Eleutherengona

Eleutherengona

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eleutherengona: /ɛˌluːθəˈrɛŋɡə nə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Panonychus ulmi - eggs by University of Georgia Plant Pathology Archive, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Tetranychus urticae 20080601 031 by Ante Perkovic. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Oligonychus ununguis on Thuja sp. by Tracy Wootten, University of Delaware, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Rote Spinne by \ldblquote (talk). Used under a CC0 license.
Tetranychus urticae 2 by David Cappaert. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Demodex Milbe adult by Kalumet. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Prostigmata is a suborder of mites known for their diversity and ecological significance, comprising many species that are plant pests and others that are important in freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Physical Characteristics

Prostigmata are usually 0.1–2 mm long; some giant red velvet mites can reach 16 mm. They have a range of different body forms and colours. Most have eight legs, while larvae have six; Eriophyoidea have four legs positioned at the front of a long, worm-like body.

Identification Tips

Identify Prostigmata by their size (0.1–2 mm), body shape, and the presence of spiracles (stigmata) on the prodorsum, typically between the chelicerae or on its lateral margins.

Habitat

Many live in soil across diverse environments including agricultural fields, burned prairies, tidal marshlands, and Antarctic soils. Others are aquatic, inhabiting freshwater and marine environments.

Distribution

Prostigmata are found worldwide, inhabiting varied ecosystems from soil to aquatic environments.

Diet

They have a diverse diet including predators, herbivores, fungivores, microbivores, and parasites. Soil-dwelling species may feed on nematodes, fungi, and other arthropods.

Life Cycle

Not specified in the provided data.

Reproduction

Not specified in the provided data.

Predators

Some Prostigmata are predators of smaller invertebrates, including smaller Prostigmata.

Conservation Status

Not specified in the provided data.

Ecosystem Role

They play various ecological roles including being predators, parasites, and herbivores in their respective environments.

Economic Impact

Many species are notorious pests on plants, affecting agriculture and horticulture.

Cultural Significance

Some Prostigmata, such as harvest mites, are of medical relevance due to causing skin diseases in humans.

Health Concerns

Harvest mites ('chiggers') can cause skin diseases in humans.

Evolution

The Prostigmata make up a significant part of the Trombidiformes clade within Acariformes, presenting complex evolutionary relationships.

Misconceptions

Some people may confuse Prostigmata with other mite groups without recognizing their unique characteristics and ecological roles.

Tags

  • mites
  • Prostigmata
  • arachnids
  • pests
  • ecological roles
  • biodiversity