FEATURES:

 

COMMON NAME:

  • Water Mites

MORPHOLOGY:

  • Size -

  • high range

  • Distinguishing Features -

  • The larvae has a short gnathosoma with stocky pedipalps, which have 5 free segments that flex ventrally.
  • The tarsus of the pedipalp is typically reduced to a dome or button shaped pad.
  • A highly modified thick, curved seta is on the dorsal end of tibia that acts as a claw.
  • The water mite exhibit the characteristic acarine body plan comprising the gnathosoma, or mouth region, and the idiosoma, or body proper, representing the fused cephalothorax and abdomen.

FUNCTIONAL FEEDING GROUP:

  • Parasitic, carnivorous; preying upon small aquatic organisms and the eggs of fish and insects.
  • (Thorp, 1991 pg.542-453)