Fine structure and functional morphology of the mouthparts of a male Veigaia sp. (Gamasida: Veigaiidae) with remarks on the spermatodactyl and related sensory structures.

Mites of the genus Veigaia are common gamasid inhabitants of forest litter. They engage in the peculiar reproductive strategy of podospermy which, along with other morphological and behavioral adaptations, involves modification of the chelicerae of the relatively rare males into gonopods. Each movable digit is provided with an appendage (spermatodactyl) that is involved in sperm transfer.