False-colour scanning elecron micrograph of Tuckerella sp., magnified 260 times
Scientific classification
Domain:
Eukaryota
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Subphylum:
Chelicerata
Class:
Arachnida
Order:
Trombidiformes
Superfamily:
Tetranychoidea
Family:
Tuckerellidae Baker & Pritchard, 1953
Genus:
Tuckerella Womersley, 1940
The peacock mites of the genus Tuckerella (the only genus of the mite family Tuckerellidae) are a significant herbivorous pest in the tropics, for example on citrus fruit. Other species dwell in grasses, possibly as root feeders.[1]
The peacock mite's name suggests that their feather-like (or leaf-like) setae[1] adorning their backs are evocative of a peacock's plumage.[2]
They also have long hair-like setae projecting from rear (caudal setae)[3] that have been compared to a trailing peacock tail.[1] The 5–7 pairs of caudal setae can be flicked over the body very quickly,[1] so they are used like whips in defense against predators.[2] They may also help in wind-borne dispersal.[2]
They are classified in the superfamily Tetranychoidea,[4] being its most ornate members.[1]
^ abcdeWalter, David Evans; Proctor, Heather (2013). Mites: Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 292. ISBN 978-94-007-7164-2.
^ abcD.E. Walter (University of Queensland) (2005-09-28). ""Peacock mites" Tuckerellidae". United States Department of Agriculture.
^Vacante, Vincenzo (2010). Citrus Mites. Cabi. p. 167. ISBN 978-1-84593-499-6.
^David Evans Walter (2004). "Hidden in plain sight: mites in the canopy". In Margaret Lowman & H. Bruce Rinker (ed.). Forest Canopies. Academic Press. pp. 224–241. ISBN 978-0-12-457553-0.
The peacock mites of the genus Tuckerella (the only genus of the mite family Tuckerellidae) are a significant herbivorous pest in the tropics, for example...
belonging to the group Leptonetoidea and the new family Protoaraneoididae. Tuckerella weiterschani Sp. nov Valid Sidorchuk & Khaustov Eocene Baltic amber Europe...
the only – seed disperser of M. bidentata in parts of the Caribbean. Tuckerella xiamenensis, a species of peacock mite, was described from a sapodilla...
hummingbirds or carpenter bees. Fouquieria diguetii is host to a peacock mite, Tuckerella eloisae.[citation needed] The spines of Fouquieria develop in an unusual...
Saraca tubiflora W.J.de Wilde Saraca indica is host to the peacock mite Tuckerella channabasavannai. Saraca L. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 19 September...
oil. A species of Hydnocarpus is thought to host to the Peacock mite Tuckerella filipina.[citation needed] Plants of the World Online currently includes:...
the mountain pine appears bronze and growth can be stunted. Finally, Tuckerella flabellifera, red mites with white scales from Tasmania, live on young...
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