Tuckerella

Tuckerella
False-colour SEM of Tuckerella sp., magnified 260×
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Subclass: Acari
Order: Trombidiformes
(unranked): Raphignathina
Superfamily: Tetranychoidea
Family: Tuckerellidae
Baker & Pritchard, 1953
Genus: Tuckerella
Womersley, 1940

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]

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 2 3 4 5 Walter, David Evans; Proctor, Heather (2013). Mites: Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 292. ISBN 978-94-007-7164-2.
  2. 1 2 3 D.E. Walter (University of Queensland) (2005-09-28). ""Peacock mites" Tuckerellidae". United States Department of Agriculture.
  3. ↑ Vacante, Vincenzo (2010). Citrus Mites. Cabi. p. 167. ISBN 978-1-84593-499-6.
  4. ↑ David Evans Walter (2004). "Hidden in plain sight: mites in the canopy". In Margaret Lowman & H. Bruce Rinker. Forest Canopies. Academic Press. pp. 224–241. ISBN 978-0-12-457553-0.
  5. 1 2 3 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. ↑ "Index of the Described Animalia of the World: Tuckerellidae". Texas A&M University.
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