Mites
Guides
Megisthanus
Megisthanus is a genus of predatory mites in the family Megisthanidae, established by Thorell in 1882. The genus contains at least four described species: Megisthanus floridanus, M. jacobsoni, M. orientalis, and M. postsetosus. Members are classified within the order Mesostigmata, a group of mites that includes many predatory forms.
Mesostigmata
Mesostigs
Mesostigmata is the largest order of mites in the Parasitiformes, comprising over 8,000 species in 130 families. The group exhibits remarkable ecological diversity, including free-living predators in soil and litter, parasites of vertebrates and arthropods, fungus feeders, and pollen consumers. Many species serve as important biological control agents in agricultural systems, while others such as Varroa destructor are significant economic pests of honey bees. The order is distinguished morphologically by a single pair of lateral spiracles and associated peritrematal grooves.
Micreremidae
Micreremidae is a family of oribatid mites comprising at least 4 genera and approximately 14 described species. The family is placed in the superfamily Licneremaeoidea. Known genera include Micreremus, Fenichelia, Mexiceremus, and Phylloribatula. Records indicate arboreal associations, with some species collected from tree branches in tropical forests.
Microcheyla
Microcheyla is a genus of mites in the family Cheyletidae, described by Volgin in 1966. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Bakini within the subfamily Cheyletinae. Cheyletid mites are generally small, free-living or predatory arachnids characterized by their enlarged, raptorial palps. The genus is part of the diverse prostigmatan mite fauna, though specific ecological and biological details for Microcheyla remain poorly documented in available literature.
Mideopsidae
Mideopsidae is a family of prostigmatic mites in the order Trombidiformes, comprising approximately 7 genera and 19 described species. The family belongs to the superfamily Arrenuroidea within the suborder Prostigmata. Members of this family are relatively small and understudied mites with limited ecological documentation.
Mixonomata
Mixonomata is an infraorder of oribatid mites within the order Sarcoptiformes, established by Grandjean in 1969. This group comprises soil-dwelling mites characterized by a distinctive mix of morphological features that separate them from other oribatid lineages. Members of Mixonomata are primarily found in forest litter and soil habitats where they contribute to decomposition processes. The infraorder includes several families and represents a significant component of microarthropod diversity in terrestrial ecosystems.
Mochlozetidae
Mochlozetidae is a family of oribatid mites (beetle mites) in the order Sarcoptiformes, established by Grandjean in 1960. The family comprises approximately 12 genera and at least 50 described species. These mites are classified within the superfamily Oripodoidea and the group Poronoticae. They are part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna that contributes to decomposition processes.
Nanorchestidae
Nanorchestidae is a family of small soil-dwelling mites in the order Endeostigmata. The family contains two recognized genera, Nanorchestes and Speleorchestes, which show distinct ecological partitioning: Nanorchestes dominates cold desert and polar habitats, while Speleorchestes inhabits hot deserts. This distribution correlates with structural differences in the cuticle. Members of this family may achieve high numerical abundance in extreme desert soils.
Neocarus texanus
Neocarus texanus is a species of opilioacarid mite described by Chamberlin & Mulaik in 1942. It belongs to the order Opilioacarida, a small group of primitive mites that retain characteristics of both mites and harvestmen. The species is found in North America and Middle America, with distribution records indicating presence in both regions. Very little is known about the specific biology or ecology of this species.
Neogoveidae
Neogoveid Harvestmen
Neogoveidae is a family of small, eyeless harvestmen (Cyphophthalmi) distributed across tropical regions of West Africa and the Neotropics. Members range from 1 to 4.5 mm in body length and exhibit distinctive morphological features including a heavily granulated dorsal scutum, laterally projecting ozophores, and variable adenostyle morphology. The family shows substantial undescribed diversity, with many species awaiting formal description.
Neotrombidiidae
velvet mites, chiggers
Neotrombidiidae is a family of mites in the order Trombidiformes, encompassing velvet mites and chiggers. The family contains at least four recognized genera: Anomalothrombium, Discotrombium, Monunguis, and Neotrombidium. Members of this family are part of the diverse assemblage of parasitengone mites, a group characterized by complex life cycles involving parasitic larval stages and predatory post-larval stages.
Neotrombidium
Neotrombidium is a genus of velvet mites and chiggers in the family Neotrombidiidae, established by Leonardi in 1901. The genus contains at least three described species: N. beeri, N. helladicum, and N. samsinaki. Like other members of the infraorder Parasitengona, these mites exhibit complex life histories with parasitic larval stages and predatory adults. N. beeri larvae have been documented as subelytral parasites of false mealworm beetles in Arkansas.
Nothridae
Nothridae is a family of oribatid mites comprising at least 3 genera and approximately 70 described species. The family includes the genera Nothrus (semi-cosmopolitan), Novonothrus (Gondwanan distribution), and Trichonothrus (previously known only from South Africa, now recorded from Australia). Members are primarily associated with moist forest habitats, particularly cool temperate rainforests. Australian Nothridae show relict Gondwanan biogeographical affinities, with high diversity of sexual species in temperate rainforests contrasting with thelytokous parthenogenetic species in the Northern Hemisphere.
Opilioacarida
Opilioacarida is a small order of mites containing a single family, Opilioacaridae, with approximately 13 genera and 53 valid taxa. These mites are among the largest of their kind (1.5–2.5 mm) and are considered primitive due to retained ancestral traits including six pairs of eyes and abdominal segmentation. Molecular phylogenetics places them within Parasitiformes, though historically they were treated as distinct from both Acariformes and Parasitiformes. The group has a worldwide distribution with notable diversity in the Americas.
Oppiidae
Oppiidae is a large and diverse family of oribatid mites comprising over 1000 described species. These microarthropods inhabit soil and litter layers across varied terrestrial ecosystems worldwide, from coastal sands to forest floors and grasslands. The family is taxonomically complex with numerous genera, many of which have restricted distributions or are poorly studied in particular regions such as Mongolia and Korea.
Oribotritiidae
Oribotritiidae is a family of ptyctimous oribatid mites in the order Oribatida. The family includes the genus Austrotritia, which has a primarily Gondwanan distribution across the Oriental, Australian, and southeastern Palaearctic Regions. The European species Austrotritia finlandica, endemic to the southwestern archipelago of Finland, represents the only known European occurrence of this genus. Records from GBIF indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Oripodoidea
Oripodoidea is a superfamily of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) established by Jacot in 1925. It comprises approximately 19 families and at least 1,300 described species, making it one of the most diverse superfamilies within the suborder Oribatida. Members are classified within the infraorder Brachypylina and cohort Poronoticae.
Orius vicinus
minute pirate bug
Orius vicinus is a predatory minute pirate bug (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) studied extensively for biological control potential. Under laboratory conditions at 26°C, it completes development from egg to adult in approximately 18–23 days, with females living 15–17 days and producing 31–61 eggs. The species exhibits Type II or Type III functional responses depending on prey stage, with adult prey generally preferred over eggs. It has been observed feeding on spider mites, whiteflies, thrips, and other small arthropods in agricultural settings. Unlike some congeners, O. vicinus does not enter reproductive diapause and continues oviposition through winter conditions.
Oxidae
Oxidae is a small family of prostigmatan mites in the order Trombidiformes, established by Viets in 1926. The family contains approximately 15 described species distributed across four genera: Flabellifrontipoda, Frontipoda, Gnaphiscus, and Oxus. These mites belong to the superfamily Lebertioidea and are part of the diverse assemblage of free-living predatory mites within the suborder Prostigmata.
Palaeacaroidea
Palaeacaroidea is a superfamily of oribatid mites established by Grandjean in 1932. It belongs to the infraorder Palaeosomata, a group of primitive mites characterized by plesiomorphic morphological features. The superfamily represents one of the earliest-diverging lineages within the Oribatida, often called 'moss mites' or 'beetle mites'. Records of this group are extremely sparse, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist.
Paraphanolophus
Paraphanolophus is a genus of erythraeid mites in the family Erythraeidae, first described by Smiley in 1968. Members of this genus are predatory mites belonging to the superfamily Erythraeoidea. The genus is characterized by specific morphological modifications of the palpal femur that distinguish it from related genera such as Phanolophus. As with other erythraeid mites, species in this genus are likely active predators in soil and leaf litter habitats, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Parasitidae
predatory mites, bee mites, beetle mites
Parasitidae is a family of predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata, representing the sole family in the superfamily Parasitoidea. These mites are relatively large for their group, often appearing yellowish to dark brown in color. The family has worldwide distribution and contains approximately 400 species across 29 genera organized into two subfamilies: Pergamasinae (soil-dwelling, non-phoretic) and Parasitinae (nest-dwelling, phoretic deutonymphs). Members prey on diverse microarthropods and nematodes, with individual species typically exhibiting narrower prey ranges than the family as a whole.
Parasitina
Parasitina is a suborder of predatory mites within the order Mesostigmata, characterized by relatively large body size for mites and typically yellowish to dark brown coloration. Members are free-living predators that actively hunt microarthropods and nematodes in soil and litter habitats. The suborder includes the family Parasitidae, which contains approximately 400 species across 29 genera in two subfamilies. Spermatogenesis involves complex cytoskeletal reorganization with distinct roles for F-actin and tubulin in nuclear shaping, acrosome formation, and flagellar development.
Parasitoidea
Parasitoidea is a superfamily of predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata, containing the single family Parasitidae. These relatively large mites are found worldwide in soil, humus, and forest floor litter. They prey on microarthropods and nematodes, with individual species typically specializing on a narrower range of prey. The group contains approximately 400 species across 29 genera and two subfamilies.
Parholaspididae
Parholaspididae is a family of free-living predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata, containing 14 genera and approximately 163 described species. Members are distributed worldwide and occupy diverse terrestrial microhabitats. The family was established by Evans in 1956 and is classified within the superfamily Eviphidoidea.
Peloptulus
Peloptulus is a genus of oribatid mites (family Phenopelopidae) established by Berlese in 1908. These mites belong to the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna commonly known as moss mites or beetle mites. The genus is documented from Scandinavian countries including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Pergamasinae
Pergamasinae is a subfamily of predatory mites within the family Parasitidae, order Mesostigmata. Members are relatively large for mites and occupy soil and decomposing organic matter habitats. The subfamily includes genera such as Pergamasus and Holoparasitus, with distribution centered in Europe within the broader Holarctic region.
Pergamasus
Pergamasus is a genus of predatory mites in the family Parasitidae, comprising approximately 70 described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. These soil-dwelling gamasid mites inhabit forest litter, mosses, and upper soil layers, where they function as generalist predators of small invertebrates. Several species have been documented as predators of tick nymphs, suggesting potential ecological significance in tick population control. The genus exhibits notable morphological diversity, with species groups defined primarily by male genital and leg characters.
Phenopelopidae
Phenopelopidae is a family of oribatid mites comprising 4 genera and approximately 106 species. Adults are small (400–900 μm), typically dark brown to black, with distinctive flat blade-like lamellae and movable pteromorphs. Juveniles are soft-bodied, light brown, and possess plicate cuticle. These mites inhabit forest floor microhabitats and appear to be primarily fungal feeders.
Phthiracaridae
Phthiracaridae is a family of ptyctimous oribatid mites within the superfamily Phthiracaroidea. The family comprises approximately 7 genera and at least 710 described species, making it one of the largest families of Euptyctima. Members are characterized by a retractable idiosoma (ptychoidy), a defensive adaptation where the body can fold to protect legs and mouthparts. The family has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions.
Phthiracarus
Phthiracarus is the second largest genus of ptyctimous mites (Euptyctima), with nearly cosmopolitan distribution. The genus belongs to the family Phthiracaridae within the oribatid mites (Oribatida), a diverse group of soil-dwelling arachnids. Species in this genus are primarily found in temperate forest soils and are associated with decomposition processes. Recent taxonomic work has described new species from previously understudied regions including Northeast China.
Phytocoris tiliae
lime plant bug
Phytocoris tiliae is a small plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the lime plant bug. It is associated with deciduous trees across Europe and parts of North America. The species is notable among plant bugs for its predatory habits, feeding on mites and other small insects rather than plant sap alone. Adults are active during summer months and are attracted to light.
Phytoseioidea
Phytoseioidea is a superfamily of mesostigmatic mites within the order Mesostigmata. It encompasses several families including Phytoseiidae (predatory mites widely used in biological control), Blattisociidae, Podocinidae, and the recently established Africoseiulellidae. Members exhibit considerable morphological diversity, with some genera showing highly specialized adaptations. The superfamily has been subject to ongoing taxonomic revision, with family-level boundaries being redefined based on comparative morphological analysis.
Platyseius
Platyseius is a genus of mesostigmatid mites first described by Berlese in 1916. The genus currently includes six described species distributed across multiple continents. Taxonomic placement has shifted over time, with the genus now classified in Blattisociidae (formerly placed in Ascidae). Species in this genus have been recorded from Europe, southern Africa, and Australia.
Podocinidae
Podocinidae is a family of free-living predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata. The family comprises 38 species across three genera: Africoseius, Podocinella, and Podocinum. These mites are primarily soil and leaf litter inhabitants, with most species in the genus Podocinum. Their biology remains poorly known despite taxonomic documentation from multiple continents.
Podocinum
Podocinum is a genus of predatory mites in the family Podocinidae, order Mesostigmata. The genus contains more than 30 described species distributed across six continents. Species have been collected from diverse habitats including leaf litter and, in one documented case, from the fur of a wild rodent. The genus was established by Berlese in 1882 and has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, including the description of new species from China and the United States.
Podothrombiidae
Podothrombiidae is a family of terrestrial mites in the suborder Prostigmata, superfamily Trombidioidea. The family contains the genus Podothrombium, which includes 19 described species globally. Members exhibit a complex life cycle with distinct ecological phases: larvae are ectoparasitic, while post-larval stages are free-living predators.
Podothrombium
Podothrombium is a genus of terrestrial mites in the family Podothrombiidae, first established by Berlese in 1910. The genus contains 19 described species globally, distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Members exhibit the typical Parasitengona life cycle: larvae are ectoparasitic, while post-larval stages are free-living predators of arthropods.
Polyaspididae
Polyaspididae is a family of mites within the order Mesostigmata, infraorder Uropodina. The family includes at least 21 described species across three genera: Polyaspis (the most diverse), Calotrachys, and Dyscritaspis. Most species have been described from Europe, Asia, and Africa, with scattered records from North America. The group belongs to the superfamily Uropodoidea, a diverse assemblage of primarily soil-dwelling mites.
Polyaspinus
Polyaspinus is a genus of mites in the order Mesostigmata. The genus was established by Berlese in 1916 and currently includes at least eleven described species distributed across multiple continents. Taxonomic placement has varied between families Polyaspididae and Trachytidae in different classification systems. The genus shows a broad geographic distribution with records from South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Polyaspis
Polyaspis is a genus of mesostigmatid mites in the family Polyaspididae. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed across multiple continents. These mites belong to the diverse order Mesostigmata, which includes many free-living and parasitic species.
Procaeculus
Procaeculus is a genus of mites in the family Caeculidae, first described by Jacot in 1936. Members of this genus belong to the superfamily Caeculoidea within the suborder Prostigmata. Caeculid mites, including Procaeculus, are predatory arachnids characterized by their raptorial pedipalps. The genus has been rarely documented, with limited observations available.
Prostigmata
Prostigs
Prostigmata is a suborder of mites in the order Trombidiformes, comprising the majority of 'sucking' mites within the Acariformes. The group exhibits extraordinary ecological diversity, including plant-feeding pests, vertebrate and invertebrate parasites, predators, and free-living forms in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Notable members include spider mites (Tetranychidae), gall mites (Eriophyidae), harvest mites (Trombiculidae), and Demodex mites. The suborder is taxonomically complex, currently divided into four infraorders: Anystina, Eleutherengona, Eupodina, and Labidostommatina.
Raphignathoidea
Raphignathoidea is a superfamily of mites in the order Trombidiformes, comprising approximately 1,087 species across 62 genera and 12 families. The group exhibits diverse feeding strategies, including predation on small invertebrates, herbivory, and parasitism. Many species have commercial value in biological pest control. The superfamily occupies varied microhabitats from soil and leaf litter to aquatic environments and agricultural crops.
Rhagidiidae
Rhagidiidae is a family of soft-bodied, predaceous soil mites in the order Trombidiformes. The family comprises approximately 28 genera and 150 species of whitish mites that inhabit soil environments, with many species showing adaptations to subterranean life. Established by Oudemans in 1922, the family received its modern systematic foundation through Zacharda's 1980 world revision. Many species exhibit troglomorphic traits including reduced eyes, elongated appendages, and depigmentation.
Rhodacaroidea
Rhodacaroidea is a superfamily of predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata, comprising six families and over 900 described species worldwide. These mites are predominantly soil-dwelling, with highest abundance and diversity in soil and litter habitats. They have received attention as potential biological control 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.
Sancassania
Sancassania is a genus of mites in the family Acaridae containing more than 80 species. Many species are associated with fungi, particularly mushrooms, with some lineages having specialized to exploit this ephemeral resource. Other species are phoretic on beetles or occur in soil and decomposing organic matter. The genus includes economically significant species associated with agricultural crops and biocontrol systems.
Scheloribatidae
Scheloribatidae is a family of oribatid mites in the order Sarcoptiformes, established by Grandjean in 1933. The family comprises at least 20 genera and approximately 320 described species. Members of this family are part of the diverse soil mite fauna and contribute to decomposition processes in terrestrial ecosystems.
Scutoverticidae
Scutoverticidae is a family of oribatid mites comprising approximately 8 genera and at least 50 described species. The family is classified within the superfamily Licneremaeoidea. Members are small soil-dwelling arachnids. The genus *Scutovertex* includes alpine-associated species.
Scydmaeninae
Ant-like Stone Beetles, Scydmaenines
Scydmaeninae is a subfamily of minute rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) containing approximately 4,500 species in about 80 genera. Formerly treated as a distinct family, they were reclassified as a subfamily in 2009. Members are commonly known as ant-like stone beetles due to their constricted body shape resembling ants. The subfamily has a worldwide distribution and is divided into four extant supertribes: Cephenniitae, Mastigitae, Scydmaenitae, and the extinct fossil supertribe Hapsomelitae.