Mangrove-fauna
Guides
Ameronothroidea
Ameronothroidea is a paraphyletic assemblage of oribatid mites comprising approximately 130 species across five families. Contrary to previous classifications as a monophyletic superfamily, molecular evidence demonstrates that the marine-associated lifestyle evolved independently three times: Fortuyniidae and Selenoribatidae in tropical and subtropical intertidal zones (Triassic-Jurassic, ~225–146 mya), Ameronothridae in northern cold-temperate and polar coasts (late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous), and Podacaridae in southern cold-temperate and polar coasts (Early Cretaceous, ~30 my later). Tegeocranellidae represents a limnic (freshwater) lineage without marine association. These mites are strictly intertidal, exhibiting low dispersal potential and strong biogeographic structure correlated with ocean currents and continental history.
Mesoveliidae
Water Treaders
Mesoveliidae is a family of semiaquatic true bugs comprising approximately 16 genera and at least 50 described species. Commonly known as water treaders, these predaceous insects occupy diverse habitats ranging from humid terrestrial environments to aquatic margins, including mangrove estuaries, freshwater surfaces, and even coastal caves and lava tubes. The family exhibits remarkable habitat plasticity, with some species adapted to intertidal marine conditions and others to fully terrestrial or cave-dwelling lifestyles. Molecular phylogenetic studies have challenged traditional subfamily classifications, suggesting polyphyly within Mesoveliinae.