Tarsus I Subdivisions and Apotele

In mites there are 7 basic leg segments, from the tip to the base: apotele, tarsus, tibia, genu, femur, trochanter, and coxa.  Some of these basic segments, however, may be subdivided.  For example, tarsus I may be divided into 2 (basitarsus + telotarsus) or 3 (+acrotarsus) subsegments in some Mesostigmata, or into many subsegments in a few Anystides.

Primitively, the apotele is present as 3 claw-like structures, but is more commonly a pair of claws and a pad-like to highly modified empodium or a single median claw.  In some Mesostigmata, Endeostigmata, and Prostigmata the apotele on tarsus I has been lost.