Mesostigs

Mesostigmata

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mesostigmata: /ˌmɛsəˌstɪɡˈmɑːtə/

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Images

Summary

Mesostigmata is an order of predatory and parasitic mites characterized by unique morphology with significant ecological and economic importance, particularly in agricultural and apicultural contexts.

Physical Characteristics

Mites ranging from 0.12–4 mm long; single pair of spiracles positioned laterally; palps with 5 (rarely 4) free segments; 3-segmented chelicerae; bifurcate or membranous corniculi; adults have a genital opening; larvae have six legs.

Identification Tips

Identifiable by the single pair of spiracles positioned laterally on the body.

Habitat

Varies; includes soil and litter, freshwater, and on plants.

Distribution

Globally distributed, occurring in various habitats.

Diet

Predatory on invertebrates; also parasitic on vertebrates and arthropods.

Life Cycle

Undergoes several life stages including larval (six legs) and two nymphal stages (protonymph, deutonymph) with eight legs in adults.

Reproduction

Sexual reproduction with males having modified chelicerae for sperm transfer and females with sperm-receiving structures.

Predators

Small arthropods and nematodes are preyed upon.

Ecosystem Role

Predators in soil and plant environments; can be parasites in various systems.

Economic Impact

Includes major pests like Varroa destructor (affecting honey bees) and Dermanyssus gallinae (affecting poultry).

Health Concerns

Some species are significant parasites of animals, affecting health and production.

Collecting Methods

  • Hand collection from soil or plant surfaces.
  • Using Berlese funnels for extraction from litter.

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol fixation.
  • Slide mounting for microscopic examination.

Evolution

Evidence of the group dates back to the mid-Cretaceous period with fossils found in Burmese amber.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with other mite orders; not primarily parasitic unlike other mite groups; many are free-living predators.

Tags

  • mites
  • Mesostigmata
  • predatory mites
  • parasitic mites
  • Arachnida