Uropoda thorpei is a species of tortoise mite belonging to the family Uropodidae.[1] The species was first described by Jenő Kontschán in 2012, and is endemic to New Zealand.

Uropoda thorpei
Dorsal view of Uropoda thorpei
Lateral view of Uropoda thorpei
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Mesostigmata
Family: Uropodidae
Genus: Uropoda
Species:
U. thorpei
Binomial name
Uropoda thorpei
Kontschán, 2012

Taxonomy

edit

The species was identified by Hungarian acarologist Jenő Kontschán in 2012, based on a holotype collected by J. T. Pusateri in 2008 from Laingholm, West Auckland, New Zealand.[2] Kontschán named the species after entomologist Stephen E. Thorpe, due to his work collecting Uropodidae and his efforts to develop pages on Uropoda on Wikispecies.[2]

Description

edit

U. thorpei had completely separated marginal and dorsal shields, with smooth, needle-like dorsal setae. Idisoma (bodies) of females of the species measure approximately 710 μm (0.028 in) in length with a width of 510 μm (0.020 in), while males' idisoma measure between 680–690 μm (0.027–0.027 in) in length and 530–540 μm (0.021–0.021 in) in width. It can be differentiated from other Uropoda due to smooth internal malae and the presence of a marginal shield.[2]

Distribution and habitat

edit

The species is endemic to New Zealand.[1]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "Uropoda thorpei Kontschán, 2012". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Kontschán, Jenő (August 2012). "Three new Uropodina mites from New Zealand (Acari, Mesostigmata)" (PDF). Spixiana. 35 (1): 9–17. ISSN 0341-8391. Wikidata Q129809014.