Contribution to the knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Scutozetes (Acari, Oribatida, Tegoribatidae), with description of a new species from the Russian Arctic

A new oribatid mite species of the genus Scutozetes (Oribatida) - S. arcticus sp. nov. - is described from Vaygach Island, Yugor Peninsula, Taymyr Peninsula, and Ola Plateau, Magadan Region (Russia); it is morphologically most similar to Scutozetes lanceolatus in having slightly developed humeral notogastral process, but differs from the latter by the clavate bothridial seta, a flat lamellar plate (not covering lateral parts of prodorsum) having two pairs of anterolateral teeth on the anterior margin, well-visible rostral seta in dorsal view, and anterior margin of pedotectum I without tooth. An identification key to known recent species of the genus is given. The main morphological characteristics of Scutozetes are summarized. The geographical range of the new species is limited by arctic areas and subarctic mountain landscapes; most records are associated with dry and well-drained habitats. The identity of the genera Scutozetes and Lepidozetes is also discussed.