Sarcoptiformes 325 



28. Legs I and ii normal, segments cylindrical, without spinelike 

 projections 29 



Legs I and ii with sharp latero-ventral projections on segments 



Analgesidae 



29. Rear of hysterosoma of both sexes rounded or slightly bilobate 



Dermoglyphidae 



Rear of hysterosoma of female and often of male tapering, 

 strongly bilobate Proctophyliodidae 



Pediculochelidae Lavoipierre, 1946 



Figure 254 



Diagnosis: The pediculochelids are tiny, whitish mites measuring 

 from 0.184 to 0.24 mm. in length. Their skin is soft, striated, and 

 without plates. Separated from the propodosoma by a distinct suture, 

 the hysterosoma is divided by three dorsal, transverse sutures. The 



Figure 254 Pediculochelus raidti Lavoipierre. Dorsal view of female. 



propodosoma' lacks eyes, but has several long, whiplike setae and a 

 pair of dorsal clavate sensory setae. A pair of vertical setae is also 

 present. The chelicerae are large and have strong, opposed chelae for 

 chewing or crushing as in the oribatid mites. The palpus is four-seg- 

 mented, simple, and has few setae. The legs are relatively weak and 

 the tarsi lack claws but have a sucker-like caruncle on a pedicle. The 

 anal opening is on the rear and there are two pairs of genital suckers. 



Genus: 



Pediculochelus Lavoipierre, 1946 



Type. Pediculochelus raulti Lavoipierre, 1946 



