The Unique Cauda-Liked Structure Represents a New Subfamily of Cunaxidae: Description of New Taxa and Discussion on Functional Morphology

Abstract

A cauda-like structure was found, firstly in Cunaxidae, and with it the new taxa Cunaxicaudinae Chen & Jin subfam. nov., and its two new genera, Cunaxicaudus Chen & Jin gen. nov. (type genus) and Brevicaudus Chen & Jin gen. nov., were erected. Cunaxicaudinae Chen & Jin subfam. nov. differs from the known members of the family Cunaxidae by the unique conspicuous cauda derived from the posterior end of the hysterosoma. The generic features of Cunaxicaudus Chen & Jin gen. nov. are as follows: the posterior of the hysterosoma elongated as a much longer cauda; palp between genu and tibiotarsus without apophysis; e1 closer to d1 than f1; and e1 closer to mid-line than c1 and d1. The generic features of Brevicaudus Chen & Jin gen. nov. are as follows: the posterior of hysterosoma elongated as a short cauda; palp between genu and tibiotarsus with one apophysis; distance between setae e1 and d1 approximately equal to e1; and f1, e1 as close to mid-line as c1 and d1 to mid-line. It is proposed that the specialized cauda may be the result of the evolution of the sperm transfer mode.

The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Behaviour of Mites

“…Significant strides in the taxonomic revision of mite groups are presented in articles [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13], showcasing the evolving nature of mite systematics. The taxonomy of the Teneriffiidae family is clarified [6], while new species groups within the Tenuipalpus sensu lato are proposed [7].…”

“…The revision of the genus Neoprotereunetes [9,10] and a comprehensive review of the Neoseiulus species in China [11] have improved our understanding of these groups. Furthermore, the establishment of a new subfamily, Cunaxicaudinae [12], highlights the continuous discovery of novel morphological features and their implications for understanding mite evolution and systematics. Finally, the addition of the article on three new species of Aceria from China [13] further enriches the contributions to the field of mite taxonomy in this Special Issue.…”