TY - JOUR JF - Acarologia T1 - The investigation of Poecilochirus spp. (Mesostigmata, Parasitidae) VL - 66 IS - Suppl SP - 142 EP - 142 PY - 2026 SN - 0044-586X SN - 2107-7207 PB - Les Amis d'Acarologia AU - Lucia, Švecová AU - Ivona, Lužáková AU - Petr, Papežík AU - Pavol, Purgat AU - Kamila, Ondrejková UR - https://doi.org/10.24349/0c5f-b7lu DO - 10.24349/0c5f-b7lu DA - 2026-07-20 ET - 2026-07-20 KW - Necrophilous KW - Phoresy KW - Phorensic KW - Molecular analyses KW - Cryptic species AB - Mites of the genus Poecilochirus C. & G. Canestrini, 1882 constitute necrophilous species associate with carcasses and nercophagous insects and are considered of forensic interest. The identification of the species is based on the pattern of the sclerotized area of the sternal shield, the presence or absence of a membranous process on the fixed digit of the chelicerae, and dorsal chaetotaxy. Species separation has often relied on the length of dorsal setae, leading to differing interpretations as to whether particular forms represent separate species or merely morphological variants within a single species, frequently depending on the author’s perspective. The Poecilochirus carabi species complex comprises Poecilochirus carabi C. & G. Canestrini, 1882 and Poecilochirus necrophori Vitzthum, 1930. In the original descriptions, these species were distinguished by subtle differences in the shape of the sclerotized sternal band. Subsequent studies emphasized differences in dorsal setal length. Both species are associated with decomposing remains and occur in phoretic association with saprophagous and necrophagous insects, preferably beetles of the genus Nicrophorus Fabricius, 1775, which they use as phoretic hosts. Although P. carabi and P. necrophori are morphologically similar and were historically synonymized, they are currently regarded as separate species based on reproductive isolation and behavioral differences, such as host preference for Nicrophorus vespillo (Linnaeus, 1758) or Nicrophorus vespilloides Herbst, 1784. Molecular analyses by Canitz et al. (2022) further confirmed their distinct status and indicated the presence of a third, morphologically similar species in Europe. Based on sequences we obtained from 63 individuals of the Poecilochirus carabi complex collected from four different localities, our results corresponded to the three aforementioned taxa, with the addition of one further morphologically similar species. Although these species differ in dorsal chaetotaxy, dorsal setal length alone appears to be insufficient for reliable identification. Given the association of these mites with carcasses and necrophagous insects, we consider it essential to establish clear morphological criteria enabling accurate species identification. This would allow for the assessment of potential species-specific preferences that may contribute to advancements in forensic research and to the practical application of such knowledge in forensic science. ER -