Uncharismatic microfauna of the Colorado Plateau: Notes on distribution and ecology of an undescribed, pothole-dwelling Ameronothroid (Acari: Ameronothridae) mite
Graham TB and Norton RA. 1998. Uncharismatic microfauna of the Colorado Plateau: Notes on distribution and ecology of an undescribed, pothole-dwelling Ameronothroid (Acari: Ameronothridae) mite. Pages 477-483. In Graham TB and Norton RA (ed): Learning from the land: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Science Symposium proceedings. Southern Utah University, Cedar City, UT. November 4-5, 1997. US Department of The Interior, Bureau of Land Management. Salt Lake City, UT
A tiny mite, not yet scientifically described, lives in certain small sandstone potholes in southeastern Utah, and possibly other places. "This mite is a very unusual organism, of interest from evolutionary, physiological, and morphological, as well as biogeographic perspectives. As such, it deserves protection." The authors have investigated more than 60 pools near Moab, Utah, for this mite, and some within Arches National Park. In addition, the accompanying map indicates populations in or near Natural Bridges and Colorado national monuments and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The article states that no mites were found on Entrada outcrops in the Capitol Reef area, and the map isn't detailed enough to tell whether they were found on other types of sandstone there. The article discusses habitat requirements, and suggests that trampling and other disturbances may limit mite occurrence. Potential benefits of research on the mite include applications regarding storage of biological substances. Bibliography page 483.
- Type
- Conference Proceeding Paper
- Authors
- Graham, Tim; Norton, Roy
- Units
- ARCH , CANY , CARE , COLM , GLCA , NABR
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Aquatic Studies, Arachnids (Arachnida), Habitats, Inventory, Invertebrates, Limnology, Mites & Ticks (Acarina), Monitoring, NCPN springs literature 2003, potholes (geologic)