Antennophorina
Antennophorina is an infraorder of within Mesostigmata, comprising at least four (Antennophoridae, Diplogyniidae, Euzerconidae, Megisthanidae) and over 20 described . Members of this group are primarily of , with documented associations to large and occasional records from beetles. The Micromegistus (family Parantennulidae) represents the best-studied element, inhabiting the subelytral space of beetles in Australia and New Zealand.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Antennophorina: //ænˌtɛnəˈfɒrɪnə//
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Identification
Antennophorina are distinguished within Mesostigmata by their association with the suborder Trigynaspida and their specialized symbiotic relationships with . Specific morphological characters defining the infraorder are not detailed in available sources; -level identification requires examination of cheliceral and leg structures typical of trigynaspid mites.
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Habitat
Subelytral space of large , primarily ; recorded from wet tropical forests to temperate regions.
Distribution
Australia (Melbourne to northern Queensland), New Zealand (both islands); broader distribution likely extends to other regions given the distribution of .
Host Associations
- Trichosternus fax (Coleoptera: Carabidae) - for Micromegistus thorpei
- various genera of large carabid beetles - documented for Micromegistus spp.
- tenebrionid beetles - single record, unspecified
Behavior
Occupies the subelytral space of ; phoretic or symbiotic association with beetles rather than free-living.
Ecological Role
of ; specific functional role (phoretic, commensal, or parasitic) not established in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- SejinaBoth are infraorders within Trigynaspida (Mesostigmata); Sejina are typically free-living soil or litter inhabitants rather than .
- other Mesostigmata infraordersAntennophorina is distinguished by placement in Trigynaspida and association with ; most other mesostigmatan are free-living or of vertebrates.