Medical-importance
Guides
Acariformes
Actinotrichida
Acariformes is one of two superorders of mites, representing the more diverse lineage with over 32,000 described species in 351 families and an estimated total of 440,000–929,000 species. Recent phylogenomic analyses indicate Acariformes is the most deeply rooted chelicerate lineage, rendering the traditional grouping of all mites into a single taxon scientifically problematic. The superorder comprises two main clades: Sarcoptiformes (including Oribatida and Astigmatina) and Trombidiformes, with the enigmatic Endeostigmata representing primitive forms of uncertain placement.
Brachyponera chinensis
Asian needle ant
Brachyponera chinensis, the Asian needle ant, is a ponerine ant native to Japan and mainland Asia that has established invasive populations in the eastern United States since the 1930s. The species exhibits unique pre-adapted traits for invasion success, including tolerance to inbreeding through sib-mating that maintains genetic diversity despite founder effects. It is a termite specialist predator that competes aggressively with native ant species, causing significant biodiversity reductions in invaded areas. The ant poses medical risks to humans through venomous stings that can induce anaphylaxis.
Megalopyge pyxidifera
Yellow Flannel Moth
Megalopyge pyxidifera, commonly known as the Yellow Flannel Moth, is a species of flannel moth in the family Megalopygidae. Described from the southern United States in 1797, this species belongs to a genus whose caterpillars are known for their dense, hair-like setae that conceal venomous urticating spines. The larvae of related Megalopyge species are among the most venomous caterpillars in North America, capable of delivering painful stings.
Tolype
Tolype Moths
Tolype is a genus of moths in the family Lasiocampidae, subfamily Poecilocampinae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1820. Species within this genus are known for caterpillars bearing urticating (stinging) hairs that can cause skin irritation in humans. At least one species, Tolype innocens, has been documented as a pest of blueberry crops in South America, where larvae feed on leaves and new shoots. The genus exhibits polyphagous feeding habits, with larvae consuming foliage from both forest plants and agricultural crops.
Trombidiformes
Trombidiform Mites
Trombidiformes is a large, diverse order of mites within the subclass Acariformes, comprising approximately 25,821 described species across 151 families. The order is divided into two suborders: Sphaerolichida (two families) and Prostigmata (the majority, with four infraorders and 40 superfamilies). Members include medically significant species such as Demodex mites, chiggers (Trombiculidae), and scrub-itch mites, as well as agriculturally important groups like spider mites (Tetranychidae). The phylogenetic placement of the superfamily Eriophyoidea (gall mites) remains uncertain; recent molecular analyses suggest it may fall outside Trombidiformes, possibly related to Nematalycidae.
Trombidioidea
velvet mites
Trombidioidea is a superfamily of mites in the order Trombidiformes, commonly known as velvet mites. It comprises approximately 8 families and at least 430 described species, including the familiar true velvet mites (Trombidiidae) and chiggers (Trombiculidae). Members exhibit complex life cycles with dramatic morphological and ecological shifts between instars. The superfamily is characterized by large, often brightly colored adults and minute, parasitic larvae.