Euptyctima
Guides
Phthiracaridae
Phthiracaridae is a family of ptyctimous oribatid mites within the superfamily Phthiracaroidea. The family comprises approximately 7 genera and at least 710 described species, making it one of the largest families of Euptyctima. Members are characterized by a retractable idiosoma (ptychoidy), a defensive adaptation where the body can fold to protect legs and mouthparts. The family has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions.