Ricinidae

Ricinidae is a family of mites belonging to the order Ricinulei. These mites are small, generally slow-moving, and resemble miniature spiders. Ricinuleids are distinguished by a cucullus, a movable hood-like structure covering the mouthparts, and their unique method of locomotion. Ricinidae is one of the two families within Ricinulei, the other being Neoricinuleidae.

Members of Ricinidae are found primarily in leaf litter, soil, and caves in tropical regions of the world, particularly in Africa and South America. They are thought to be predators or scavengers, feeding on other small invertebrates. The biology and life cycle of Ricinidae mites are still not fully understood due to their cryptic habits and relatively rare occurrence in collections.

The fossil record of Ricinulei, including potential ancestors of Ricinidae, extends back to the Carboniferous period, making them one of the oldest groups of arachnids. Studies of their morphology and molecular data have been used to investigate their phylogenetic relationships with other arachnids.