Gaeolaelaps (Acari: Laelapidae) mites of Iran with description of a new species

Edaphic mites of the order Mesostigmata have important effects in soil ecosystems and food chains.In order to study the fauna of Laelapidae (Mesostigmata), soil samples were collected from different parts of Shahreza vicinity in Esfahan province, Iran, during ۲۰۱۰-۲۰۱۲. Among collected species a new species of Gaeolaelaps has been collected from soil and litter and described based on adult female specimens. Some morphological characters of G. jondishapouri Nemati & Kavianpour were discussed in this paper. A key to Gaeolaelaps species of Iran is provided.