146 
J. R. AUDY 
(see p. 138 above), he lists (his p. 327) the following nymphs/adults under the same group 
characters : (a) frittsi ; (b) alfreddugesi, batatas , helleri , samboni , splendens , vanommereni Schierbeek, 
wichmanni ; and (c) jacoti ( nom . nov. for Trombiculoides scaber Jacot 1938). The last may be 
ignored because the larva is not known: Jenkins (1949:294) was unable to find differences 
between adults of splendens and adults identified as jacoti (. scaber syn.). The larvae of T. 
frittsi are found on reptiles and a rat in the Pacific area, and (assuming a correct identity with 
the Malayan species from which the nymphs were bred) scorpions in Malaya; the mastitarsala 
III is absent and the scutum is small and pentagonal. There are many features distinguishing 
it from larvae of Eutrombicula. Furthermore the scutum of the nymph is relatively shorter than 
in those of group (b) while the sensillae have thickened shafts. The presence of eyes in the 
nymphs does not warrant including frittsi in this species-group : as discussed below, it may be 
close to Fonsecia. 
Of the remainder, (6), the larvae are all typical Eutrombicula , but (i) the larva of vanommereni 
cannot be separated from that of alfreddugesi , of which it is now regarded as a synonym, and 
(ii) the larva of helleri can hardly be separated from that of goldii , of which it is regarded as a 
synonym* — but the adult of goldii is described by Womersley (p. 370) under the subgenus 
Neotrombicula as without eyes (quoting description of Boschell & Kerr 1952). This is 
particularly interesting because the nymph of sarcina is also without eyes (described under 
Neotrombicula , Worn. 1952:362), although the larva appears to be typical Eutrombicula. It is 
an amusing question as to whether we are dealing with evolutionary convergence among larvae 
or divergence among adults; or possibly with rudimentary eyes which require fresh material 
and a phase-contrast microscope for their detection. The present writer is unable to offer a 
worthwhile opinion. It is however likely that attempts to take post-larval characters too 
seriously at this early stage will often lead one astray. The writer therefore proposes to accept 
a group of Eutrombicula which do not appear to have eyes in the adult state. (It is worth 
noting that of three nymphs of Eusch. lacunosa bred out from the same Rattus bowersi in 
Malaya, one was pinkish and showed conspicuous scarlet eyespots while the other two were 
white and without eyespots; no eyes were however visible in any specimen after mounting. 
The larval pelts were indistinguishable on first examination). 
African species described in this genus by Lawrence (1949:441-449), and fisted under 
the subgenus Eutrombicula by Wharton & Fuller, cannot be included (Lawrence characterised 
the genus by the number of dorsal setae, after Ewing). Lawrence’s species fall into two groups, 
both with 3-pronged palpal claws: ( a ) an ilesi - group from African reptiles, with pentagonal 
scuta, probably related to frittsi , comprising aenigma , homopholis , montensis , rhodesiensis , 
rhoptropi , to which we should add T. nivaria Law. and T. ilesi Rad ; and (b) a lawrencei- group, 
also from reptiles, with convex but not angulated posterior scutal margin, comprising lawrencei 
Wh. & F. ( =agamae Law. preocc.), draconensis, gerrhosauri, pachydactyli (and }abyssinica 
from a bird). The two groups appear to be related to each other but not to Eutrombicula as 
here defined: it may however be that this subgenus has been considered too rigidly. As 
discussed below, the ilesi - group seems to be closely related to the genus Fonsecia and the matter 
demands study. The African lawrencei - group may be related to the Australasian geckobia- 
group (p. 148). Without material for comparison, the writer is unable to place E. jadini 
Verc. 1953. 
Jenkins (1949) & Wolfenbarger (1952) have made important studies of this subgenus in 
America. 
Old World species (Asia & Pacific). — tcervulicola , hirsti (? — wichmanni) N, isshikii, lygosomoides, 
}macropus , ?naultini, }novae-hollandiae, rioi, samboni , sobrina, wichmanni NA, sarcina (with eyeless 
nymphs) N; possibly related (no mastitarsala III in larvae, no eyes in nymph): scincoides N, kohlsi , tovelli. 
Also, lumsdeni & watsoni Rad, 1953. 
* The probable identity of helleri with goldii is carefully discussed by Fuller (1952:141), who also (p. 1 17) discusses 
differences between vanommerei and alfreddugesi. 
STUD. INST. MED. RES. 
