Eviphidoidea
Eviphidoidea is a superfamily of within the Mesostigmata. These mites are primarily free-living or scavengers in soil and litter . The group includes several of mites that are morphologically distinguished by particular features of the gnathosoma and leg . They are ecologically significant as components of soil microarthropod .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eviphidoidea: /ˌɛvɪˌfaɪˈdoʊˌɪdiə/
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Identification
Members of Eviphidoidea are distinguished from other Gamasina superfamilies by specific morphological traits, including the structure of the gnathosoma and particular patterns of setation on the legs. Many eviphidoid have relatively long legs compared to body size and a well-sclerotized shield. Definitive identification to superfamily level requires microscopic examination of cheliceral and podonotal characters.
Images
Habitat
Soil and leaf litter in terrestrial ; some occur in moss, decaying wood, or compost.
Distribution
distribution with records from multiple continents including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Ecological Role
Contributes to soil as and scavengers; participates in decomposition and in terrestrial .
Similar Taxa
- ParasitoideaParasitoidea is another superfamily of Gamasina , but members are predominantly parasitic on or vertebrates rather than free-living in soil.
- Dermanyssoidea includes many parasitic of vertebrates; eviphidoid mites differ in being primarily free-living and non-parasitic.