A
acarinarium: A specialized morphological structure that facilitates retention of mites on the body of an organism, typically a bee or wasp.
adanal sucker:
Paired pad-like structures situated near the anal opening in males of Astigmata. Originate from adanal setae. Serve for holding female during copulation. Also known as anal suckers and paranal suckers.
aedeagus:
An external organ of a male arthropod that is specialized to deliver sperm during copulation.
anal shield:
In Mesostigmata, a ventral shield bearing the anal opening and circumanal setae (adanal or postanal setae), but without any ventral setae or pores (lyrifissures) on it. If ventral setae are present on shield than referred to as a
ventrianal shield.
apodeme:
Internal
sclerite that serves as an attachment site for muscles. Most commonly used (as "
coxal apodeme") to describe elements of
coxae fused to the ventral body in Acariformes (
coxae are free and not fused to the body in Parasitiformes), and may be variously referred to as ventral, sternal, anterior, or posterior.
apodeme:
Internal
sclerite that serves as an attachment site for muscles. Most commonly used (as "
coxal apodeme") to describe elements of
coxae fused to the ventral body in Acariformes (
coxae are free and not fused to the body in Parasitiformes), and may be variously referred to as ventral, sternal, anterior, or posterior.
apodeme:
Internal
sclerite that serves as an attachment site for muscles. Most commonly used (as "
coxal apodeme") to describe elements of
coxae fused to the ventral body in Acariformes (
coxae are free and not fused to the body in Parasitiformes), and may be variously referred to as ventral, sternal, anterior, or posterior.
apotele: The most distal leg or
palp segment.
arthrodial brush:
A brush-like extension of the arthrodial membrane at the articulation of the movable and fixed digits of the
chelicera in some Mesostigmata. Not to be confused with
cheliceral excrescences that are produced from openings in the movable digit.
B
bothridial seta:
A modified seta inserted in a cup-like base (bothridium); forms include filiform and capitate. Also known as bothridial sensillum and
trichobothrium.
C
chelicera:
Anterior, paired appendage of the body. Primary organ for food acquisition, adapted for chewing, piercing, tearing, sucking, or filtering.
condylophore:
In Acariformes, pretarsal paired sclerotized structures arising from the distal end of the
tarsus and forming a joint with
lateral claws (in Endeostigmata, Oribatida and Trombidiformes) and the
empodial claw. Not to be confused with vertical
sclerites of Parasitiformes.
corniculus:
Paired, horn-like process (sometimes toothed, bifurcate, trifurcate, spine-like, spatulate, or membranous) on the
subcapitulum of parasitiform mites. These processes usually support the salivary styli. If toothed could be confused with a rutellum, a possibly homologous structure in Acariformes and Opilioacarida.
coxa:
In Parasitiformes, most basal leg segment (or podomere) forming a joint with the body. Areas delimited by
coxal apodemes are called
coxal fields in Astigmata or coxisternal plates in Prostigmata.
coxa:
In Parasitiformes, most basal leg segment (or podomere) forming a joint with the body. Areas delimited by
coxal apodemes are called
coxal fields in Astigmata or coxisternal plates in Prostigmata.
E
empodial claw:
Claw-like, membranous, or pad-like structure of setal origin. Present only on the
pretarsus in Acariformes. In Astigmata, it is the only claw on the
pretarsus and often referred to simply as the claw. In the remaining Acariformes, may be accomanied by two
lateral claws. Also known as
empodium, pretarsal
empodium, or central claw.
empodial claw:
Claw-like, membranous, or pad-like structure of setal origin. Present only on the
pretarsus in Acariformes. In Astigmata, it is the only claw on the
pretarsus and often referred to simply as the claw. In the remaining Acariformes, may be accomanied by two
lateral claws. Also known as
empodium, pretarsal
empodium, or central claw.
empodial claw:
Claw-like, membranous, or pad-like structure of setal origin. Present only on the
pretarsus in Acariformes. In Astigmata, it is the only claw on the
pretarsus and often referred to simply as the claw. In the remaining Acariformes, may be accomanied by two
lateral claws. Also known as
empodium, pretarsal
empodium, or central claw.
empodium:
Here used only when
empodial claw is not claw-like, i.e., it is pad-like or membranous.
endopodal shield: Small, narrow
sclerites adjacent to
coxal bases facing the midline of the body. Present in Mesostigmata.
epigynal shield:
A shield protecting the female genital opening. Well-developed in Mesostigmata. Also known as epigynial shield.
epigynal shield:
A shield protecting the female genital opening. Well-developed in Mesostigmata. Also known as epigynial shield.
exopodal shield: Small, narrow
sclerites (or plates) adjacent to the external parts of
coxal bases. Present in Mesostigmata.
F
femur:
Leg or
palp segment (also known as podomere or palpomere) between
genu and
trochanter. In ParasitIformes can be subdivided into telofemur and basifemur.
femur:
Leg or
palp segment (also known as podomere or palpomere) between
genu and
trochanter. In ParasitIformes can be subdivided into telofemur and basifemur.
femur:
Leg or
palp segment (also known as podomere or palpomere) between
genu and
trochanter. In ParasitIformes can be subdivided into telofemur and basifemur.
femur:
Leg or
palp segment (also known as podomere or palpomere) between
genu and
trochanter. In ParasitIformes can be subdivided into telofemur and basifemur.
fungivorous: Feeding on fungi.
G
genital capsule:
A caudal or ventrocaudal capsule in males of Pygmephoroidea, Pyemotoidea, and Tarsonemidae formed by consolidated plates H, PS, and Ag. In many mites with short, sclerotized
aedeagus flanked by setigenous processes and surrounded by adhesive flange or disc.
genital papilla:
Paired, eversible, finger- or bell-shaped structures situated under the genital valves (in the
progenital chamber) of many Acariformes, which serve for osmoregulation. In feeding stages of Histiostomatidae (but not
phoretic deutonymphs) these are modified to cuticular rings situated externally on the ventral body.
genital papilla:
Paired, eversible, finger- or bell-shaped structures situated under the genital valves (in the
progenital chamber) of many Acariformes, which serve for osmoregulation. In feeding stages of Histiostomatidae (but not
phoretic deutonymphs) these are modified to cuticular rings situated externally on the ventral body.
gonopode:
An appendage specialized to transfer sperm, such as the modified male
chelicera in Mesostigmata.
Grandjean's organ:
Paired, finger-shaped, lobe-shaped, or otherwise elaborated structure situated on the lateral sides of the
propodosoma, typically in association with the podocephalic canal. Its free edges may be strongly fimbriate.
H
hypertrichous: With many irregularly arranged setae.
hypostome: Anterior part of the
subcapitulum in parasitiform mites.
I
K
kleptoparasite:
An animal that takes prey or other food from another animal that has caught, collected, or otherwise prepared the food, including stored food. Both kleptoparasitic bees and kleptoparasitic mites feed on food provisioned in the host bee nest. Kleptoparasitic bees do not make their own nests; they stealthily deposit eggs in the nest of a bee host and can act as
phoretic hosts for mites only because they deliver them to nests of actual bee hosts. Variant spelling: cleptoparasite.
L
labrum:
An unpaired process that lies above and between the
chelicerae.
lateral claw:
Usually paired, claw-like structures, situated on each side of the
empodial claw on the distal
pretarsus in many Acariformes. Absent in all Astigmata. Sometimes referred to simply as claws.
lateral claw:
Usually paired, claw-like structures, situated on each side of the
empodial claw on the distal
pretarsus in many Acariformes. Absent in all Astigmata. Sometimes referred to simply as claws.
latigynal shield:
A pair of
sclerites laterad the
mesogynal shield in some female parasitiform mites, that help protect the genital opening; usually bearing one or more pairs of setae and sometimes fused to other genital or ventral elements. The single female genital shield in the Gamasina may represent a fusion of the latigynal and
mesogynal shields. Also known as latigynial shield.
M
mesogynal shield:
An unpaired median
sclerite in some female parasitiform mites that helps protect the genital opening; usually nude and sometimes fused to other genital or ventral elements. The single female genital shield in the Gamasina may represent a fusion of the latigynal and
mesogynal shields. Also known as mesogynial shield.
O
opisthogastric region:
Ventral body behind legs IV. Also known as opisthogaster and ventral
opisthosoma.
opisthosoma:
Body division posterior to legs IV; usually there is no distinct boundary delimiting this part of
idiosoma.
ovipore:
Opening of female which serves as an outlet for oviposition. In Astigmata and non-astigmatan Oribatida, situated between genital valves. In Astigmata, not to be confused with the copulatory opening (which serves for sperm intake).
P
palp:
Second (after
chelicera) paired appendage of the
gnathosoma. Has a sensory function, but may be variously modified for other functions (e.g., raptorial, attachment to host, or filtering).
palp:
Second (after
chelicera) paired appendage of the
gnathosoma. Has a sensory function, but may be variously modified for other functions (e.g., raptorial, attachment to host, or filtering).
palp:
Second (after
chelicera) paired appendage of the
gnathosoma. Has a sensory function, but may be variously modified for other functions (e.g., raptorial, attachment to host, or filtering).
palp:
Second (after
chelicera) paired appendage of the
gnathosoma. Has a sensory function, but may be variously modified for other functions (e.g., raptorial, attachment to host, or filtering).
palpal apotele:
In Mesostigmata a tined structure originating at the base of the palptarsus and thought to be a remnant of the claws. Also known as the palptarsal
apotele.
pedicel: A stalk-shaped, hardened secretion of a specialized gland situated at the posteroventral body end that serves for attachment to the host during
phoresy in Uropodina.
peridomestic: Of or pertaining to living in or around human habitations.
peritreme:
Paired, tubular, elaborated extensions of a tracheal system associated with
stigmatic openings. Can be chambered, arch-like, and situated on the bases of
chelicerae as in Cheyletidae (Prostigmata) or, in Mesostigmata, linear and situated on the lateral sides of the body.
peritreme:
Paired, tubular, elaborated extensions of a tracheal system associated with
stigmatic openings. Can be chambered, arch-like, and situated on the bases of
chelicerae as in Cheyletidae (Prostigmata) or, in Mesostigmata, linear and situated on the lateral sides of the body.
pharynx:
A muscular ectodermal structure that opens into a buccal cavity or mouth, and serves as a suction pump for ingesting food materials. In certain Heterostigmata pharyngal musculature is subdivided into 2-3 distinct parts.
phoresy:
Attaching to or boarding another organism (i.e., a host) for dispersal to new habitats. Can be distinguished from parasitism because feeding typically does not occur.
phoretic:
Pertaining to
phoresy; using another organism (i.e., a host) for dispersal to new habitats.
Phoresy can be distinguished from parasitism because feeding typically does not occur during
phoresy.
physogastric:
With entire body or only
opisthosoma swollen to hold massive numbers of eggs or developing young.
pilus dentilis:
A seta-like or membranous sensory organ inserted ventrolaterally on the fixed digit of the
chelicera of many Mesostigmata.
pinnaculum:
A subapical, dorsal elevation on tibiotarsus I bearing a distinct cluster of 2-3 rodlike sensory setae. Term is used for Heterostigmata only.
pollenkitt: A sticky covering found on the surface of pollen grains.
progenital chamber:
Cavity covered by genital valves in Astigmata; contains
genital papillae. Usually not visible on regular microscopic preparations. Absent in feeding stages of Histiostomatidae.
progenital sclerite:
A paired or unpaired
sclerite situated anterior to the oviporus (female) or genital apparatus (male). In some astigmatid females it is a single, enlarged
sclerite, which is often called an epigynum in descriprive works.
propolis:
A red or brown resinous substance collected by honey bees from tree buds that is used by them to fill crevices and to seal and varnish honeycombs.
pulvillus: a membranous, pad-like structure associated with the claws in Mesostigmata.
R
rostrum: In the Oribatida, the anteriormost dorsal portion of the
idiosoma; in the Prostigmata (Cheyletoidea), the
subcapitulum or the
gnathosomal capsule.
S
saprophagous: Feeding on dead or decaying organic matter.
sclerite: A component section of an exoskeleton; a plate forming the skeleton of an arthropod.
simple:
Of claws or setae; not modified or not bi- or trifurcate at tip.
solenidion:
Thin-walled, terminally rounded or pointed filiform or peglike structure that is not birefringent in polarized light (unlike common setae in Acariformes). Often appears striated because of its internal structure. Found on the
palpal tarsus on the
gnathosoma and may also occur on the
tarsus and
tibia, less frequently on the
genu, and occasionally on the
femur of legs I-IV. In Acariformes, leg
solenidia often arise from unsclerotized areas.
solenidion:
Thin-walled, terminally rounded or pointed filiform or peglike structure that is not birefringent in polarized light (unlike common setae in Acariformes). Often appears striated because of its internal structure. Found on the
palpal tarsus on the
gnathosoma and may also occur on the
tarsus and
tibia, less frequently on the
genu, and occasionally on the
femur of legs I-IV. In Acariformes, leg
solenidia often arise from unsclerotized areas.
solenidion:
Thin-walled, terminally rounded or pointed filiform or peglike structure that is not birefringent in polarized light (unlike common setae in Acariformes). Often appears striated because of its internal structure. Found on the
palpal tarsus on the
gnathosoma and may also occur on the
tarsus and
tibia, less frequently on the
genu, and occasionally on the
femur of legs I-IV. In Acariformes, leg
solenidia often arise from unsclerotized areas.
spermatheca: A structure in the female for storing sperm, typically sac-like.
spermatodactyl:
The "sperm finger" on the
chelicerae of male Dermanyssina (Parasitiformes) used to transfer sperm to the secondary sperm system in the female. Has various forms, from
simple finger-like processes to very long, contorted structures.
spermatodactyl:
The "sperm finger" on the
chelicerae of male Dermanyssina (Parasitiformes) used to transfer sperm to the secondary sperm system in the female. Has various forms, from
simple finger-like processes to very long, contorted structures.
spermatophore: Any structure that carries a packet of sperm.
sporotheca:
Internal paired sacks or external pouch serving for transferring fungal spores. In bee-associated mites, recorded in
Trochometridium (paired sacks between
coxae III and IV of females); certain
Imparipes (Scutacaridae; paired sacks posterior to
coxae IV of females); and
Sennertia hipposideros-groups (
hysterosomal pouch in
phoretic deutonymphs).
sporotheca:
Internal paired sacks or external pouch serving for transferring fungal spores. In bee-associated mites, recorded in
Trochometridium (paired sacks between
coxae III and IV of females); certain
Imparipes (Scutacaridae; paired sacks posterior to
coxae IV of females); and
Sennertia hipposideros-groups (
hysterosomal pouch in
phoretic deutonymphs).
sternal shield:
A shield in the anterior intercoxal region of parasitiform mites that bears one or more pairs of sternal setae.
sternal shield:
A shield in the anterior intercoxal region of parasitiform mites that bears one or more pairs of sternal setae.
stigmatic opening:
An opening that connects to a well-developed tracheal system (exceptions exist when tracheal system and stigmatal openings are disassociated). Situated at or on the
cheliceral bases, anterolaterally on the
propodosoma, or lateral sides of the body. Also known as stigmatal opening or stigma (pl. stigmata).
stigmatic opening:
An opening that connects to a well-developed tracheal system (exceptions exist when tracheal system and stigmatal openings are disassociated). Situated at or on the
cheliceral bases, anterolaterally on the
propodosoma, or lateral sides of the body. Also known as stigmatal opening or stigma (pl. stigmata).
stigmatic opening:
An opening that connects to a well-developed tracheal system (exceptions exist when tracheal system and stigmatal openings are disassociated). Situated at or on the
cheliceral bases, anterolaterally on the
propodosoma, or lateral sides of the body. Also known as stigmatal opening or stigma (pl. stigmata).
subcapitulum: Ventral faces of the fused palpcoxae.
subcortical: Under tree bark.
supracoxal gland:
Paired glands serving for maintenance of water balance in Astigmata. These glands are usually invisible on typical microscopic preparations. However, their presence can be detected by the well-sclerotized
supracoxal gland openings, which are situated on supracoxal
sclerites.
supracoxal gland:
Paired glands serving for maintenance of water balance in Astigmata. These glands are usually invisible on typical microscopic preparations. However, their presence can be detected by the well-sclerotized
supracoxal gland openings, which are situated on supracoxal
sclerites.
T
tarsus:
Terminal segment (also known as podomere or palpomere) of legs or
palps. In Parasitoformes it can be subdivided into telotarsus and basitarsus.
tarsus:
Terminal segment (also known as podomere or palpomere) of legs or
palps. In Parasitoformes it can be subdivided into telotarsus and basitarsus.
tarsus:
Terminal segment (also known as podomere or palpomere) of legs or
palps. In Parasitoformes it can be subdivided into telotarsus and basitarsus.
tarsus:
Terminal segment (also known as podomere or palpomere) of legs or
palps. In Parasitoformes it can be subdivided into telotarsus and basitarsus.
tectum:
The leading dorsal, shelf-like projection of the basis capitulum in Mesostigmata. Also known as gnathotectum or epistome.
tegula:
Lobe-like to acuminate cuticular plate projecting posteriorly between
coxae IV in Tarsonemidae. Also used for hinged
sclerite covering the wing bases in bees.
trichobothrium:
Modified seta that can be distinguished from true seta by its distinct large socket (complex cup-like cavity), and often, shape (which may be filiform, ciliate, pectinate, or thickened or clubbed). Present in many Acariformes (except Astigmata) and Opilioacarida (Parasitiformes). When paired and situated on the
propodosoma, termed "
prodorsal."
trichobothrium:
Modified seta that can be distinguished from true seta by its distinct large socket (complex cup-like cavity), and often, shape (which may be filiform, ciliate, pectinate, or thickened or clubbed). Present in many Acariformes (except Astigmata) and Opilioacarida (Parasitiformes). When paired and situated on the
propodosoma, termed "
prodorsal."
tritonymph:
Ontogenetic stage between the
deutonymph and adult. Sometimes this stage is absent and
deutonymph transforms directly to the adult stage. See
Life stages page for more details.
tritosternum:
In Mesostigmata, a biflagellate structure situated on the ventral side of the body, posterior to the
gnathosoma and anterior to the
sternal shield. Sometimes the flagellae (laciniae) are partially or completely fused.
trochanter:
Leg or
palp segment (also known as podomere or palpomere) between
femur and
coxa. In Acariformes this is the most basal movable leg segment (or podomere) forming a joint with the body.
trochanter:
Leg or
palp segment (also known as podomere or palpomere) between
femur and
coxa. In Acariformes this is the most basal movable leg segment (or podomere) forming a joint with the body.
trochanter:
Leg or
palp segment (also known as podomere or palpomere) between
femur and
coxa. In Acariformes this is the most basal movable leg segment (or podomere) forming a joint with the body.
trochanter:
Leg or
palp segment (also known as podomere or palpomere) between
femur and
coxa. In Acariformes this is the most basal movable leg segment (or podomere) forming a joint with the body.
U
urstigma:
Paired, rounded area between
coxae of legs I-II in Parasitengona larvae. Homologous to
Claparède organ.
V
ventrianal shield:
In Mesostigmata, a ventral shield bearing the anal opening, circumanal (postanal and adanal) setae, and one or more pairs of ventral setae or pores (lyrifissures) (see
anal shield); may be narrow or very broad and covering most of the gaster.
