Heterostigmatic mites (Acari: Prostigmata) associated with mushroom-forming fungi (Basidiomycota: Agaricomycetes), with description of a new species of microdispid mite (Microdispidae)

A new species of Heterostigmatic mites from the family Microdispidae, Premicrodispus ( Premicrodispus ) abani Rahiminejad & Majidi sp. n., is described and illustrated based on female individuals recovered from macro-fungi, Trichaptum sp. (Fungi: Polyporales), in forestry areas of Gorgan, northern Iran. Additionally, distributional records of four pygmephoroid species belonging to Pediculaster Vitzthum, 1931, Metapygmephorellus Rahiminejad, Hajiqanbar & Khaustov, 2015 , and Krczaldania Sasa, 1961 genera are reported from various mushrooms over the sampling region. All the fungi, including Trichaptum sp. (Polyporales), Psathyrella sp., and Pleurotus sp. (Fungi: Agaricales), are recorded for the first time as hosts of Heterostigmata. Moreover, Pediculaster sklarii Sevastianov & Chydyrov, 1994 and P. amerahae Sevastianov & Abo-korah, 1984, are recorded for the first time in the arthropod fauna of Iran. Eventually, an overview of heterostigmatic mites associated with macro-fungi, as well as their host range and distribution, has been provided.