WATER MITES (ACARI: PARASITENGONA: HYDRACHNIDA) OF SPRING HABITATS IN CANADA

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Abstract
This paper reviews and summarizes information on the systematics, distribution, life history, and ecology of water mites in spring habitats in Canada, primarily on the basis of new data. The fauna comprises over 115 species, representing 57 genera and 25 families, in three ecological groups adapted for living in helocrenes, rheocrenes, and limnocrenes, respectively, though many species are able to exploit more than one type of spring habitat. The evolution of adaptations in water mites for living in spring habitats is discussed within the context of new hypotheses on the origins and zoogeography of spring-inhabiting taxa. A synopsis of available data suggests that knowledge of the species composition and structure of water mite communities can be used to characterize springs, and to assess and monitor the impact of environmental changes on these habitats. Inadequacies in the current database on Canadian species are identified, specifically uncertain species identities, incomplete zoogeographic data, inconsistent definition of spring habitats, and inadequate collecting techniques. Future studies are proposed to encourage research designed to overcome these inadequacies, and improve understanding of the biological roles of water mites inhabiting springs.