Ptyctimous
Guides
Oribotritiidae
Oribotritiidae is a family of ptyctimous oribatid mites in the order Oribatida. The family includes the genus Austrotritia, which has a primarily Gondwanan distribution across the Oriental, Australian, and southeastern Palaearctic Regions. The European species Austrotritia finlandica, endemic to the southwestern archipelago of Finland, represents the only known European occurrence of this genus. Records from GBIF indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
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.
Phthiracarus
Phthiracarus is the second largest genus of ptyctimous mites (Euptyctima), with nearly cosmopolitan distribution. The genus belongs to the family Phthiracaridae within the oribatid mites (Oribatida), a diverse group of soil-dwelling arachnids. Species in this genus are primarily found in temperate forest soils and are associated with decomposition processes. Recent taxonomic work has described new species from previously understudied regions including Northeast China.