Adamystidae
Cunliffe, 1957
Adamystidae is a of predatory in the Trombidiformes, comprising the sole family of the superfamily Adamystoidea. The family contains at least three : the extant Adamystis and Nannodromus, and the extinct †Saxidromus. These are , inhabiting soil and leaf litter, and are characterized by specific morphological features of the propodosoma and idiosoma that distinguish them from related anystine mites.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Adamystidae: /ˌæ.dəˈmɪs.tɪˌdeɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Members of Adamystidae can be distinguished from other Anystina by the presence of dimpled vacuoles between the sci and sce on the propodosoma; one pair of associated with postocular bodies; and specific arrangements of setae h1, h2, ps1, and ps2 on smooth platelets lacking -like structures. The smooth idiosomal shield and overall body proportions separate them from related in the Anystina.
Habitat
Soil and leaf litter in forested and parkland environments; microhabitats.
Distribution
Recorded from Iran (Chitgar Forest Park), Middle Asia, Thailand, South Carolina (USA), Texas (USA), Ukraine, and the Hindu-Kush region.
Ecological Role
; component of soil fauna, contributing to soil dynamics as or .
Similar Taxa
- AnystidaeBoth belong to infraorder Anystina and share general anystine body plan, but Anystidae lack the distinctive dimpled vacuoles on the propodosoma and the specific setal arrangements on platelets characteristic of Adamystidae.
More Details
Taxonomic uniqueness
Adamystidae is the only in the superfamily Adamystoidea, making it phylogenetically isolated within the Anystina.
Extinct genus
The †Saxidromus (Coineau, 1974) is extinct, indicating a broader historical distribution or ecological range than currently represented by extant .