Eukaryotic ectosymbionts of Acari

The Acari is the most numerous and diverse group of the subphylum Chelicerata. With approximately 55 000 described species (and estimates of up to 1 million extant species), their adaptations for parasitism, phytophagy, mycophagy, saprophagy and predation rival other arthropods and challenge us with...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied entomology (1986) 2011-08, Vol.135 (7), p.514-523
Main Authors: Alejandra Perotti, M., Braig, H. R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acari
Arthropoda
Chelicerata
epibionts
episymbionts
epixenobionts
exosymbionts
Ixodidae
symbionts
symbiotes
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Summary:The Acari is the most numerous and diverse group of the subphylum Chelicerata. With approximately 55 000 described species (and estimates of up to 1 million extant species), their adaptations for parasitism, phytophagy, mycophagy, saprophagy and predation rival other arthropods and challenge us with a wide variety of biological interactions. While a few studies have unravelled the nature of some endosymbiotic associations between mites or ticks and prokaryotes, almost nothing has been done yet regarding acarine eukaryotic ectosymbionts. Microbial ectosymbionts can benefit their hosts by providing nutrients, by aiding digestion, by enhancing communication, by assisting in mating and/or fertilization, by protecting their host against pathogenic microorganisms, against predation and so on. In this sketch, we introduce a number of described cases of fungal and protist ectosymbionts and discuss the role they might play in the life of their acarine hosts.
ISSN:0931-2048
1439-0418
DOI:10.1111/j.1439-0418.2011.01639.x