Water Mites: Phylogeny and Evolution.

Abstract

Studies on water mite evolution regarding the phylogenetic implication are reviewed. Hydracarina is a large parasitengone mite group. Currently, more than 5,000 species are integrated into 52 families in nine superfamilies. ALthough there are some conflicts on the origins on water mites, their monopyletic nature is suggested by several cladistic studies. The current taxonomic system of water mites does not reflect monophyletic groupings. The current taxonomic system of water mites does not reflect monophyletic groupings. SOme researchers have focused on phylogenitic relationships within Hydracarnia, howeever, reliable hypotheses have not been obtained. Attemps to anakyze data in a phylogenetic framework have been made in several ecological and behaviral studies. A comparitive method has also been employed in a few studies, however, the real worth of this approach in not appreciated due to the absenceof reliable phylogeny. Phylogenetic background estimated by modern cladistic methodology is indespensable for testing hypotheses on water mite evolution.