Reproduction, embryonic and postembryonic development of Trichouropoda obscurasimilis Hirschmann & Zirngiebl-Nicol 1961 (Anactinotrichida: Uropidina)

Abstract

The reproductive behaviour of the litter-inhabiting uropodid mite, Trichouropoda obscurasimilis Hirschmann and Zirngiebl-Nicol, is quite similar to that reported for other uropodid species. It is mycetophagous, and the adult, and all juvenile stages including the larva, feed readily on the hyphae of the fungus, Sphaeronema sp. Embryonic development occurs after ovi-position with the same five phases as described for gamasid mites. In the laboratory, at room temperature, embryongenesis takes about 11 days during the cold period of the year. The duration of postembryonic development of the pre-adult stages was determined at room temperature at monthly intervals from July to April inclusive. The overall mean duration (egg eclosion to adult emergence) was 80.8 days for males and 81.5 days for females.