Structural features associated with respiration in some intertidal Uropodina (Acarina: Mesostigmata) |
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| Authors: | P J A PUGH P E KING M R FORDY |
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| Institution: | Marine Biology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University College of Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, West Glam. SA2 8PP, UK |
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| Abstract: | The present study suggests that the peritremes of both Phaulodinychus repleta (Berlese) (Uropo-didae) and Thinozercon michaeli Halbert (Thinozerconidae) are incapable of forming peritreme plastrons in the same manner as the Gamasina or Phaulodinychus mitis (Leonardi) (Uropodidae) described in previous studies. However, it is proposed that extra-peritrematic plastrons may be formed by other structures, for example the pedofossae and legs in P. repleta and the coarse sculpturing on the dorsal surface of the peritrematic shield in T. michaeli , which may trap an airfilm during inundation. |
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