Phytoseioidea

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Subclass: Acari
Superorder: Parasitiformes
Order: Mesostigmata
Suborder: Dermanyssina
Superfamily: Phytoseioidea

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phytoseioidea: /ˌfaɪ.toʊ.siˈɔɪ.diə/

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

Images

Amblyseius swirskii bearing Beauveria bassiana conidia by Lin, G., Guertin, C., Di Paolo, SA. et al.. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Neoseiulus cucumeris and Amblyseius swirskii bearing Beauveria bassiana conidia by Lin, G., Guertin, C., Di Paolo, SA. et al.. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Neoseiulus cucumeris bearing Beauveria bassiana conidia by Lin, G., Guertin, C., Di Paolo, SA. et al.. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

The Phytoseiidae family comprises predatory mites that are important biological control agents in agriculture, feeding predominantly on pest mites and thrips. With a significant rise in documented species, their role in pest management highlights their ecological and economic importance.

Physical Characteristics

Phytoseiid mites are less than 0.5 mm in size, pear-shaped, wingless, and have eight legs. They are translucent white, but can turn pale tan, orange/red, or green after feeding. Eggs are oblong, translucent white and can be found along the veins of the underside of leaves. Larvae have six legs, are oval in shape and range in color from translucent white to tan. Nymphs are similar to larvae but slightly larger and have eight legs.

Identification Tips

Adult phytoseiids are less than 0.5 mm, pear-shaped with a translucent white body that can change color after feeding. A key identifying feature is the presence of eight legs in adults and eight legs in nymphs, whereas larvae have six legs.

Habitat

Phytoseiid mites can be found on various plants, often on the underside of leaves where they can find their prey.

Distribution

Worldwide, with notable populations in agricultural regions of the US and Europe.

Diet

Phytoseiids primarily feed on small arthropods such as thrips and spider mites, but many species also consume fungi, plant exudates, and pollen.

Life Cycle

Phytoseiid life cycle includes egg, larval, nymphal, and adult stages. Eggs are laid on leaves, with larvae being legless and nymphs having eight legs. Development rate varies from less than a week to four weeks, influenced by temperature and food availability.

Reproduction

Phytoseiids exhibit flexible reproductive strategies, postponing egg production when prey is scarce and increasing reproductive rates when prey is abundant.

Ecosystem Role

Phytoseiids play a crucial role in natural pest control by preying on various agricultural pests, helping to reduce pest populations.

Economic Impact

Phytoseiids are beneficial for agriculture as they serve as biological control agents against pest mites, which can otherwise cause significant crop damage.

Collecting Methods

Manual collection from plant leaves
Use of sticky traps in infested areas

Preservation Methods

Preserve in ethanol for laboratory studies
Freeze for immediate analysis

Evolution

The presence of Wolbachia bacteria in many species of Phytoseiidae influences aspects of their evolution, including reproductive patterns and speciation.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Mites in general, including Phytoseiidae, are often negatively perceived due to associations with parasitic mites. However, Phytoseiidae provide significant benefits within agricultural ecosystems by controlling pest populations.