Parasitoidea
Family Guides
1- Parasitidae(predatory mites)
Parasitoidea is a superfamily of predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata, containing the single Parasitidae. These relatively large mites are found worldwide in soil, humus, and forest floor litter. They prey on microarthropods and , with individual typically specializing on a narrower range of prey. The group contains approximately 400 species across 29 and two .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Parasitoidea: /ˌpærəsaɪˈtɔɪdiə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Mesostigmata superfamilies by -level characters of Parasitidae; relatively large body size compared to many other mite groups. Specific identification requires examination of cheliceral and podonotal shield .
Images
Appearance
Relatively large for mites. Coloration often yellowish to dark brown.
Habitat
Soil, humus, and forest floor litter in forested environments. Collections documented from mixed hardwood litter and soil .
Distribution
Worldwide distribution. Documented collection localities include North America: Michigan (Ann Arbor area), Illinois (Urbana), New York (Ithaca), and Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh area); also Western Iran for specific sometimes referenced under similar terminology.
Diet
Predatory on microarthropods and ; individual typically exhibit narrower prey ranges than the as a whole.
Ecological Role
Predatory mites contributing to soil dynamics and microarthropod .
Human Relevance
Investigated for applications against plant-feeding mites and other harmful organisms. Some within related groups (e.g., Trichogrammatidae, Braconidae) used in for lepidopteran pests, though these belong to different taxonomic groups (Hymenoptera) and are not part of the mite superfamily Parasitoidea.
Similar Taxa
- RhodacaroideaAnother superfamily of Mesostigmata mites also investigated for ; distinguished by different -level classification and morphological characters.
- Trichogrammatidae of Hymenoptera used in biocontrol of lepidopteran ; not related to mite superfamily Parasitoidea despite similar '' ecological role and occasional terminological confusion in applied literature.
- Braconidae of Hymenoptera used in biocontrol of lepidopteran larvae; not related to mite superfamily Parasitoidea despite similar and co-occurrence in pest management literature.
Misconceptions
The term 'Parasitoidea' has been applied to both a superfamily of predatory mites (Arachnida: Mesostigmata) and informally to groups of in applied entomology literature. These are unrelated . The mite superfamily contains only the Parasitidae, while wasp families such as Trichogrammatidae and Braconidae belong to order Hymenoptera.
More Details
Taxonomic note
Parasitoidea contains only the Parasitidae, which includes two , 29 , and approximately 400 .
Nomenclatural clarification
Sources on 'Lepidopter Parasitoidea' refer to (Hymenoptera), not the mite superfamily Parasitoidea. The mite superfamily is strictly Arachnida: Parasitiformes: Mesostigmata.