Species of Pimeliaphilus (Acari: Pterygosomidae) attacking insects, with particular reference to the species parasitizing Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Seven species of mites of the genus Pimeliaphilus from the United States and Mexico are described as new: P. gloriosus, P. sanguisugae, P. plumifer, P. calimesae, P. peninsularis, P. andersoni, and P. joshuae. The host of P. joshuae is unknown, but all the other new species parasitize kissing bugs (Reduviidae: Triatominae) found in rodent nests, human habitations, or poultry shelters. In addition to the seven new species described here, P. triatomae is reviewed by using specimens sent from South America; P. cunliffei, by a careful analysis of the data in two earlier papers; and P. podapolipophagus, by study of a “cotype” loaned to the authors. The ten species above are compared in a detailed tabular key which sets forth the principal morphological characters of value in differentiating between species. Biological notes are given for P. gloriosus, which can be a serious threat to laboratory colonies of bugs of the Triatoma “Protracta Complex.