Parasitic-mites
Guides
Cheyletidae
Cheyletid mites
Cheyletidae is a family of predatory and parasitic mites in the order Trombidiformes. Some species, notably in the genus Cheyletiella, are ectoparasites of mammals and birds causing cheyletiellosis ("walking dandruff"). Most species are free-living predators found in diverse habitats including soil, forest litter, animal nests, house dust, under bark, and on foliage. They feed on other mites, nematodes, and small arthropods. Several species have been evaluated as biological control agents for agricultural and stored-product pests.
Macronyssidae
Macronyssidae is a family of parasitic mites in the order Mesostigmata, established by Oudemans in 1936. Members are obligate ectoparasites of vertebrates, primarily infesting reptiles, birds, and mammals. The family includes economically significant pests such as the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) and the tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti), as well as the snake mite (Ophionyssus natricis). Macronyssids are hematophagous and have been documented as vectors of pathogens including Rickettsia and Bartonella species.
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.
Podapolipidae
Podapolipidae is a family of highly specialized mites (order Trombidiformes) that are obligate ectoparasites of insects, primarily beetles. Members inhabit protected microhabitats beneath host elytra or within body cavities. The family exhibits remarkable host specificity, with most species restricted to single host species. Transmission occurs primarily through sexual contact between hosts. The family includes notable genera such as Eutarsopolipus (parasitic on carabid beetles), Chrysomelobia (on chrysomelid beetles), and Coccipolipus (on ladybirds). Some species can negatively impact host fecundity and longevity, while others manipulate host behavior to enhance transmission.
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.