Alycidae
G. Canestrini & Fanzago, 1877
Alycidae is a of in the suborder Endeostigmata, established by Canestrini and Fanzago in 1877. The family comprises at least six recognized : Alycus, Amphialycus, Coccalicus, Laminamichaelia, Orthacarus, and Petralycus. These mites belong to the acariform group Endeostigmata, which retains ancestral characteristics. The family has been documented in northern European countries including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Alycidae: /əˈlɪsɪˌdiː/
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Identification
Members of Alycidae can be distinguished from other endeostigmatan by features of the gnathosoma and , though specific diagnostic characters require microscopic examination. The family is placed in the superfamily Alycoidea within the infraorder Bimichaeliida. Identification to level relies on detailed morphological features of the idiosoma and leg .
Distribution
Documented from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden based on GBIF records. The actual range likely extends more broadly across the Palearctic, given the distribution of related endeostigmatan .
Similar Taxa
- BimichaeliidaeAlso placed in infraorder Bimichaeliida and superfamily Alycoidea; distinguished by gnathosomal and palpal
- NematalycidaeAnother in Endeostigmata with elongated, -like body form; Alycidae have more typical body proportions
More Details
Taxonomic placement
Alycidae is one of the few in the superfamily Alycoidea, which belongs to the infraorder Bimichaeliida. This placement reflects the family's position among the more derived endeostigmatan lineages.
Research status
The remains poorly studied, with limited ecological or biological data available beyond taxonomic descriptions. Most were described in the mid-20th century, with Laminamichaelia being the most recently established genus in 2010.