Phoresis
Guides
Blattisociidae
Blattisociidae is a family of predatory and fungivorous mites in the order Mesostigmata, historically grouped with Ascidae and Melicharidae due to morphological similarity. The family contains approximately 14 genera and occurs in diverse habitats including soil, stored products, insect nests, flowers, and fungi. Many species engage in phoresis, attaching to insects and other animals for dispersal. Several species have been investigated as potential biological control agents of pest mites and insects.
Cyphoderus similis
Cyphoderus similis is an elongate-bodied springtail species in the family Paronellidae, described by J.W. Folsom in 1927. It is myrmecophilic and has been documented in phoretic association with the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). The species occurs across multiple insular and coastal regions including the Caribbean, Hawaii, Macaronesia, and the Amazon basin.
Hippoboscoidea
Louse Flies, Tsetse Flies, and Allies, Pupipara
Hippoboscoidea is a superfamily of calyptrate flies comprising four families: Glossinidae (tsetse flies), Hippoboscidae (louse flies or ked flies), Nycteribiidae (bat flies), and Streblidae (bat flies). All members are obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites of mammals or birds. The superfamily is distinguished by adenotrophic viviparity, in which larvae develop internally and are deposited as fully-formed prepupae. Some members serve as vectors for significant pathogens, including trypanosomes that cause African sleeping sickness and nagana.