Eupodina

Subclass Guides

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Eupodina is an infraorder of mites within the suborder Prostigmata (Trombidiformes). These mites are generally small, soft-bodied arachnids with diverse ecological roles. The group includes such as Eupodidae, Pentapalpidae, and Rhagidiidae. Many eupodine mites inhabit soil, leaf litter, or intertidal zones.

Penthaleus by (c) Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland. Used under a CC-BY license.Cocceupodidae by (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.Cocceupodidae by (c) Frank Ashwood, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Frank Ashwood. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eupodina: /juːˈpɒdɪnə/

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

Images

Habitat

Eupodine mites occupy varied microhabitats including soil, leaf litter, moss, and intertidal zones. Some lineages are associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic environments. Specific preferences vary considerably among constituent .

Distribution

Eupodina has a distribution with records across multiple continents. The infraorder's constituent show varying geographic ranges; some are widespread while others have more restricted distributions.

Ecological Role

Soil-dwelling eupodine mites contribute to decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial . Intertidal and semi-aquatic forms participate in microbial in coastal environments.

Sources and further reading