''Alaskozetes antarcticus'' is a species of non-parasitic
mite
Mites are small arachnids (eight-legged arthropods). Mites span two large orders of arachnids, the Acariformes and the Parasitiformes, which were historically grouped together in the subclass Acari, but genetic analysis does not show clear evid ...
, known for its ability to survive in subzero temperatures.
This animal's name derives from its
habitat
In ecology, the term habitat summarises the array of resources, physical and biotic factors that are present in an area, such as to support the survival and reproduction of a particular species. A species habitat can be seen as the physical ...
: ''Alasko'', meaning "from
Alaska
Alaska ( ; russian: Аляска, Alyaska; ale, Alax̂sxax̂; ; ems, Alas'kaaq; Yup'ik: ''Alaskaq''; tli, Anáaski) is a state located in the Western United States on the northwest extremity of North America. A semi-exclave of the U.S., ...
", and ''antarcticus'', in connection with frigid conditions in which the mite lives. Scientists are unclear as to how ''Alaskozetes antacticus'' has been able to
adapt
ADAPT (formerly American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today) is a United States grassroots disability rights organization with chapters in 30 states and Washington, D.C. They use nonviolent direct action in order to bring about disability just ...
to an environment so different from those of other
arthropod
Arthropods (, (gen. ποδός)) are invertebrate animals with an exoskeleton, a Segmentation (biology), segmented body, and paired jointed appendages. Arthropods form the phylum Arthropoda. They are distinguished by their jointed limbs and Arth ...
s. Whereas most arthropod species inhabit hot, moist environments, ''A. antarcticus'' survives in freezing conditions with almost no humidity.
There are three subspecies: ''Alaskozetes antarcticus antarcticus'', ''Alaskozetes antarcticus grandjeani'', and ''Alaskozetes antarcticus intermedius''.
Diet
''Alaskozetes antarcticus'' eats moss, algae and fungi. These mites are not parasitic and do not suck blood. They are harmless to humans and large organisms.
References
Sarcoptiformes
Animals described in 1903
Fauna of Heard Island and McDonald Islands
{{Sarcoptiformes-stub