Abstract
The anatomy of water mites varies slightly between life history stages, but all exhibit the characteristic body plan of terrestrial mites by having a body subdivided into a mouth region (gnathosoma) and a body proper (idiosoma) representing a fusion of two other segments: the cephalothorax (head + thorax) and abdomen. The principal internal organs are located with a body cavity (hemocoel) and bathed by fluids, which are circulated by general body movements rather than being propelled through a circulatory system. The bodies of spiders, including semiaquatic species, are divided into an anterior cephalothorax (prosoma) and a posterior abdomen (opisthosoma), which is connected to the prosoma by a narrow stalk (pedicel). This body plan and the usual lack of visible segmentation make spiders easy to distinguish from other arthropods, including mites and scorpions. The internal anatomy of spiders differs in some ways from that of mites. Of particular note are the poison glands present in most spiders at the upper end of the chelicerae. Spider venom has evolved to paralyze their mostly invertebrate prey, but the poison of some species is also toxic to humans.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Field Guide to Freshwater Invertebrates of North America
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
