 The peacock mite's name suggests that their feather-like (or leaf-like) setae adorning their backs are evocative of a peacock's plumage.They also have long hair-like setae projecting from rear (caudal setae) that have been compared to a trailing peacock tail.The 5–7 pairs of caudal setae can be flicked over the body very quickly, so they are used like whips in defense against predators.