Acaroidea

Family Guides

1

is a superfamily of mites within the suborder Astigmata (Sarcoptiformes). This group comprises multiple including Acaridae, Rhizoglyphidae, and the recently described Lycoglyphidae, among others. Members exhibit diverse ecological associations ranging from stored products and fungi to intertidal seaweeds and nests. The superfamily is characterized phylogenetically by the of retroconjugate mating position in most included lineages.

Damaeus by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.Epidermoptidae by (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet. Used under a CC-BY license.Psoroptidae by (c) Oleksii Vasyliuk, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Oleksii Vasyliuk. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acaroidea: /ˌæ.kəˈrɔɪ.di.ə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Identification to and level requires examination of both and deutonymphal stages. A comprehensive identification key to families and genera of has been developed incorporating morphological characters from both life stages. Specific diagnostic features vary by family but generally include details of leg chaetotaxy, body setation, and gnathosomal structures.

Images

Habitat

are ecologically diverse across constituent : stored products and organic debris (Acaridae), fungi including puffballs (Lycoglyphidae), intertidal seaweeds (Pontoppidaniidae), and -associated environments (Cerophagidae).

Life Cycle

includes , larva, , deutonymph (often the hypopal or stage), tritonymph, and stages. The deutonymph frequently exhibits morphological adaptations for or dispersal distinct from adult form.

Behavior

Retroconjugate mating position is prevalent across most lineages, with the exception of Histiostomatoidea. This represents a phylogenetically structured behavioral trait within the superfamily.

Human Relevance

Some within contain of medical and economic importance, including stored product pests and potential allergens.

Similar Taxa

  • HistiostomatoideaExcluded from the AR cluster within based on mating position (lacks retroconjugate mating) and phylogenetic placement
  • HemisarcoptoideaExhibits proconjugate rather than retroconjugate mating position, distinguishing it from most
  • GlycyphagidaeGrouped with Hemisarcoptoidea by proconjugate mating, separate from the retroconjugate-mating AR cluster of

Sources and further reading