Is it a mite?

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Nomenclature

Palpigradida (Palpigradi)

Common names

palpigrades

Probability of encounter

low

Quarantine importance

No known importance.

Similarity to mites

Small size, strong chelicerae; somewhat mite-like when the flagellum breaks off (common), but with clear opisthosomal segmentation.

Morphology

Normal adult length: <1 mm
Body tagmata: prosoma, opisthosoma, segmented telson (flagellum)
Eyes: absent
Antennae: absent
Mouthparts: 3-segmented chelicerae; leg-like palps
Legs: 4 pairs; legs I antenniform
Distinguishing features: tail-like flagellum; finger-like median and lateral organs; 3-segmented chelicerae

Diversity

2 families, 6 genera, >78 spp.

References

• Harvey 2003