New mite species described in human death investigation: Implications for forensic entomology and decomposition ecology

The remains of an elderly gentleman were discovered in his bed in April of 2011.  Immature Synthesiomyia nudiseta Wulp (Diptera: Muscidae) had pupated in a large mass of tangled hair of the decedent, instead of dispersing from the remains and forming cocoons of saliva and detritus.  During processing for forensic entomological analysis, a previously unnoticed mite population was discovered.  These mites constitute a new species within the genus Myianoetus (Astigmata: Histiostomatidae), and represent the first recorded mite associated with this species of cosmopolitan fly.  A description of the Myianoetus species followed by a discussion of the reciprocal implications in forensic entomology, acarology, and decomposition ecology will be presented.