Licneremaeoidea
Grandjean, 1954
Family Guides
1Licneremaeoidea is a superfamily of oribatid mites comprising approximately six and over 170 described . Members are primarily arboreal, inhabiting leaf surfaces in forest . The superfamily was established by Grandjean in 1954 and includes families such as Licneremaeidae, Scutoverticidae, and Micreremidae. Some members possess expanded tarsal interpreted as adaptations to life on vegetation.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Licneremaeoidea: //lɪk.nɛr.ɛ.maɪˈɔɪ.diə//
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Habitat
Arboreal , particularly leaf surfaces (phytophilous) in forest . At least one has been documented in cool-temperate to tropical rainforests, with a preference for leaves with smooth surfaces or closely appressed hairs.
Distribution
Documented from Australian rainforests (Tasmania, Victoria, montane subtropical to tropical rainforests as far north as Mount Lewis, Queensland). Global distribution otherwise poorly documented.
Diet
At least one , Adhaesozetes polyphyllos, grazes on epiphyllic fungi. General feeding habits for the superfamily as a whole are not established.
Life Cycle
Bisexual observed in at least one (Adhaesozetes polyphyllos), with females comprising approximately 55% of . Females use ovipositors to deposit in protected sites such as insect damage or leaf domatia, often within cast skins of mites. All developmental stages present year-round in at least one population.
Behavior
Females actively select protected microsites for deposition. Some members exhibit increases from late winter to midsummer.
Ecological Role
Leaf-inhabiting decomposers; epiphyllic fungus grazers. May contribute to nutrient cycling in forest .
More Details
Family composition
Six : Dendroeremaeidae, Lamellareidae, Licneremaeidae, Micreremidae, Passalozetidae, and Scutoverticidae.
Phylogenetic note
The Adhaesozetidae was demonstrated to belong to Licneremaeoidea based on character analysis, though this placement may not be reflected in all classifications.