Micreremidae

Grandjean, 1954

Genus Guides

Micreremus

Micreremidae is a of oribatid mites comprising at least 4 and approximately 14 described . The family is placed in the superfamily Licneremaeoidea. Known genera include Micreremus, Fenichelia, Mexiceremus, and Phylloribatula. Records indicate arboreal associations, with some species collected from tree branches in tropical forests.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Micreremidae: //ˌmaɪkreɪˈrɛmɪdiː//

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Identification

Members of Micreremidae can be distinguished from other licneremaeoid by characters of the gnathosoma and leg chaetotaxy; the Fenichelia has been characterized by detailed of the gnathosoma and identification of leg setae and solenidia. Generic-level identification requires examination of these structures.

Habitat

Arboreal; collected from tree branches in tropical forest environments. Fenichelia arborea has been recorded from Dipterocarpus alatus in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam. The Micreremus has been found associated with trees in Vietnam.

Distribution

Oriental Region: Vietnam (first record of Fenichelia); GBIF records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The has been recorded from the Neotropical region (Mexico) and the Oriental region.

Host Associations

Dipterocarpus alatus - Tree from which Fenichelia arborea was collected in Vietnam
trees - General arboreal association for Micreremus in Vietnam

Similar Taxa

ScheloribatidaeThe Phylloribatula has been historically treated in Scheloribatidae; Micreremidae can be distinguished by licneremaeoid characteristics and gnathosoma
other LicneremaeoideaSuperfamily-level placement distinguishes Micreremidae from other oribatid superfamilies; -level characters involve specific gnathosomal and leg setation patterns

More Details

Taxonomic note

The Phylloribatula was described in Micreremidae by Balogh & Mahunka (1978), though some sources may treat it in Scheloribatidae. The placement follows the Catalogue of Life and recent taxonomic treatments.

Research gaps

Detailed morphological descriptions are available for only a few ; most biological and ecological data remain unknown. The total is likely underestimated given limited sampling in tropical regions.