Parasitengona
Guides
Allothrombium
Sumo Mites
Allothrombium is a genus of velvet mites (family Trombidiidae) comprising approximately 45 described species distributed across the Palaearctic, Ethiopian, Australian, Oriental, and Nearctic realms. Species in this genus exhibit complex life cycles involving parasitic larvae and predatory post-larval stages. Larvae are ectoparasites primarily of aphids, while deutonymphs and adults are free-living predators of small arthropods and their eggs. Several species have been investigated as potential biological control agents for agricultural pest aphids.
Arrenurus problecornis
Arrenurus problecornis is a species of water mite (family Arrenuridae) described by Cook in 1976. Like other members of the genus Arrenurus, it is part of the subgenus Arrenurus, which is characterized by parasitic larvae that attach to odonate hosts (dragonflies and damselflies). The species belongs to the diverse radiation of water mites (Hydrachnidia), a group comprising over 6,000 species of predatory freshwater arachnids with complex life histories involving parasitic larval stages and free-living predatory adults.
Balaustium
Sidewalk Mites
Balaustium is a genus of large, bright red mites in the family Erythraeidae, commonly known as sidewalk mites. These conspicuous arachnids are frequently observed in spring cruising pavement and stone surfaces for windblown pollen. Molecular evidence suggests well over 100 species occur in the U.S. and Canada alone, challenging earlier assumptions that most were introduced from Europe. The genus exhibits complex life cycles typical of Parasitengona mites, with distinct larval, nymphal, and adult stages showing different ecological habits.
Erythraeidae
Erythraeidae is a family of predatory mites in the order Trombidiformes. Adults are free-living, fast-running predators with long legs adapted for pursuit. Larvae are ectoparasites of various arthropods, including harvestmen, spiders, bees, and grasshoppers, using a stylostome to feed on host body fluids. These mites are typically oval, relatively large for mites, reddish in color, and densely hairy. The family belongs to the superfamily Erythraeoidea within the diverse group Parasitengona, which includes velvet mites, chiggers, and water mites.
Eutrombidiinae
Eutrombidiinae is a subfamily of mites in the family Microtrombidiidae, order Trombidiformes. These are prostigmatid mites belonging to the diverse and ecologically important group Parasitengona, which includes many predatory and parasitic species. The subfamily has been documented across multiple continents with over 350 observations recorded. Members are generally small arachnids with the characteristic two-segmented body plan of mites.
Johnstoniana
Johnstoniana is a genus of mites in the family Johnstonianidae, order Trombidiformes. These mites belong to the group commonly known as velvet mites or water mites, though specific life habits for this genus remain poorly documented. The genus was established by George in 1909 and is distinguished by morphological features of the gnathosoma and leg chaetotaxy. Members are found in terrestrial and freshwater-associated habitats.
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.
Microtrombidiinae
Microtrombidiinae is a subfamily of mites within the family Microtrombidiidae, order Trombidiformes. Members are classified within the Parasitengona, a group characterized by complex life cycles involving parasitic larval stages and predatory or free-living post-larval stages. These mites are generally small to medium-sized with bright coloration, often red or orange. The subfamily was established by Thor in 1935 and contains multiple genera distributed across various regions.
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.
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.
Trombellidae
Trombellidae is a family of prostigmatid mites within the superfamily Trombiculoidea. These mites are closely related to chiggers (Trombiculidae) and share the characteristic parasitic larval stage, though they are far less studied than their medically important relatives. The family is distinguished by particular morphological features of the larval gnathosoma and setation patterns. Adult trombellids are free-living predators, while larvae are ectoparasites of arthropods.