Two new species of Gymnodamaeidae (Acari: Oribatida) from South Africa

Two new Gymnodamaeidae species from various localities in South Africa are described. Arthrodamaeus johanni n. sp. is characterized by the unique form of the lamellar setae and very short notogastral setae. Gymnodamaeus deswardti n. sp. has long, elaborate notogastral setae and a peculiar cerotegument formation on the prodorsum. The distributions of the species are reported. Both species, of which A. johanni is the more abundant, are widely distributed across South Africa.