Anystidae

Oudemans, 1902

whirligig mites

Anystidae is a of predatory comprising over 100 , commonly known as whirligig mites. They are active found in soils and on vegetation worldwide. The family includes notable such as Anystis, Tarsotomus, and Chaussieria. Several species have been investigated for potential against agricultural pests including , , and .

Anystinae by (c) Saryu Mae 前朝琉, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Saryu Mae 前朝琉. Used under a CC-BY license.

Anystinae by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.

Anystinae by (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by portioid. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anystidae: /ænɪˈstaɪdiː/

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

Identification

Anystid are distinguished by their active, fast-moving and long legs relative to body size. The prelarval stage is motile with , five pairs of , sickle-shaped , and a prominent Claparède's organ—features visible under magnification. possess adapted for and exhibit distinctive mouthpart cleaning behavior involving repeated insertion of the between the cheliceral digits. Tarsotomus are associated with warm, dry, sparsely vegetated and often lie inactive on their at room temperature.

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Habitat

Found in soils and on plants worldwide. Specific occupy distinct : Tarsotomus inhabit warm, dry, sparsely covered and are active on hot surfaces; Chaussieria venustissima occurs in dry habitats where the motile prelarva may seek moist refugia. Anystis agilis has been documented in California vineyards.

Distribution

distribution with records from Europe (France, Switzerland, Greece, Germany, Ukraine, Northern Ireland), Asia (Iran), Australia, and North America.

Seasonality

Two to three per year for Anystis in field conditions. Summer occurs in Anystis baccarum, either as or tritonymphs.

Diet

. Anystis baccarum has been observed preying on (Thrips parvispinus), (Aphis idaei), (Neotetranychus rubi), (), and other small .

Life Cycle

Six stages: , prelarva, , , , and tritonymph, followed by males and females. Developmental time from egg to adult ranges 44–82 days at 21–22°C for three Anystis . Total lifespan of 66 days at 21°C measured for Anystis agilis. Aestivating tritonymphs of Anystis baccarum may exceed 200 days developmental time and 300 days total lifespan. The prelarva is motile for 1–5 hours, does not feed, and exhibits negative .

Behavior

exhibit mouthpart cleaning involving repeated insertion and withdrawal of the between the , with the palp's scraping the cheliceral digits. Tarsotomus produce stalked , often deposited on top of one another. Many Tarsotomus species become inactive and lie on their at room temperature but are active on hot surfaces. The motile prelarva shows negative , potentially guiding it to moist .

Ecological Role

Predatory that contribute to of pest . Anystis baccarum has been shown to reduce populations by 80% in greenhouse trials and suppress populations in orchards.

Human Relevance

Investigated as agents for agricultural pests. Anystis baccarum and Anystis agilis have potential for managing , , , and in including peppers, raspberries, apples, and . Growers are encouraged to conserve Anystis baccarum in orchards. However, the searching , cannibalistic tendencies, and long time of A. baccarum suggest it should not be used as a sole control agent.