Variation in the trophic morphology of Astigmatid mites common in UK beehives

The chelal moveable digit in Carpoglyphus lactis (Linnaeus), Glycyphagus domesticus (DeGeer), and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) from UK beehives is described using quantitative measures within a 2D mechanical model. location of maximum jerk on the profile indicates end mastication surface, which these mites confirmed to be just before theoretical cut-off point for functioning chewing `machine`. All three species should able grasp yeasts, spores mycelial hyphae hive. C. may designed enable pollenophagy. surface 21.3 μm lactis, 18.8 G. domesticus, 17.2 T. putrescentiae. wild-collected shows smallest tip velocity ratios (i.e., lowest relative length input output moment arms). has most primitive geometry its chela. depth matches inferred resistive forces applied by mite food at that point. Condylar strengthening sclerotisation associated with eating tougher food. Effective gape 28.7 25.9 24.8 Maximum fragment size grabbed chela estimated as 7786 μm<sup>3</sup> 5348 4703 μm<sup>3 </sup>in Morsel pre-ingestion 4031 5228 4246 Under reasonable assumptions one might excavate own body volume equivalent about hour.