Arctacaridae
Evans, 1955
Genus Guides
1Arctacaridae is a small of mites in the order Mesostigmata, discovered and described by Evans in 1955 from arctic regions of North America. The family contains two , Arctacarus and Proarctacarus, with six recognized total. These mites are among the few mesostigmatid lineages specifically adapted to cold, high-latitude environments. The genus Proarctacarus was established in 2003 based on specimens from Canada and the northwestern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Arctacaridae: /ˌɑrk.təˈkɛrɪ.diː/
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Habitat
Arctic and cold-temperate regions; specific microhabitat preferences within these zones remain undocumented.
Distribution
Arctic regions of North America, including Alaska, Canada, and the northwestern United States (Oregon). Additional records from Dzungaria and the Beringian region suggest broader Holarctic distribution in cold environments.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by G.O. Evans in 1955 based on specimens from arctic North America. The second , Proarctacarus, was added by Makarova in 2003, nearly 50 years after the family's original description, indicating ongoing discovery of diversity in this lineage.
Phylogenetic placement
Arctacaridae is placed in the superfamily Arctacaroidea within the infraorder Gamasina, representing a distinct lineage among predatory mesostigmatid mites.