Predatory Mites

Cunaxidae is a family of predatory mites in the order Trombidiformes. There are at least 20 genera and 390 described species in Cunaxidae.

Gnathosoma (Figs 3–6). Pedipalps 3-, 4-, or 5-segmented and end in a strong claw (except in Pseudobonzia). They may be shorter than, equal to, or extend beyond the distal end of the subcapitulum. Femora of 5-segmented pedipalps divided into basi- and telofemora, though may be secondarily fused; a dark line often indicates the previous articulation (Fig. 5a, b illustrate a fully divided femur and Fig. 6a, b illustrate a secondarily fused femur. This is for illustration purposes only, i.e., cunaxids with long and short 5-segmented pedipalps may have either fully divided or secondarily fused femora). Telofemora and genua are uniquely fused in Allocunaxa, though the basifemoral/telofemoral articulation is present. Apophyses present or not on the telofemora, adjoining the genua and tibiotarsi, or on the tibiotarsi. Subcapitulum wedge-shaped and may be patterned with random dots or papillae, dots or papillae forming lines, a single row of cells on the posterior edge, or reticulations forming polygonal cells. Subcapitulum with up to 6 pairs of setae are present: hg1–4 and 2 pairs of adoral setae. Seta hg1 usually straight, but geniculate in Bonziinae and may be curved in Neoscirula; hg4 often longest pair of subcapitular setae. Chelicerae with or without seta near the cheliceral digit. Idiosoma, dorsal (Fig. 7a). Idiosoma diamond-shaped. Dorsal proterosoma covered with a sclerotized shield that bears 2 pairs of setae (lps and mps) and 2 pairs of setose sensilla (at and pt); rarely one pair of setae or sensillae absent. Dorsal hysterosoma complemented with 0–2 large shields or plates and 0–4 pairs of platelets. These plates and platelets may capture one or more pairs of setae. Up to 8 pairs of dorsal hysterosomal setae present (c1–h1, c2, f2, and h2); h2 may occur ventrally. Setae may occur on small platelets that are barely larger than the setal socket. Integument not covered in shields, plates, or platelets is striated. Cupule im present, usually laterad and slightly posterior to e1. Dorsal idiosomal shields and plates smooth or patterned with random dots or papillae, dots or papillae forming lines, reticulations forming polygonal cells, or cells which form rows. Idiosoma, ventral (Fig. 7b) Ventral idiosoma may be complemented with 1 or a few small platelets in addition to the coxae. Coxae fused to body and form plates. Coxae I–II are often fused in adults and may coalesce medially to form a sternal shield. Coxae III–IV are often fused in adults and may extend caudally beyond the genital plates. Each coxa complemented with 0–4 setae; in addition, extensive coxae or sternal shields may capture setae normally on the integument and therefore have more. Coxae may be plain or patterned with random dots or papillae, dots or papillae forming lines, or reticulations forming polygonal cells. Genital plates (sometimes called anal valves) present in adults and bear 3 (rarely) or 4 (usually) setae, except in Parabonzia which have up to 9 pairs of setae. 2 pairs of genital papillae visible underneath the plates. Anal plates (sometimes called anal valves) bear 1–2 setae (ps1-2). Setae ps2 may occur off the anal plates. Legs 6-segmented in larvae, 7-segmented in nymphs and adults. In adults these segments are coxa, trochanter, baifemur, telofemur, genu, tibia, and tarsus, however, the coxae are often treated separately from the other leg articles. Femora undivided in larvae. Trichobothrium present on leg tibia IV. Ambulacral claws present on either side of a 4-rayed empodium.