Eviphidoidea
Family Guides
2Eviphidoidea is a superfamily of mites within the order Mesostigmata. These mites are primarily free-living or scavengers in soil and litter . The group includes several of gamasid mites that are morphologically distinguished by particular features of the gnathosoma and leg chaetotaxy. 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 mites 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 processes and nutrient cycling in terrestrial .
Similar Taxa
- ParasitoideaParasitoidea is another superfamily of Gamasina mites, but members are predominantly parasitic on arthropods or vertebrates rather than free-living in soil.
- DermanyssoideaDermanyssoidea includes many parasitic mites of vertebrates; eviphidoid mites differ in being primarily free-living and non-parasitic.