New! Sign up for our free email newsletter.
Science News
from research organizations

New genus and species of 'worm-like' soil mite discovered

Date:
February 25, 2014
Source:
Taylor & Francis
Summary:
Soil samples taken from Ohio reveal the discovery of a new genus and species of Nematalycidae. The long, slender, 'worm-like' body of the Nematalycidae makes it an unusual family of soil mites.
Share:
FULL STORY

Soil samples taken from Ohio, USA reveal the discovery of a new genus and species of Nematalycidae. The long, slender, 'worm-like' body of the Nematalycidae makes it an unusual family of soil mites.

The study, published in Journal of Natural History reveals the discovery of a fifth genus of Nematalycidae. As with the other four species written about, all adults recovered were female.

The name of this new species, Osperalycus tenerphagus, is a reflection of the physical qualities it possesses. 'Ospera-' combines the Latin terms for 'mouth' and 'purse/bag', referencing the creature's soft mouth. 'Tenerphagus' consists of the Latin terms for 'tender' and 'feeding' which the study's authors explain refers to the 'delicate mechanism hypothesized to explain how this mite may carefully pick up small micro-organisms and place them into its feeding vessel without rupturing them'.


Story Source:

Materials provided by Taylor & Francis. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Samuel J. Bolton, Hans Klompen, Gary R. Bauchan, Ronald Ochoa. A new genus and species of Nematalycidae (Acari: Endeostigmata). Journal of Natural History, 2014; 1 DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2013.859318

Cite This Page:

Taylor & Francis. "New genus and species of 'worm-like' soil mite discovered." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 25 February 2014. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140225101139.htm>.
Taylor & Francis. (2014, February 25). New genus and species of 'worm-like' soil mite discovered. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 24, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140225101139.htm
Taylor & Francis. "New genus and species of 'worm-like' soil mite discovered." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140225101139.htm (accessed November 24, 2024).

Explore More

from ScienceDaily

MORE COVERAGE

RELATED STORIES