Discozerconidae

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Discozerconidae
Berzercon ferdinandi Baker & Seeman, 2013

Berzercon ferdinandi Baker & Seeman, 2013

Systematics
Subclass : Mites (acari)
Superordinate : Parasitiformes
Order : Mesostigmata
Subordination : Heterozerconina
Superfamily : Heterozerconoid
Family : Discozerconidae
Scientific name
Discozerconidae
Berlese , 1910

Discozerconidae are a family of mites within the order Mesostigmata . The adult mites have relatively large suction cups on the underside of the abdomen with which they can attach themselves to the smooth chitin armor of centipedes or ground beetles .

features

The species of the Discozerconidae are characterized by their disc-shaped, almost circular body shape when viewed from above. They are 1 to 1.5 millimeters long.

Like the closely related family of the Heterozerconidae , they have suction cups on their abdomen . In the Discozerconidae, they grow directly out of the soft skin without a base or stem and are directed downwards.

Another distinguishing feature is the lack of a helical spermatodactyl on the immobile finger of the chelicerae of the males and a secondary sperm access system in the females of the Discozerconidae.

Way of life

In contrast to the Heterozerconidae family , the Discozerconidae species have only been found on representatives of the centipedes and ground beetles. The closely related Heterozerconidae, on the other hand, attach themselves in the adult stage with the help of their suckers to bipods , blindworms , double snakes and even snakes .

What the Discozerconidae feed on when they attach themselves to an animal is unknown. It is conceivable that, like the representatives of many other mite families, they can only be transported by the larger animals ( phoresy ). Blood was found in the digestive tract of the mite Amheterozercon amphisbaenae , which belongs to the Heterozerconidae and is found on double snakes . This could be an indication that at least on reptiles specialized mites of the cohort Heterozerconina on their host animals parasitize and how also to mite superordination Parasitiformes counting ticks suck their blood.

Taxonomy and systematics

The phylogenetic relationship of the two sister groups Discozerconidae and Heterozerconidae to the other mite groups is controversial. Johnston suspected a relationship with the Trigynaspida , but molecular genetic studies in 2004 indicated that these mites could be largely specialized species of the suborder Sejina . However, further studies must be carried out to clarify these relationships.

species

Within the family Discozerconidae only four species in three different genera are known:

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ A. Di Palma, BS Gerdeman & G. Alberti: Fine structure and functional morphology of the spermatodactyl in males of Heterozerconidae (Gamasida). International Journal of Acarology, 34, pp. 359-366, 2008 doi : 10.1080 / 17088180809434778
  2. ↑ Owen D. Seeman & Michelle R. Baker: A new genus and species of Discozerconidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) from carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in New Zealand. Zootaxa, 3750, 2, pp. 130-142, 2013 doi : 10.11646 / zootaxa.3750.2.2
  3. ↑ CHW Flechtmann & D. Johnston: Zeterohercon, a new genus of Heterozerconidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) and the description of Zeterohercon amphisbaenae n. Sp. from Brasil. International Journal of Acarology, 16, pp. 143-148, 1990 doi : 10.1080 / 01647959008683526
  4. ↑ RA Norton, JB Kethley, DE Johnston & BM O'Connor, BM (1993) Phylogenetic perspectives on genetic system and reproductive modes of mites. In: D. Wrensch & M. Ebbert (Eds.): Evolution and Diversity of Sex Ratio in Insects and Mites. Chapman & Hall, pp. 8-99, New York 1993
  5. ↑ M. Lekveishvili & H. Klompen: Phylogeny of infraorder Sejina (Acari: Mesostigmata). Zootaxa, 629, pp. 1-19, 2004
  6. ^ EE Lindquist, GW Krantz & DE Walter: Order Mesostigmata. In: GW Krantz & DE Walter (Eds.): A Manual of Acarolgy, Third Edition. , Pp. 124-232, Texas Tech University Press, Lubbock 2009

literature

  • Antonio Berlese : Brevi diagnosi di generi e specie nuovi di Acari. Redia, 6, p. 345–388, 2010, p. 374ff (first description of the family)
  • R. Domrow: The family Discozerconidae (Acarina, Mesostigmata) in Australia. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 81, pp. 193-196, 1956 ( scan )
  • EE Lindquist, GW Krantz & DE Walter: Order Mesostigmata. In: GW Krantz & DE Walter (Eds.): A Manual of Acarolgy, Third Edition. , Pp. 124-232, Texas Tech University Press, Lubbock 2009

Web links

Commons : Discozerconidae  - collection of images, videos and audio files