The first description of the larva of Hirstithrombium Oudemans (Trombidiformes, Prostigmata, Johnstonianidae), with redescription of Hirstithrombium noemiae Feider, based on all active life instars

Hirstithrombium noemiae Feider, 1955, representing one of the eight genera currently assigned to Johnstonianinae, is redescribed based on field-collected adults, deutonymphs and larvae, and also larvae obtained at the laboratory from field-born females. The species is associated with hygric habitats located at higher altitudes. A successful rearing allowed the first matching of heteromorphic instars within the genus known hitherto exclusively from active postlarval forms. A comparison of genera of Johnstonianinae, including species known from larvae and/or active postlarval forms is provided, species presently assigned to subfamily are listed and the key characters used in species diagnosing are discussed. A female of Hirstithrombium noemiae Feider, 1955 collected in Turkey is designated as neotype.

Automated summary

Hirstithrombium noemiae Feider, 1955, a species belonging to one of the eight genera in the Johnstonianinae subfamily, is redescribed in this study. The species was studied based on field-collected adults, deutonymphs, and larvae, as well as laboratory-reared larvae from field-born females. This research successfully matched heteromorphic instars within the genus, which was previously only known from active postlarval forms. A comparison of Johnstonianinae genera, including species known from larvae and/or active postlarval forms, is provided, and key diagnostic characters for species identification are discussed. A female specimen of Hirstithrombium noemiae Feider, 1955 collected in Turkey is designated as the neotype.