New species Hygrobates daochengensis and Sinibates yuhaoae identified in China, highlighting the role of morphology and DNA barcoding.
New records are given of hygrobatid water mites from China. Hygrobates daochengensis Li & Pešić sp. nov., belonging to the H. longipalpis complex, is reported by integrating morphology and DNA barcoding (showing 20.6–21% K2P divergence from European relatives). Sinibates yuhaoae Li & Guo sp. nov., representing the second species in the genus Sinibates, is described by distinct morphological characters. Additionally, Hygrobates (Hygrobates) bravisterus Jin, 1997 as a distinct species within the H. (H.) calliger complex is confirmed by NJ tree. Furthermore, a specimen tentatively identified as Hygrobates (Rivobates) sp. is documented, pending further taxonomic clarification. The study highlights the utility of combining morphological and molecular methods to resolve taxonomic uncertainties.
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Li et al. (2025) studied this question.
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