Euseius zairensis Moraes, Ueckermann & Oliveira, n. sp.

Euseius zairensis Moraes, Ueckermann & Oliveira, n. sp. (Fig. 44)

DIAGNOSIS: This new species differs from Euseius bambusae (Ghai & Menon), as redescribed by Gupta (1978), and Euseius sacchari (Ghai & Menon), as redescribed by Gupta (1977), by having setae j3, s4, Z4 and Z5 much shorter. It also differs from Euseius kodaikanalensis Gupta, 1978 by having longer peritreme, reaching level of setaej1 as opposed to between j3 and z2 in E. kodaikanalensis. The dorsal shield setae are also shorter and the dorsal shield smooth.

FEMALE (1 specimen).

Dorsum ­ Dorsal shield smooth, 248 long, 173 wide, j1 24, j3 14, j4, j5 and j6 5, J2 6, J5 5, z2 and z4 8, z5 5, Z1 6, Z4 5, Z5 34, s4 10, S2 8, S4 and S5 6, r3 10, R1 6. All dorsal setae smooth.

Peritreme ­ Almost reaching level of j1.

Venter ­ All ventral shields smooth. Distances between ST1­ST3 42, ST2­ST2 50 and ST5­ST5 33. With 1 pair of metapodal shields. Ventrianal shield 67 long, 35 wide at ZV2 level and 48 wide at anus level.

Chelicera – Movable digit 26 long, with one tooth; fixed digit 27 long, apparently with more than 5 teeth

Spermatheca ­ Calyx trumpet­shaped, 37 long; atrium prominent.

Legs ­ Macrosetae sharp­tipped: SgeII 22, SgeIII 27, StiIII 22, SgeIV 38, StiIV 29, StIV 42.

SPECIMENS EXAMINED: Zaire: 1 female holotype, Muamda, Bas­Zaire, on Elaeis guineensis, 11­VII­1991, A. Onzo.