Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Leptus beroni?
#1
I´ve met this little fellow february, 9 in a bog near Copenhagen, Denmark. Bodylength about 2-2½ mm. Last week I found one more in the same place.
Can anybody make an ID?
Thanks in advance
#3
A mite-friend of us couldn't tell you nothing more than it is some kind of species of Thrombidiformes.
#4
Hi atylotus.
Thank you for your answer.
If possible, would you ask your mite-friend if this link make any sense: http://bugguide.net/node/view/338428/bgimage.
Thanks in advance
#5
Dear Ruth
my mite friend told me that this information is pretty much reliable, although the composition of the bottomfauna between both continents cannot be compared, with exception of a few introduced species. He also told me that it is a very difficult group.
On behalve of Matty Berg (A'dam University VU)
Ton (aka Atylotus)
#6
Dear Ton and Matty Berg.
Thank you for your help.
- I think, I have to accept, it is too difficult.
Best
#7
This is definitely an erythraeid in the genus Leptus. Leptus trimaculatus has that same coloration and is a very common mite in your area.
I'm a graduate student working on erythraeids for my PhD and am having trouble getting specimens from your area. If you see more of these and are willing to ship them to me, I'd be glad to pay for shipping!
#8
Hi Ray.
Yes!!
I have 2 alive in my fridge, i´ll send them free, if you give me an adress. In the freezer first, I presume? or in alcohol?
Kindly regards Ruth
#9
Ruth,
The university was finally able to track down the primary literature I requested. Your specimens are indeed
Leptus trimaculatus, a common member of the genus in Europe. Adults are predacious and larvae are parasitic on other arthropods. Thanks again for the specimens! They've already proven quite useful in my research.
Ray
#10
Ray,
Thank you very much for yor help, giving them a name!
I´m very grateful

Good luck in your research.
Ruth