Morphology of juvenile instars of Metabelba papillipes (Acari, Oribatida, Damaeidae)

Abstract

The morphology of juvenile instars of the oribatid mite Metabelba papillipes is described and illustrated. Juveniles of Metabelba papillipes are very similar in structure to those of Porobelba spinosa, showing differences in structure and lengths of setae of body and legs, and also in the structure of gastronotic cornicles. Juvenile instars of these species are identical in genital, aggenital, anal, adanal, gastronotal and epimeral setation, in structure of cerotegument and in some other aspects of body morphology.