Systematics and natural history of the genus Chaussieria Oudemans (Acarina: Prostigmata : Anystidae)

The genus Chaussieria Oudemans is revised and identification keys to the di fferent instars and species are presented. C. warregense and the type speci es, C. domestica, are redescribed and previous descriptions of C. capensis, C. dissimilis and C. sanctahelenae are supplemented by additional characte rs. C. benoiti and C. brevis are shown to be junior synonyms of C. sanctahe lenae, while C. berlesei, C. maritima and C. venustissima are synonymized w ith C. domestica. C. capensis is removed from synonymy with C. venustissima . Four new species of Chaussieria are described from Australia: C. aprica, C. pilifera, C. pulleni and C. pumila. A hypothesis of the phylogenetic rel ationships within Chaussieria is presented and observations regarding sperm atophores, eggs, prelarvae, ecology, nutrition and distribution are added. (C) 1999 The Linnean Society of London.