Suckers that help mites attach to arthropods for phoretic dispersal are known in two groups. In Astigmata, the heteromorphic deutonymphal stage (hypopus) often possesses a complex sucker plate (attachment organ) posteriorposterior:
the back part of the body or towards that region in comparison, e.g., 'posterior to'.
to legs IV. In Mesostigmata, adults belonging to the superfamily Heterozerconoidea, which are primarily associated with millipedes and centipedes, have a pair of large ventral suckers.
Additionally, male Astigmata and many Heterostigmata have suckers used to grasp the female (or subadult female) during mate guarding and mating.
Author: David E. Walter
Content last updated Sept. 2006, unless indicated otherwise
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