Sub-antarctic
Guides
Algophagidae
Algophagidae is a family of astigmatid mites containing approximately 5 genera and at least 10 described species. Members inhabit specialized microhabitats including tree sap fluxes, water-filled treeholes, and sub-Antarctic moss or algal beds. Several species exhibit complex life histories with facultative deutonymph stages that may be phoretic or non-phoretic depending on environmental conditions. The family shows notable morphological plasticity related to habitat occupation.