Mollusk-parasite
Guides
Unionicola
Unionicola is a genus of freshwater water mites (family Unionicolidae) described by Haldeman in 1842. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution and comprises parasitic species primarily associated with molluscan hosts, though some species associate with freshwater sponges. Most species infest unionid mussels, while U. crassipes and U. minor are associated with Spongillidae sponges. The mite-host relationship involves consumption of host mucus and tissue, with potential negative effects on host fitness.