Systematic researches on zerconid mites (Acari, Zerconidae) in Saklıkent National Park

This study, which was carried out to determine the zerconid mite fauna of Saklikent National Park and its immediate surroundings, which has a rich vegetation in the Mediterranean Region, and thus to contribute to the world mite fauna, was carried out between May 2021 and December 2023 on the dates specified in the localities where the samples were collected. During the study, a total of 257 samples were collected from 75 different localities by collecting humus soil, debris, rotten tree roots, soil and moss on rocks. The collected samples were evaluated in the acarological research laboratory, and a total of 10 zerconid mite species belonging to the genera Zercon and Prozercon were identified. Z. cokelezicus, Z. colligans, Z. fethiyensis sp. nov., Z. huseyini, Z. kallimcii, Z. kasensis sp. nov., Z. marinae, Z. muglaensis, and Z. quadricavum species belong to the genus Zercon and Prozercon yavuzi species belong to the genus Prozercon. The identified specimens are illustrated, measured, described and their world distribution is presented together with the species. All of the identified species are new records for Saklikent National Park. In addition, Z. fethiyensis sp. nov. and Z. kasensis sp. nov. were recorded as new species for the first time in this study. KEYWORDS: Mesostigmata, biodiversity, Prozercon, Zercon, Antalya, Muğla, Türkiye