The ptychoid defensive mechanism in Phthiracarus longulus (Acari, Oribatida, Phthiracaroidea): Exoskeletal and muscular elements
The most complex defensive mechanism in oribatid mites is ptychoidy, a special body form allowing the animals to retract their legs and coxisternum into a secondary cavity in the idiosoma and to seal it off with the prodorsum. Many exoskeletal and muscular adaptations are required to enable the fun...
Main Authors: | , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
2010-08-01
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Series: | Soil Organisms |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://soil-organisms.org/index.php/SO/article/view/231 |