Ontogenetic instars of Ovobates khaustovi (Acari, Oribatida, Oribatulidae), a new arboreal mite associated with mangrove trees in Vietnam

The oribatid mite genus Ovobates (Oribatida, Oribatulidae) is monotypic, known from Indonesia. We describe a new arboreal species—O. khaustovi sp. nov.—based on adult, larval, and nymphal instars, collected from mangrove trees in Vietnam. The adult of the new species differs from O. subnitidus by the morphology of the interlamellar seta, the prodorsal and lateral epimeral sculpturing, and the epimeral and leg setations. The juvenile instars of O. khaustovi sp. nov. are characterized by the presence of distinct gastronotic and posterolateral macrosclerites (first case within Oripodoidea). The generic status and the superfamily placement of Ovobates are discussed.