Systematics of the Erythraeina (Acari: Parasitengona): a story of parasitism, long legs, and polka dots

Erythraeina are fascinating mites with a huge diversity of morphology and life histories. Larvae are obvious ectoparasites on other arthropods, and adults are bizarre fast-moving predators, some commonly encountered running over concrete. These well-known and charismatic mites have been inhibited from biological investigation largely due to taxonomic uncertainty. The present study investigates the evolutionary history of Erythraeina using molecular data. Phylogenetic hypotheses are used to test the monophyly of currently recognized taxa, and implement a stable classification scheme. This is the first necessary step toward opening Erythraeina to further biological study, and gives us insight into the natural history of an understudied and remarkable group..