identification of cave-dwelling mites in the Zagros Mountains, all ontogenetic instars of Stereoglyphus iranensis sp. nov. (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) are described from Doroodzan Cave, Fars Province, Iran. This is the second record of the genus in caves in the Palearctic region and the fifth described species worldwide. The morphological description is supplemented with DNA barcode data based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, representing the first molecular data for this genus. Additionally, the first Asian record of Stereoglyphus longibursatus (Fain et Mahunka, 1990) is reported from Sahlak Cave, Fars Province, Iran. An identification key to the known species of the genus is provided. The troglobitic status of the new species is discussed, and the modifications of the anterior legs and tarsal setae, along with the partial reduction of idiosomal setation, are interpreted as adaptations to burrowing in bat guano.