| abstract | Predatory mite species from the tropical rain forest of Ecuador with a critical survey of character evolution in Gamasina (Acarina, Parasitiformes).
The evolution of the characters spermatodactylos, insemination system, hypostom, and chaetotaxy of the legs is critically surveyed. Simnilar character states often evolved independently, however, microstructures are proven synapomorphies of genera and families.
In addition to other characters the families Rhodacaridae and Parasitidae are characterized by a bulbodactylos that either remains free distally or fuses with the digitus mobilis. Monophyly of these two groups is thus supported. |