Uropodidae is a family of mites in the order Mesostigmata.[1]
As part of superfamily Uropodoidea, Uropodidae are tortoise-like mites with an oval to circular outline, and with armour both dorsally and ventrally. They can be distinguished from other uropodoids by their chelicerae lacking a large, sclerotized node and their genital opening being in an intercoxal position.[2]
Several species in the family commonly infest worm bins and consume food intended for the worms.[3]
An undescribed species of Uropodidae sucks out the hemolymph of pupae of Pheidole megacephala ants, resulting in the death of pupae. It preferentially attacks pupae of soldier and male ants.[4]
Uropodidae are phoretic on larger arthropods, meaning that they attach to larger arthropods to be transported to new places.[5] This attachment is achieved using a pedicel of translucent material extruded from the mite's anus.[5] One known host for uropodid mites is the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus),[6] though this particular relationship may actually be parasitic, as mite-infested weevils have a shorter lifespan than uninfested weevils.[7]
Uropodidae is a family of mites in the order Mesostigmata.
