The function of these modified
setae is unknown, but their structure is
similar to that of the subterminal seta,
termed C, found on tibia I of the
endeostigmatic mite genus Grandjeanicus,
which forms part of an auditory-stridulatory
complex (Coineau et al., 1997). Other
unique characters of S. lekprayoonae n. sp.
include the presence of prodorsal apodemes,
the solenidial counts on genua I-IV (1-1-1-
0), and the long-stalked famulus. Detailed
comparisons between species of Sphaerolichus
are made in Table 1.