Veigaiidae
Genus Guides
1Veigaiidae is a of free-living predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata. They inhabit soil and decaying organic matter, with some specialized for rocky shorelines. The Veigaia is particularly widespread in the Holarctic Region.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Veigaiidae: /veɪˈɡaɪɪdiː/
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Identification
Distinguished from other mesostigmatid mites by a hyaline (transparent) appendage on the of the .
Images
Habitat
Soil and decaying organic matter. Some are of rocky shorelines.
Distribution
Holarctic Region; recorded in Romania (10 ), Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Diet
Predatory. Specific prey items are not documented in available sources.
Behavior
Oviposition in Veigaia cerva involves five distinct phases: substrate inspection, rhythmic movement of gnathosoma and first pair of legs, an inactive phase, raising of soma, and laying. Egg deposition itself involves three sub-phases: internal egg movement, placing the egg in front of the gnathosoma, and depositing using , with palps and the first pair of legs positioning the egg between chelicerae. Mean oviposition duration: 333 ± 22 seconds.
Ecological Role
Predatory mites in soil .
Misconceptions
Despite belonging to the Parasitiformes, Veigaiidae are not parasitic.