A review on the role and importance of oribatid mites, taxonomy and status of species reported from Iran

Acari (Ticks & Mites) are an important group of arthropods, and along with scorpions, tarantulas, spiders, etc. situated in the class of Arachnida. These tiny creatures are cosmopolitan, and so far more than ۵۰,۰۰۰ species have been reported worldwide, and it is estimated that the number of mite species reaches half a million. Among the mites, Cryptostigmata, which also known Oribatida (Order Sarcoptiformes), as one of the largest groups, occupies the predominant fauna of most soils. So far, more than ۱۱,۰۰۰ species and subspecies of these mites have been described. These mites benefit from a wide range of food and feed on fungi, mosses, lichens, plants and sometimes carrion, and are actively involved in the decomposition of organic matter and the formation of soil nutrients and soil texture. In addition to the effective role of these mites in the decomposition of organic matter, their importance as bioindicators in soil and air management, control of some pests, diseases and weeds, as well as being in the cycle of transmission of animal parasites as intermediate hosts, is considered. Is. However, unfortunately, in our country, no comprehensive scientific research has been done on the taxonomy of these mites, and only a few species have been reported in the form of master's and doctoral dissertations from different parts of the country. At present, about ۴۰۰ species of oribatid mites are reported from Iran, of which approximately ۳۰% belong to the primitive group (Macropylina) and the rest to the higher group (Brachypylina). The family Oppiidae is known as the richest family in terms of number of species. Among the species reported from Iran, about ۴۰ new species have been described, most of which have been named "Iran". Due to the diversity of habitat and climate in Iran, it is expected that there are many unknown species in this vast and ancient land.

کلیدواژه ها:

Arthropod ، Cryptostigmata ، fauna ، Distribution ، taxonomy