Name and classification
Hypoaspis Canestrini, 1884
Taxonomy
Superorder Parasitiformes » Order Mesostigmata » Suborder Monogynaspida » Hyporder Dermanyssiae » Family Laelapidae » Genus Hypoaspis
Type species
Gamasus krameri G. & R. Canestrini, 1881
species in honey and bumble bee nests probably neutral to beneficial; predatory on microarthropods in nest; species in stingless bee nests not well known
Hypoaspis Canestrini, 1884
Taxonomy
Superorder Parasitiformes » Order Mesostigmata » Suborder Monogynaspida » Hyporder Dermanyssiae » Family Laelapidae » Genus Hypoaspis
Type species
Gamasus krameri G. & R. Canestrini, 1881
Systematics of this genus is unsettled and in need of revision, using both morphology and molecular data.
Females of bee-associated species of Hypoaspis can be diagnosed based mostly on general (and probably plesiomorphic) traits as follows: Dorsal idiosoma and opisthosomal venter not hypertrichous (Figs 1, 2). Marginal idiosomal setae with pointed ends (Figs 1, 2). Epigynal and anal shields well separated (except for Hypoaspis favosa, where they are nearly touching each other) (Figs 2, 9). Sternal shield not expanded anteriorly and does not form a tubercle (Figs 7, 8). Anterior edge of sternal shield simple, not forming additional shield (Fig. 7). Posterior margin of sternal shield not deeply concave (variable in non-bee-associated species) (Fig. 7). Presternal shields not fused with sternal shield (Fig. 8). Epigynal shield not narrowing posteriorly and not pointed; anal shield not kidney-shaped (Fig. 9). Peritrematic shield extends beyond stigma (Fig. 12). Width of stigma subequal to base of tritosternum (=stigma not enlarged) (Fig. 12). Peritremes long, extending anteriorly beyond legs II (Fig. 13).
Species of Hypoaspis known from bees by can be grouped as follows:
Species-rich genus with unclear boundaries (see "Diagnosis" topic above). Most generalist species can be identified using Evans and Till, 1966; Bregetova, 1977a; Karg, 1982. The most recent review of generic concepts involving this genus is in Beaulieu, 2009.
Holarctic (Group 1); Neotropical region (Group 2), Neotropical and Oriental regions (Groups 2 and 3).
honey bees (Apis), bumble bees (Bombus), and stingless bees (Meliponini)
associated exclusively with bees or their close relative, wasps; cannot live without these hosts
some life stages are associated with bees, while others are not
can complete entire life cycle without bees or their close relative, wasps
group 1 facultative; groups 2 and 3 probably permanent
group 1 (see Diagnosis)
groups 2, 3
unknown for bee-associated mites