Phytoseiidae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phytoseiidae: //ˌfaɪtəˈsaɪədi//

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 family Phytoseiidae is a group of predatory mites known for their role in controlling pest populations. They feed on thrips and other mites, with various adaptations that enable them to thrive in different environments. The family comprises numerous species, most of which are valuable for agricultural practices as biological control agents.

Physical Characteristics

Phytoseiid adults are less than 0.5 mm in size, pear-shaped, wingless, and have eight legs. They are translucent white but turn a pale tan, orange/red, or green after feeding. Larvae are tiny, oval, and wingless, with six legs. Nymphs appear similar to larvae but are larger and have eight legs.

Identification Tips

Adults are identified by their pear-shaped bodies and translucent coloring that can change after feeding. Look for oblong, translucent white eggs located along the vein of the bottom side of leaves.

Habitat

Phytoseiid mites can be found in a variety of environments but are especially common in agricultural settings where they serve as predators of pest mites and other small arthropods.

Distribution

There are approximately 2,709 described species of Phytoseiidae worldwide, with 313 species found in the United States.

Diet

Phytoseiidae primarily feed on thrips and other mite species, but some species also consume fungi, plant exudates, and pollen.

Life Cycle

Phytoseiid mites go through several life stages: egg, larva (with six legs), nymph (with eight legs), and adult. Development time varies by species and is affected by temperature and availability of food, ranging from under a week to four weeks.

Reproduction

Phytoseiidae can delay egg production when prey is scarce, which extends their lifespan. Reproduction increases substantially when prey is abundant, with females laying more eggs during high availability of food sources.

Ecosystem Role

Phytoseiidae are important biological control agents as they are predators of pest species like spider mites. They help regulate pest populations in agricultural ecosystems.

Economic Impact

Phytoseiidae contribute positively to agriculture by controlling pests, reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides. Their presence can prevent severe crop damage caused by spider mites.

Collecting Methods

Sweep netting
Leaf sampling

Preservation Methods

Drying
Alcohol preservation

Evolution

Phytoseiidae have evolved alongside their prey and developed significant adaptations for predation and reproduction, including the impact of Wolbachia infections on their reproductive strategies.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

There is a common misconception that all mites are harmful or parasitic; however, Phytoseiidae are beneficial and serve as biological control agents in agriculture.