MM269999

The Frontipodopsidae is a family of water mites in the superfamily Hygrobatoidea. It was previously placed as a subfamily of the Aturidae, but was given familial status by Harvey (1998). Frontipodopsis is the only genus of frontipodopsids in Australia (3 spp., Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas).

Frontipodopsis species are laterally compressed, almost completely sclerotised, and have their legs I-III crowded towards the anterior of the body when viewed laterally. They may be confused with species in the family Oxidae; however, oxids also have legs IV crowded towards the anterior of the body.

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.