New Species of Striatoppia Balogh, 1958 (Acari: Oribatida) from Lakshadweep, India

Lakshadweep, one of the smallest Union Territories of India, consists of 12 atolls, three reefs and fi ve submerged banks and 10 of its 36 Islands (area 32 sq.km.) are inhabited. Though the islands are unique in their ecosystem, no extensive faunal survey has yet been undertaken. Considering the fact, a survey was undertaken in Agatti Island, Lakshadweep for short duration and collected insects and mites. The study of soil inhabiting acarines revealed 10 species of oribatid mites including one new species of the genus Striatoppia Balogh, 1958 which is described here.