| Tuckerella Temporal range:
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|---|---|
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| False-colour scanning elecron micrograph of Tuckerella sp., magnified 260 times | |
Scientific classification 
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| 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]
- ^ a b c d e Walter, David Evans; Proctor, Heather (2013). Mites: Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 292. ISBN 978-94-007-7164-2.
- ^ a b c D.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.