Taxonomic revision of Carabodes affinis Berlese, 1913 (Acari Oribatida Carabodidae). Notulae Oribatologicae 61

The results of the taxonomic revision of Carahodes affinis Berlese, 1913 are reported. This classic species .is fully rcdeascribed from typical and topotypical materials. Scanning electron microscopy is used to determine hitherto unknown morphological details and intraspecific variability. The analysis of many south European and north African populations Jed to the exact recognition of the diagnostic character-states of this species and of its biogeographical range. This study allows the authors to suggest the evolutionary history of C. affinis and its relationships with the very similar C. marginatus (Michael, 1884) and other carabodid species.