| abstract | A new species of macrochelid mite, Macrocheles schaeferi, is described from grasslands of the central United States. Developmental time (egg to adult) is 3.5-4.5 d at 23°C with abundant nematode prey. Nematodes are a preferred prey, but Collembola, softbodied mites, and housefly eggs also are consumed. Preying on Collembola in the absence of nematodes results in longer developmental times, shorter lived adults, and no egg production. Sex determination is arrhenotokous. M. schaeferi is a member of the subbadius species group, and a key to the North American representatives of this group is presented. |