Water Mites

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Harry Smit - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Vladimir Pesic - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Peter Martin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Water Mites acari parasitengona hydrachnidia as inhabitants of groundWater influenced habitats considerations following an update of limnofauna europaea
    Limnologica, 2017
    Co-Authors: Reinhard Gerecke, Peter Martin, Terence Gledhill
    Abstract:

    Abstract Following an update of the survey of the European Water mite fauna (Acari: Hydrachnidia) last published by K. Viets (1978), we confirmed the occurrence of 970 species. Based on the evaluation of these data, new bibliography and our own unpublished data, the main habitat preference is determined for each species. The resulting ecological data are analysed with a main focus on species inhabiting groundWater-influenced habitats. No other invertebrate group includes a similarly high share of species with a particular relationship to spring habitats: about one fifth of the European Hydrachnidia has a preference for spring habitats, a total number of 137 (14%) is crenobiontic (living exclusively in springs). The following topics are addressed: (1) the significance of spring habitats for the diversity of Water Mites − percentage of crenobionts/crenophiles at different geographical latitudes; (2) regional stenotopy − intraspecific differences in habitat preference between populations at different latitudes; (3) communities colonizing springs vs. hyporheic − similarities and differences; (4) evolution of crenobiosis in Water Mites − potential governing factors; (5) endangered species − direct and indirect anthropogenic threats to the natural diversity of Water Mites.

  • Water Mites as potential long term bioindicators in formerly drained and rewetted raised bogs
    Ecological Indicators, 2013
    Co-Authors: Mariusz Wiecek, Peter Martin, Andrea Lipinski
    Abstract:

    Abstract Many environmental studies of restored peatlands focus on biogeochemical cycles, productivity and decomposition. However, changes in the composition and structure of invertebrate assemblages in restored bogs have received little attention. In the present study we describe effects of rewetting on the Water mite faunas (Acari: Hydrachnidia) of four raised bogs located in northwestern Germany. All examined peatlands had been drained in the past, and two of them had been subjected to peat extraction. The examined sites had been rewetted 2, 12, 14 and 25 years prior to our surveys, and currently represent different stages of plant succession. With increasing age after rewetting, the vegetation developed more complex structure as defined by Sphagnum status, and Water mite fauna became somewhat similar to the fauna in an undisturbed raised reference bog. Water Mites were found almost exclusively in bogs 25 years after wetting, and in these bogs they occurred in sites with more complex vegetation structure. Because Water Mites have high demands on abiotic and biotic factors due to their complex life cycle (i.e., the larvae are parasites, and the nymphs and adults are predators), we can infer that their mere presence irrespective of species abundance and richness reflects positive effects of the rewetting measures conducted in peat bogs.

  • Distribution patterns and environmental correlates of Water Mites (Hydrachnidia, Acari) in peatland microhabitats
    Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2013
    Co-Authors: Mariusz Więcek, Peter Martin
    Abstract:

    In Europe peatlands are wetlands of postglacial origin. Because of climatic changes and agricultural activities (i.e. drainage and peat extraction), they are one of the most endangered ecosystems worldwide. Water Mites are well known as indicators of changing environments in other ecosystems such as springs and lakes. For our study we selected seven peatlands located in North-Western Poland and focused on Water mite distribution and associated habitat and Water quality variables. We described Water mite fauna in various microhabitats (aquatic and semiaquatic) along the mineral-richness gradient to test whether this gradient is reflected in the composition of Water mite assemblages. We selected conductivity, pH and vegetation as variables reflecting the poor-rich gradient. Additionally, we measured Water depth, temperature and dissolved oxygen, which are often important parameters for Water Mites. We also noted presence of prey and host taxa of particular Water mite species. Based on physicochemical parameters we identified three types of habitats harbouring three distinctive species groups of Water Mites. We were able to distinguish species that appear to be typical of spring fens (e.g. Hygrobates norvegicus , Lebertia separata ), connected with acidic, nutrient poor pools (e.g. Arrenurus neumani , A. pustulator ) and species seemingly typical of temporary habitats dominated by Sphagnum mosses (e.g. Piersigia intermedia , Zschokkea oblonga , A. stecki ). The poor-rich gradient is strongly reflected in the composition of Water mite assemblages. We also found strong correlations between the Water mite fauna and both conductivity and pH gradient. Our results show that Water conductivity is the most important of the examined factors, driving mite-species distribution in peatlands.

  • larval parasitism of spring dwelling alpine Water Mites hydrachnidia acari a study with particular reference to chironomid hosts
    Aquatic Ecology, 2010
    Co-Authors: Peter Martin, Elisabeth Stur, Sofia Wiedenbrug
    Abstract:

    During faunistic investigations on spring habitats in the alpine National Park Berchtesgaden (Bavaria, Germany), Water Mites were found to be the group with the highest share of species strongly adapted to springs. At four sample sites at two spring complexes, insect emergence was screened for parasitism by larval Water Mites. A total of at least 36 host species were recorded as being parasitized by 19 Water mite species. As in many other habitats, the most important host taxon was shown to be the nematoceran family Chironomidae, both in the number of species and individuals parasitized. Likewise, the number of Water mite species attached to chironomids was high. Further host species were found among the Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Coleoptera, Limoniidae and Empididae (Diptera). These taxa were only parasitized by a single Water mite species in each case. For 13 mite species, new hosts were recorded for the first time. For another six species, the known host spectrum could be confirmed and/or supplemented. The parasitological data presented (e.g., prevalences, selected attachment sites on the host, larval phenology, intensity of parasitism) provide, in most cases, basic information concerning previously unknown parasite–host associations. At this time, the reason for the strong crenobiosis in Water Mites cannot be explained by their parasitism.

  • Parasite-host associations and life cycles of spring-living Water Mites (Hydrachnidia, Acari) from Luxembourg
    Hydrobiologia, 2006
    Co-Authors: Peter Martin, Elisabeth Stur
    Abstract:

    Larval Water Mites are parasites of various insect species. The main aim of the present study was to analyse the host range of spring dwelling Water Mites. The investigation focuses on seven spring sites in Luxembourg. Some 24 Water mite species were recorded either from the benthos or as parasites attached to flying insects captured in emergence traps. For 20 mite species 35 host species from four Nematocera (Diptera) families were recorded. About 80% of the host species and over 90% of the host individuals were Chironomidae, the others were Limoniidae, Dixidae and Simuliidae. For all Water mite species recorded we present the observed host spectrum and/or potential hosts as well as the intensity of parasitism and the phenology of the Mites. For 10 mite species the hosts were previously unknown. For another ten species the known host spectrum can be confirmed and extended. The host spectrum ranged from one host species (e.g. for Sperchon insignis ) to at least 10 host species (for Sperchon thienemanni , Ljania bipapillata ), but the effective host range could not be definitively estimated due to the lack of corresponding data. The hypothesised host preference of the Water Mites, of which most are strictly confined to spring habitats, for similarly spring-preferring hosts could not be proven. The mean intensity of parasitism was highest for Thyas palustris (10.8 larvae/host) and lowest for Sperchon insignis and Hygrobates norvegicus (1.2 larvae per host for each). The hydryphantid mite Thyas palustris occurred at maximal intensity (41 larvae per host) and the two abdominal parasites Ljania bipapillata and Arrenurus fontinalis showed higher mean intensities than the thoracic parasites did. Larval Water Mites parasitising chironomids did not exhibit a preference for host sex. The phenology of the larval mite species was varied, some species were only present in samples early in the year and others exclusively in the summer. Another species showed two peaks of occurrence, springtime/early summer and late summer/autumn. In conclusion, the Water mite larvae in the studied springs showed differences in host spectra and phenology but there are no clear evidences in both for host partitioning. Maybe, the relative low species diversity of Water Mites in individual springs and the low inter-specific competition for suitable hosts in combination with the high host abundances and species richness makes springs such favourable habitats for the Mites.

Tom Goldschmidt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The biodiversity of Neotropical Water Mites
    Acarid Phylogeny and Evolution: Adaptation in Mites and Ticks, 2020
    Co-Authors: Tom Goldschmidt
    Abstract:

    The first studies on Water Mites from Central and South America date back to the 1880s, and although 1,360 species in 173 genera have been recorded so far, our knowledge of the diversity of this group in the Neotropic is rather incomplete. In order to estimate the total number of Water mite species in this faunal region, I surveyed the state of the art in the exploration of neotropical Water Mites. The survey was based on a database evaluating 217 publications on Water Mites from 1,198 sample sites from Mexico to Patagonia. A graph of cumulative species number shows a continuous increase without reaching a plateau. Moreover, the analysis proved great differences in the knowledge of the fauna of different Latin American countries and few faunistic similarities between countries. A frequency analysis demonstrates that 45% of the known neotropical species have been found only at one locality. The analyses indicate that our knowledge of the neotropical Water mite fauna is still very fragmentary. In addition, I examined the comparably well known Water mite fauna of Costa Rica. Within eleven subfamilies surveyed in detail, 75% of the species were new to science. Extrapolating the Costa Rican situation to the entire Neotropic, I suggest a species number fourfold higher than currently known.

  • supplement to the checklist of Water Mites acari hydrachnidia from the balkan peninsula
    Zootaxa, 2018
    Co-Authors: Vladimir Pesic, Tom Goldschmidt, Aleksandra Bańkowska, Michał Grabowski, Grzegorz Michoński, Andrzej Zawal
    Abstract:

    The last checklist of the Water Mites of the Balkan countries published in 2010 by Pesic et al . is updated to November 2017. This supplement includes new records of Water mite species from the Balkan countries (Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece) published after 2010, as well as unpublished records based on material collected from Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, and Greece. Numerous new records for the national faunas, including one species new for the Mediterranean region ( Arrenurus stjordalensis Thor, 1899), are reported and one species new to science ( Trichothyas jadrankae Pesic sp. nov.) is described. With these additions, a total number of 390 Water mite species and subspecies from 34 families and 77 genera is now recorded from the Balkan peninsula (including the Greek Islands).

  • ecology of Water mite assemblages in panama first data on Water Mites acari hydrachnidia as bioindicators in the assessment of biological integrity of neotropical streams
    Limnologica, 2016
    Co-Authors: Tom Goldschmidt, Julie E Helson, Dudley D Williams
    Abstract:

    Abstract The ecological integrity of freshWater ecosystems is regularly examined through assessment of their macroinvertebrate assemblages. The various methods used in such biomonitoring all have one characteristic in common – the neglect of Water Mites. Even though this group perfectly fulfills all necessary requisites for successful bioindicators, these invertebrates are either completely ignored or lumped together as “Acari”. This study, for the first time, uses Water Mites (Hydrachnidia) as bioindicators in the Neotropics to compare the anthropogenic stress in 15 streams at three different levels of contamination (pristine, rural, urban). In total, 4371 Water mite specimens, belonging to 31 genera and 14 families, were collected. Diversity, abundance, and richness of Water mite assemblages were significantly reduced with increasing levels of contamination. These differences were clearest in the dry season. Atractidella turned out to be, by far, the most tolerant Water mite genus, having the greatest abundance at the most contaminated sites. In contrast, Pseudotorrenticola was found only in pristine Waters, while Hydrodroma, Limnesia, Koenikea, Torrenticola, Monatractides and the family Aturidae showed clear preferences for pristine Waters. Our data show, that Water Mites, identified to genus level, are well suited for Water quality assessment in neotropical lowland streams, clearly distinguishing different levels of contamination/anthropogenic stress.

  • Ecology of Water mite assemblages in Panama – First data on Water Mites (Acari, Hydrachnidia) as bioindicators in the assessment of biological integrity of neotropical streams
    Limnologica, 2016
    Co-Authors: Tom Goldschmidt, Julie E Helson, Dudley D Williams
    Abstract:

    Abstract The ecological integrity of freshWater ecosystems is regularly examined through assessment of their macroinvertebrate assemblages. The various methods used in such biomonitoring all have one characteristic in common – the neglect of Water Mites. Even though this group perfectly fulfills all necessary requisites for successful bioindicators, these invertebrates are either completely ignored or lumped together as “Acari”. This study, for the first time, uses Water Mites (Hydrachnidia) as bioindicators in the Neotropics to compare the anthropogenic stress in 15 streams at three different levels of contamination (pristine, rural, urban). In total, 4371 Water mite specimens, belonging to 31 genera and 14 families, were collected. Diversity, abundance, and richness of Water mite assemblages were significantly reduced with increasing levels of contamination. These differences were clearest in the dry season. Atractidella turned out to be, by far, the most tolerant Water mite genus, having the greatest abundance at the most contaminated sites. In contrast, Pseudotorrenticola was found only in pristine Waters, while Hydrodroma, Limnesia, Koenikea, Torrenticola, Monatractides and the family Aturidae showed clear preferences for pristine Waters. Our data show, that Water Mites, identified to genus level, are well suited for Water quality assessment in neotropical lowland streams, clearly distinguishing different levels of contamination/anthropogenic stress.

  • Water Mites acari hydrachnidia powerful but widely neglected bioindicators a review
    Neotropical Biodiversity, 2016
    Co-Authors: Tom Goldschmidt
    Abstract:

    Various biomonitoring methods are used worldwide to evaluate Water quality and the ecological integrity of freshWater habitats. Most of these methods are based upon macroinvertebrates, mainly insects, whereas Water Mites (Hydrachnidia) are widely neglected. In the present review, I summarize the diversity and ecology of Water Mites and evaluate their potential as bioindicators. Studies correlating Water mite assemblages with Water quality are presented in a detailed historical overview. Possible constraints to use this group as bioindicators are also discussed. The particular importance of Hydrachnidia in the monitoring of springs is discussed, as well as the state of knowledge on the ecology of neotropical Water Mites. I present the first data on Water Mites as bioindicators in streams in Costa Rica and Panama. The need for further research is explained and a call for collaboration is expressed.

Heather C Proctor - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • higher level molecular phylogeny of the Water Mites acariformes prostigmata parasitengonina hydrachnidiae
    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2016
    Co-Authors: Miroslawa Dabert, Heather C Proctor, Jacek Dabert
    Abstract:

    Abstract With nearly 6000 named species, Water Mites (Hydrachnidiae) represent the largest group of arachnids to have invaded and extensively diversified in freshWater habitats. Water Mites together with three other lineages (the terrestrial Erythraiae and Trombidiae, and aquatic Stygothrombiae), make up the hyporder Parasitengonina, which is characterized by having parasitic larvae and predatory nymphs and adults. Relationships between the Hydrachnidiae and other members of the Parasitengonina are unclear, as are relationships among the major lineages of Water Mites. Monophyly of Water Mites has been asserted, with the possible exception of the morphologically distinctive Hydrovolzioidea. Here we infer the phylogeny of Water Mites using multiple molecular markers and including representatives of all superfamilies of Hydrachnidiae and of almost all other Parasitengonina. Our results support a monophyletic Parasitengonina including Trombidiae, Stygothrombiae, and Hydrachnidiae. A monophyletic Hydrachnidiae, including Hydrovolzioidea, is strongly supported. Terrestrial Parasitengonina do not form a monophyletic sister group to Water Mites. Stygothrombiae is close to Water Mites but is not nested within this clade. Water Mites appear to be derived from ancestors close to Stygothrombiae or the erythraoid group Calyptostomatoidea; however, this relationship is not clear because of extremely short branches in this part of the parasitengonine tree. We recovered with strong support all commonly accepted Water mite superfamilies except for Hydryphantoidea, which is clearly paraphyletic. Our data support the previously proposed clades Protohydrachnidia (Hydrovolzioidea and Eylaoidea), Euhydrachnidia (all remaining superfamilies), and the euhydrachnid subclade Neohydrachnidia (Lebertioidea, Hydrachnoidea, Hygrobatoidea, and Arrenuroidea). We found that larval leg structure and locomotory behavior are strongly congruent with the molecular phylogeny. Other morphological and behavioral characters, including host choice, are not as strongly correlated with phylogeny. Molecular dating suggests that the Hydrachnidiae arose about 235 MYA, and that Neohydrachnidia began to diversify about 155 MYA. Our results provide a strong framework for classification and for further elaboration at finer taxonomic scales, which will allow testing of ecological and behavioral hypotheses associated with the transition from terrestrial to aquatic life.

  • red distasteful Water Mites did fish make them that way
    Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2004
    Co-Authors: Heather C Proctor, Neera Garga
    Abstract:

    Water Mites (Acari: Hydrachnida) are unusual among the typically cryptic freshWater fauna in that many species are brightly colored red or orange, and also appear to be distasteful to fish. This apparent aposematism (use of color to warn predators) has been previously explained as the evolutionary end-product of pressure from fish predation. The fish-predation argument has been supported by observations that fish spit out red Mites, powder made from red Water Mites is more distasteful to fish than powder made from non-red Mites, and red Mites appear to be more abundant than non-red Mites in Water bodies where fish are present. In this paper, we challenge the hypothesis that fish were the sole driving force behind the evolution of aposematism in Water Mites. We show that non-red Mites actually dominate in Water bodies with fish, and that red Mites are more abundant in temporary, fishless Water bodies. We also demonstrate that powder made from red, terrestrial velvet Mites (Trombidiidae) was as distasteful to fish as powder made from red Water Mites. We suggest that the main role of red and orange carotenoid pigments may be to act as photoprotectants, and hypothesize that redness originated in the terrestrial ancestors of Water Mites and has been retained in certain lineages of Water Mites after the invasion of the aquatic habitat. We also suggest that distastefulness evolved subsequent to bright coloration in response to increased conspicuousness to predators. Relaxed selection for redness has occurred when adults and/or larvae are less exposed to sunlight, either through occupying more protected habitats, parasitizing more nocturnal hosts, or parasitizing hosts for a short period of time. Our ability to test this alternative hypothesis is hampered by lack of knowledge of the source and mode of action of distastefulness, and of phylogenetic relationships among the Parasitengona.

  • of spates and species responses by interstitial Water Mites to simulated spates in a subtropical australian river
    Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2004
    Co-Authors: Andrew J Boulton, Mark S Harvey, Heather C Proctor
    Abstract:

    The ‘hyporheic refuge hypothesis’ predicts that the hyporheic zone, the saturated sediments below and alongside rivers and streams, is a refuge from the scouring effects of spates for many aquatic invertebrates including Water Mites. We tested this hypothesis in two lateral gravel bars and two riffles in a subtropical Australian river by collecting Water Mites from the hyporheic zone at two depths (10 and 50 cm) at two‘pre-flood’ sampling times before experimentally diverting Water through the sites for 14 h to simulate a spate. Taxon richness of Mites washigh (46 taxa) and dominated by the Prostigmata, with nearly half the species being new to science. Oribatids were also common at the four sites. Samples were collected twice during each ‘spate’, and again soon after flow was returned to normal. The experimental spate induced changes in the strength and even direction of subsurface-surface Water exchange; however, these changes seldom persisted after the experiment, nor after a subsequent natural spate. The hyporheic refuge hypothesis was not supported by our Water mite data. Neither during nor shortly after the experimental spates did we find more epigean (surface-dwelling) Water Mites in downwelling zones where surface streamWater enters the hyporheic zone, demonstrating that these Mites were not using the hyporheic zone as a refuge at these locations. There was also no evidence for a ‘wash out’ effect, because hyporheic mitedensities did not significantly decline late in the spate. Our data indicate that floods of the low magnitude simulated in this study apparently do not pose a lasting disturbance for hypogean Water Mites. The fact that the same response was found at four sites indicates that the hyporheic refuge hypothesis may not always be an appropriate explanation for rapid post-flood recolonisation. Possibly, the use of the hyporheic zone as a refuge from floods may be dictated by the strength of the disturbance and substrate composition and stability.

  • mating and spermatophore morphology of Water Mites acari parasitengona
    Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 1992
    Co-Authors: Heather C Proctor
    Abstract:

    In this paper I synthesize original and published studies of sperm transfer behaviour of 23 genera of Water Mites from 15 families. The morphology of spermatophores from 16 genera (12 families) is described. Behaviour and/or spermatophores are described for the first time for the following species: Hydrachna magniscutata Marshall, Hydrachna hesperia Lundblad, Hydrachna sp. nr. leegei Koenike, Limnochares americana Lundblad, Limnesia undulata (Muller), Neumania distincta Marshall, Unionicola (three species in the U. crassipes-complex), Thyas slolli Koenike, Lebertia annae Habeeb, Lebertia sp., Piona sp. nr. debilis (Wolcott), Tiphys vernalis (Habeeb), Arrenurus dentipetiolatus Marshall, Arrenurus marshalli Piersig and Arrenurus birgei Marshall. On the basis of proximity of male and female during sperm transfer, I divide Water Mites into four groups: complete dissociation, involving no physical or chemical contact between the sexes (nine genera); incomplete dissociation, requiring distance-or contact-chemoreception but not involving pairing behaviour (five genera); pairing with indirect transfer, involving pairing behaviour with females controlling sperm uptake (three genera); pairing with direct transfer (=copulation), involving pairing behaviour and male placement of sperm in the receiving structure of the female (12 genera). Four genera have representative species in more than one category of sperm transfer. Factors possibly leading to the diversity of Water mite mating behaviour include an evolutionarily flexible mode of sperm transfer in the ancestral Water mite, and the development of planktonic and endoparasitic habits in many Mites. Morphological features of spermatophores that improve physical stability, probability of females taking up sperm and resistance against osmotic stress are discussed. Finally, I present implications of mating behaviour and spermatophore morphology for phylogenetic relationships within Water Mites and between this group and terrestrial Acari.

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