Trombidiformes 



177 



Penthalodidae Thor, 1933 



Figure 117 



Diagnosis: The body of these mites is black, usually with red flecks, 

 and the leg segments are red. They are small to medium-sized mites 

 from 0.330 to 1.5 mm. long and pear-shaped with the narrow end to 

 the rear. The propodosoma and 

 hysterosoma are not separated or 

 at best are separated only by a 

 shallow suture. The integument is 

 strongly sclerotized, reticulate, or 

 punctate. An eye is situated on each 

 side of the propodosoma (missing 

 in Tectopenthalodes according to 

 Tragardh). Setae on the legs and 

 body are sparse and short; a pair 

 of pseudostigmata with sensory 

 setae is present. The legs are long 

 and narrow, usually with six mov- 

 able segments. All tarsi have haired 

 empodia between the claws. The 

 palpi are narrow with four mova- 

 ble segments and the chelae are 



small, shearlike, and somewhat distorted. There is a tectum-like pro- 

 jection over the rostrum. These mites possess two pairs of genital 

 suckers. 



Figure 117 Penthalodes turneri Baker. 

 Dorsum of female. 



Genera: 



1. Penthalodes Murray, 1877 (= Penthaleus Berlese, 1891 = Chromo- 



tydeus Berlese, 1903) 

 Type. Megamerus ovalis Duges, 1834 



2. Stereotydeus Berlese, 1901 



Type. Stereotydeus notophcdloides Leonardi, 1901 



3. Tectopenthalodes TY'i.gkYdh., 1907 



Type. Penthaleus villosus Trouessart, 1903 



Discussion: These mites are to be found in moss, debris, and such. 

 They appear to be predaceous, but nothing is actually known of their 

 biology or importance. The immature forms are similar to the adults 

 but lack the heavy sclerotization. Several North American species have 



