Parasitic-mite
Guides
Chaetodactylus
Chaetodactylus is a genus of parasitic mites in the family Chaetodactylidae containing over 20 species. These mites are obligate associates of solitary bees, primarily in the families Megachilidae and Anthophoridae. They are kleptoparasites that consume pollen and nectar provisions intended for bee larvae, and frequently kill developing bee larvae through direct attack. The genus exhibits a complex life cycle involving two distinct deutonymph stages: a phoretic form that disperses on adult bees and an inert, cyst-like non-phoretic form that survives in nest cavities to infest subsequent host generations. Several species have become significant pests in managed pollinator systems, particularly in orchard pollination operations using Osmia bees.
Chaetodactylus claudus
Chaetodactylus claudus is a species of mite in the family Chaetodactylidae, described in 2008. It belongs to a genus known for parasitic associations with mason bees (Osmia spp.), where mites attack pollen provisions and kill bee eggs. The species has been recorded in North America.
Chrysomelobia labidomerae
Chrysomelobia labidomerae is a parasitic mite in the family Podapolipidae that infests chrysomelid beetles, particularly Labidomera clivicollis and Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle). Adult females lay eggs on the upper surfaces of host hind wings. The species exhibits arrhenotokous reproduction and overwinters on diapausing adult beetles. Despite high population levels, the mite has been observed to have minimal impact on host longevity or fecundity. The species has been studied for its potential as a biological control agent against the Colorado potato beetle.
Hexathrombium
Hexathrombium is a genus of parasitic mites in the family Microtrombidiidae. These mites have been documented as ectoparasites of beetles, specifically recorded from the carabid beetle Ceroglossus buqueti. The genus was established by Cooreman in 1944. As microtrombidiid mites, they likely belong to the parasitic life stage known as the parasitengone life cycle, though specific details for this genus remain limited.
Pimeliaphilus
Pimeliaphilus is a genus of parasitic mites in the family Pterygosomatidae. Species within this genus are ectoparasites of insects and reptiles, with documented hosts including reduviid bugs (Triatoma, Meccus), tenebrionid beetles (Trachyderma), and geckos (Hemidactylus). The genus exhibits host specificity ranging from oligoxenous to stenoxenous patterns. Several species have been investigated for their potential as biological control agents against triatomine vectors of Chagas disease.