Miniaturization does not change conserved spider anatomy, a case study on spider Rayforstia (Araneae: Anapidae).

Miniaturization is an evolutionary trend observed in many animals. Some arachnid groups, such as spiders and mites, demonstrate a strong tendency toward miniaturization. Some of the most miniaturized spiders belong to the family Anapidae.

Anatomy of the miniature four-legged mite Achaetocoptes quercifolii (Arachnida: Acariformes: Eriophyoidea).

Miniaturization is one of the important trends in the evolution of terrestrial arthropods. In order to study adaptations to microscopic sizes, the anatomy of the smallest insects was previously studied, but not the anatomy of the smallest mites. Some of the smallest mites are Eriophyidae.