Mesostigmatid mite fauna of Jenolan Caves, New South Wales (Acari: Mesostigmata)

The present study shows the results of a survey of the mesostigmatid mites found in and around the Jenolan Caves. Five new species are described: Proctolaelaps holmi (Ascidae), Athiasella caverna, Athiasella stefani, Geogamasus fornix (Ologamasidae) and Pachylaelaps hades (Pachylaelapidae). Four species are recorded from Australia for the first time: Geholaspis mandibularis (Berlese) (Macrochelidae), Pachyseius humeralis Berlese (Pachylaelapidae), Veigaia pusilla (Berlese) and Veigaia serrata Willmann (Veigaiidae). These four species did not occur in apparently suitable habitats outside the Caves. It is possible that they were introduced into Australia by human activities. Eleven other species previously known from Australia are also recorded. None of these species show any special morphological adaptations to the cave habitat.