Acaridae

Definition

A family of mites in the order Sarcoptiformes (superorder Acariformes), comprising small to medium-sized astigmatid mites with well-developed trichobothria and typically saprophagous or mycophagous habits. Members include stored-product pests, soil inhabitants, and species associated with animal nests or decomposing organic matter. The family is characterized by a sejugal furrow dividing the propodosoma and hysterosoma, and by the absence of stigmata in adults.

Etymology

New Latin, from Acarus (type genus, from Greek akari, a kind of mite) + -idae (family suffix)

Example

Tyrophagus putrescentiae (the mold mite) and Acarus siro (the flour mite) are economically significant Acaridae that infest stored grain, cheese, and dried foods, causing allergic reactions in handlers and reducing product quality.

Related Terms

• Sarcoptiformes
• Astigmata
• Acariformes
• mite
• trichobothria
• propodosoma
• hysterosoma
• stored-product entomology
• Tyrophagus
• Acarus

Usage Notes

Acaridae is one of the largest families of Astigmata; historically, its boundaries have been revised, with some genera moved to related families such as Glycyphagidae or Histiosomatidae. The family is distinguished from closely related groups by the combination of sejugal furrow presence, complete ontogenetic loss of respiratory stigmata, and specific arrangements of setae on the tarsi. In applied contexts, 'acarid' may loosely refer to any member of this family or, more broadly, to mites in general (Acari).