Air‐breathing littoral mites of sub‐Antarctic South Georgia

Nine species of littoral air‐breathing Acari were collected at Husvik Harbour, South Georgia, comprising threeParasitiphis(Rhodacaridae), oneNanorchestes(Nanorchestidae), twoHalo‐zetes(Podacaridae) and threeHyadesia(Hyadesidae). All of the adaptive physiological and structural features observed in these mites are paralleled in related European littoral species. Although the predatoryParasitiphisspp. may cohabit in upper littoral crevices and feed on similar prey, they forage among different habitats. By contrast,HalozetesandHyadesiaspp. frequently occur together and occupy very similar niches, but competition does not appear to be significant and co‐habitation may be a mutually advantageous strategy to prevent dislodgement by wave action.