Axonopsinae

MM199999

The Aturidae is a family of water mites in the superfamily Hygrobatoidea. The 10 genera of aturids in Australia are divided into three subfamilies.

The Axonopsinae is represented by a single genus in Australia, Axonopsella (32 spp., Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas, WA, NT). Axonopsella differs from other aturid genera in having this combination of characters: dorsal shield composed of a single plate plus a small anterior platelet bearing the pair of thickened ('antenniform') setae (this platelet is sometimes fused with the ventral shield); rounded flaps partially covering the attachment points of legs IV. Axonopsella are strongly sexually dimorphic and it is often difficult to match males with females, as numerous species may co-occur at the same site.

Axonopsella are common in streams in both surficial and interstitial habitats, but also occur in lakes and pools.

References

Cook, D.R. 1986. Water mites from Australia. Mem. Amer. Ent. Inst. 40: 1-568.

Harvey, M.S. 1998. The Australian Water Mites: a Guide to Families and Genera. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Vic.