The cryptostigmatid mite Halozetes belgicae (Michael) in the maritime Antarctic

• Published in: Antarctic Science
• Main Authors: Minto, L.B., Shepherd, G.J., Usher, M.B.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1991
• Subjects: Geology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Oceanography; Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarctic Peninsula; Sandwich Islands; South Sandwich Islands; South Shetland Islands; South Orkney Islands; Antarc*; Antarctic Science; Macquarie Island; Mite
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0954102091000093; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0954102091000093

Halozetes belgicae is distributed widely in the Subantarctic and maritime Antarctic, with subspecies described from Macquarie Island and the South Sandwich Islands. A morphometrical study, based largely on the development of the setae, indicates that the nominate subspecies is confined to the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands (including the South Shetland Islands), whilst specimens from the South Orkney Islands are probably consubspecific with individuals on the South Sandwich Islands. In comparison with other studies of the Acari, the results strengthen the case for the recognition of a South Orkadian biogeographical zone.