Tuckerellidae

<i>Tuckerella</i>

Tuckerella

Genus of mites

The peacock mites of the genus Tuckerella (the only genus of the mite family Tuckerellidae) are a significant herbivorous pest in the tropics, for example on citrus fruit. Other species dwell in grasses, possibly as root feeders.[1]

Quick Facts Scientific classification ...

The peacock mite's name suggests that their feather-like (or leaf-like) setae[1] adorning their backs are evocative of a peacock's plumage.[2] They also have long hair-like setae projecting from rear (caudal setae)[3] that have been compared to a trailing peacock tail.[1] The 5–7 pairs of caudal setae can be flicked over the body very quickly,[1] so they are used like whips in defense against predators.[2] They may also help in wind-borne dispersal.[2]

They are classified in the superfamily Tetranychoidea,[4] being its most ornate members.[1]

Species

References

  1. [1]
    Walter, David Evans; Proctor, Heather (2013). Mites: Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 292. ISBN 978-94-007-7164-2.
  2. [2]
    D.E. Walter (University of Queensland) (2005-09-28). ""Peacock mites" Tuckerellidae". United States Department of Agriculture.
  3. [3]
    Vacante, Vincenzo (2010). Citrus Mites. Cabi. p. 167. ISBN 978-1-84593-499-6.
  4. [4]
    David Evans Walter (2004). "Hidden in plain sight: mites in the canopy". In Margaret Lowman & H. Bruce Rinker (ed.). Forest Canopies. Academic Press. pp. 224–241. ISBN 978-0-12-457553-0.
  5. [5]
    Zhang, Zhi-qiang; Hong, Xiao-yue; Fan, Qing-hai (2010). Progress in Chinese Acarology. Magnolia Press. p. 7. ISBN 978-1-86977-545-2.
  6. [6]
    "Index of the Described Animalia of the World: Tuckerellidae". Texas A&M University.
  7. [7]
    A.A. Khaustov; A.L. Sergeyenko; E.E. Perkovsky (2014). "First fossil record of mites of the family Tuckerellidae (Acari: Tetranychoidea) from Rovno amber with description of a new species". International Journal of Acarology. 40 (5): 367–369. Bibcode:2014IJAca..40..367K. doi:10.1080/01647954.2014.933253. S2CID 84956169.
  8. [8]
    Ekaterina A. Sidorchuk; Alexander A. Khaustov (2018). "Two Eocene species of peacock mites (Acari: Tetranychoidea: Tuckerellidae)". Acarologia. 58 (1): 99–115. doi:10.24349/acarologia/20184228.
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