Thalassarachna

Packard, 1871

Thalassarachna is a of marine halacarid mites ( Halacaridae) inhabiting shallow waters of the North Atlantic. The genus includes at least two , T. basteri and T. affinis, with distinct geographic distributions: T. basteri in cold-temperate and polar regions, and T. affinis in warm-temperate eastern Atlantic waters. Members undergo an with one larval and two nymphal instars before reaching adulthood.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Thalassarachna: /θə.læ.səˈræk.nə/

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Identification

and nymphs of T. basteri and T. affinis can be distinguished by the shape of the frontal spine and the number of spines on leg I. Larvae are characterized by smaller plates, incomplete setae numbers on the venter and legs, and shorter legs relative to subsequent instars. Larval ocular plates of T. basteri are divided into distinct and platelets.

Habitat

Shallow marine waters of the North Atlantic.

Distribution

North Atlantic Ocean; records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. T. basteri occurs in cold-temperate and polar areas on both eastern and western coasts; T. affinis is primarily recorded from warm-temperate eastern North Atlantic waters.

Life Cycle

comprising one larval instar, two nymphal instars, and the stage. External morphological characters develop progressively through instars, with plates enlarging, setae numbers completing, and legs lengthening.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Halacaridae generaThalassarachna larvae share general shape and setal counts with northern hemisphere of similar size and , but differ in having divided larval ocular plates ( and platelets).

Sources and further reading