A Review of the Asexual Mite Genus Paralycus Womersley, 1944 (Acari: Oribatida: Pediculochelidae), with Description of Three New Species and A Key to Species of the World

Mites of the genus Paralycus (Oribatida: Pediculochelidae) are minute, asexual, paedomorphic oribatids that have been largely overlooked by major biodiversity surveys. Here, we review this and describe three new species based on adult females: persephone sp. n. daeira from deep soil in Colorado, USA pricei South Africa. We provide first complete ontogenetic series family using P. as a model, clarify boundaries several species, compile an annotated checklist key to World. Our work suggests pediculochelid is underappreciated these mites may be common subterranean habitats/deep soil. Further discoveries diversity habitats anticipated.