Abstract
A morphology-based phylogenetic analysis of the eight species of Rhombognathides (Acari: Halacaridae) demonstrated some evolutionary tendencies of character transformation. In the course of the evolution of Rhombognathides, idiosomal plates increased in size or fused. Simple filiform setae transformed into spiniform or bipectinate setae. The number of tarsal claws, the length of median claw and leg chaetotaxy of telofemora and tibiae were reduced. The fusion or expansion of dorsal plates, transformation from filiform to other setal forms, and reduction of leg setae would have recurrently occurred in halacarid evolution. The claw structure most likely reflects adaptation to specific habitat.
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