Hydrachnidia
Guides
Arrenuridae
Arrenuridae is a family of water mites (Hydrachnidia) in the order Trombidiformes, containing at least three genera and approximately 110 described species. Members are primarily freshwater predators as adults and deutonymphs, with larvae that parasitize aquatic insects. The family exhibits complex mating behaviors mediated by chemical communication, including female-emitted sex pheromones that trigger male responses.
Hygrobatidae
water mites
Hygrobatidae is a family of prostigmatan mites in the order Trombidiformes, commonly known as water mites. The family comprises approximately 78 genera and over 100 described species, though estimates vary. Members are primarily aquatic, inhabiting springs, streams, and running waters across multiple continents. The genus Hygrobates includes a well-studied species complex (fluviatilis-complex) with ten or more morphologically similar species. Some species exhibit parasitic associations with amphibians.
Lebertioidea
Lebertioidea is a superfamily of water mites (Hydrachnidia) within the order Trombidiformes. Members are aquatic arachnids found primarily in freshwater habitats across the Holarctic region. The superfamily comprises approximately 13 genera distributed among several families including Sperchontidae, Anisitsiellidae, Oxidae, and Torrenticolidae. Larval stages are parasitic on various aquatic insects, while post-larval instars are free-living predators.
Torrenticolidae
torrent mites
Torrenticolidae is a family of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) in the order Trombidiformes. Members are tiny, heavily sclerotized, crawling arthropods found in running freshwater habitats. The family contains approximately 5 genera and more than 400 described species, with the genus Torrenticola being the most diverse and widespread. Species diversity is highest in tropical regions, though the family occurs on all continents except Antarctica.