Rhodacaroidea

Family Guides

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Rhodacaroidea is a superfamily of predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata, comprising six and over 900 described worldwide. These mites are predominantly soil-dwelling, with highest abundance and diversity in soil and litter . They have received attention as potential agents due to their predatory habits. The group is among the more studied mesostigmatid superfamilies, though detailed biological and ecological knowledge remains limited for many species.

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 Rhodacaroidea: //ˌroʊ.də.kæˈrɔɪ.diːə//

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Habitat

Soil and litter, including rodent nests, moss and lichen, nests, and occasionally tree trunks. More than 75% of in the Ologamasidae and Rhodacaridae have been described from soil specimens. Most abundant and diverse in soil .

Distribution

Worldwide. -level distribution patterns vary: Ologamasidae predominantly described from the Neotropical (33%) and Australasian (29%) ecozones; Rhodacaridae species mainly from the Afrotropical (36%) and Palaearctic (34%) ecozones.

Diet

Some are of small insects, mites, and springtails. Some have been observed on bark beetles.

Ecological Role

in soil and litter . Potential agent for plant-feeding mites and other harmful organisms.

Human Relevance

Investigated for applications against pest mites and other agricultural pests.

More Details

Family composition

Contains six : Digamasellidae, Halolaelapidae, Laelaptonyssidae, Ologamasidae, Rhodacaridae, and Teranyssidae.

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