MM379999

Algophagids are mites belonging to the suborder Astigmata in the Order Acariformes. They occur in tree sap, phytotelmata, and other freshwater and brackish habitats. In Australia, one currently undescribed genus of algophagids has been collected from water-filled treeholes in Lamington National Park. Its feeding biology is described by Fashing (1998).

Aquatic astigmatans of the families Acaridae, Algophagidae and Hyadesiidae are similar in appearance. However, acarids have tarsal claws that attach directly to the tarsi, whereas algophagids and hyadesiids have tarsal claws at the ends of flattened pulvilliform pretarsal stalks. In algophagids, the pretarsi of all legs are the same length, while in hyadesiids the pretarsi of legs I and II are much longer than those of legs III and IV. The Algophagidae was previously included within the Hyadesiidae.

References:

Fashing, N.J. 1994. Life-history patterns of astigmatid inhabitants of water-filled treeholes. pp. 160-185 in M.A. Houck (ed.) Mites: ecological and evolutionary studies of life-history patterns. Chapman & Hall, New York.

Fashing, N.J. 1998. Functional morphology as an aid in determining trophic behaviour: the placement of astigmatic mites in food webs of water-filled tree-hole communities. Exp. appl. Acarol. 22: 435-453.

Krantz, G.W. 1978. A Manual of Acarology. 2nd edition. Oregon State University Book Stores, Corvallis, Oregon.