Phoresy
Guides
Acaridae
Stored Products Mites, Mold Mites, Grain Mites
Acaridae is a family of mites in the order Sarcoptiformes, commonly known as stored products mites or mold mites. The family includes over 400 species across multiple genera, with cosmopolitan distributions. Many species are generalists inhabiting both natural environments (soil, litter, animal nests, decomposing plant material) and artificial environments (human dwellings, granaries, greenhouses). Several genera contain significant agricultural and stored product pests, including *Acarus*, *Tyrophagus*, and *Rhizoglyphus*, which cause economic damage to crops, bulbs, and stored foodstuffs.
Algophagidae
Algophagidae is a family of astigmatid mites containing approximately 5 genera and at least 10 described species. Members inhabit specialized microhabitats including tree sap fluxes, water-filled treeholes, and sub-Antarctic moss or algal beds. Several species exhibit complex life histories with facultative deutonymph stages that may be phoretic or non-phoretic depending on environmental conditions. The family shows notable morphological plasticity related to habitat occupation.
Antennophoroidea
Antennophoroidea is a superfamily of mites within the order Mesostigmata, suborder Trigynaspida. Members of this group are primarily associated with insects, often exhibiting parasitic or phoretic relationships with ant, bee, and wasp hosts. The superfamily is characterized by specialized morphological adaptations for clinging to host antennae and other body parts. It represents a relatively small but ecologically distinctive lineage within the diverse mite fauna.
Antherophagus ochraceus
silken fungus beetle
Antherophagus ochraceus is a silken fungus beetle (family Cryptophagidae) native to North America. It is one of the largest members of its family, measuring 4-5 mm as an adult. The species exhibits a distinctive phoretic relationship with bumblebees, attaching to bees to reach their nests where larvae develop.
Arrenurus
water mites
Arrenurus is the largest genus of water mites, comprising approximately 950 species with cosmopolitan distribution in lentic freshwater habitats. Adults are heavily sclerotized, predatory, and exhibit marked sexual dimorphism—males possess diagnostic caudal modifications used in mating, while female taxonomy remains problematic. The life cycle includes seven stages: egg, inactive prelarva, parasitic larva, protonymph, deutonymph, tritonymph, and adult. Larvae are ectoparasites of aquatic insects, particularly Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies), but also Diptera and Coleoptera, utilizing hosts for both nutrition and phoretic dispersal.
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.
Ascidae
Ascidae is a family of predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata. Members occupy diverse habitats including soil, litter, bark, and freshwater margins. Many species are phoretic, dispersing on larger arthropods such as beetles and flies. The family was historically broader, with Blattisociidae and Melicharidae now treated as separate families based on morphological distinctions.
Astigmata
Astigmata is a diverse suborder of mites characterized by the absence of stigmata (respiratory openings) and tracheal systems. The group encompasses three major ecological radiations: permanent ectosymbionts of birds (feather mites), inhabitants of decaying organic matter and stored products, and parasites of vertebrates and arthropods. Feather mites represent the most species-rich component, with three superfamilies (Analgoidea, Pterolichoidea, Freyanoidea) colonizing all feather types of birds worldwide. Many non-feather-associated lineages exhibit a specialized dispersal stage, the heteromorphic deutonymph (hypopus), adapted for phoretic transport on arthropods. The suborder shows remarkable morphological and ecological diversification, with life cycles ranging from entirely host-bound to complex multi-habitat strategies.
Carpelimus
spiny-legged rove beetles
Carpelimus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) containing at least 100 described species. Members are commonly referred to as spiny-legged rove beetles. The genus has a broad distribution spanning the Palearctic, Oriental, and other regions, with recent records documenting range extensions in Southeast Asia and South Asia. At least one species, Carpelimus rivularis, has been documented as a host for phoretic mites (Pygmephoridae).
Ceraeochrysa
trash-carrier lacewings, green lacewings
Ceraeochrysa is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, established by Adams in 1982 based on distinct genitalia structure. It is the second largest genus in Chrysopidae with 61 species distributed from southeastern Canada to Argentina, with highest diversity in the Neotropics. Larvae are known as 'trash carriers' that construct dorsal packets of debris for camouflage, including insect wax, lichen, and plant material. The genus contains important biological control agents that prey on mealybugs, aphids, mites, thrips, and lepidopteran eggs.
Ceraeochrysa claveri
trash bug (larval stage)
A green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, Ceraeochrysa claveri is a polyphagous predator with established value in biological control of agricultural pests. Larvae are "trash carriers" that construct dorsal camouflage packets using assorted materials including lichen, plant trichomes, and notably the wax of mealybugs and other insects. The species has been documented incorporating live mealybug nymphs into these packets, representing the first recorded instance of active placement of live prey onto the larval packet. Adults feed on pollen and may contribute to pollination. The species shows high genetic diversity across agroecosystems and is compatible with certain biopesticides including Bacillus thuringiensis serovar aizawai.
Cerambycinae
Round-necked Longhorn Beetles
Cerambycinae is a large subfamily of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) comprising over 715 genera and approximately 3,900 species. It represents one of the two most diverse subfamilies within Cerambycidae, rivaled only by Lamiinae. The subfamily exhibits worldwide distribution with particular diversity in the Americas, where 430 species in 130 genera occur in the neotropical realm. Members are characterized by morphological features including a rounded pronotum and specific maxillary palp structure.
Chaetodactylidae
Chaetodactylidae is a family of mites in the order Sarcoptiformes, comprising five genera: Sennertia, Chaetodactylus, Achaetodactylus, Centriacarus, and Roubikia. Members of this family are exclusively associated with bees, exhibiting diverse ecological relationships ranging from phoresy to cleptoparasitism. Some species function as mutualists, potentially removing fungi from host nests, while others significantly harm bee populations through nest-to-nest dispersal and host mortality.
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 krombeini
Krombein's hairy-footed pollen mite
Chaetodactylus krombeini is a cleptoparasitic mite in the family Chaetodactylidae that infests nests of solitary megachilid bees, primarily Osmia lignaria (blue orchard bee) and Osmia cornifrons (hornfaced bee). Described by Baker in 1962, this 0.5 mm mite consumes pollen and nectar provisions intended for developing bee larvae, causing mortality through starvation and direct egg damage. The mite disperses between nests primarily by hitchhiking on adult bees during emergence, though walking dispersal through nest entrances and parasitic wasp holes has been documented. Females are larger than males. Despite the common name "pollen mite," the species consumes more nectar than pollen.
Chernetidae
Chernetid Pseudoscorpions
Chernetidae is a large family of pseudoscorpions in the order Pseudoscorpiones, containing over 650 described species across 119 genera. Members are small arachnids lacking a tail and stinger, characterized by prominent pincer-like pedipalps. The family was established by Anton Menge in 1855. Many species inhabit subcortical environments beneath tree bark and are frequently documented engaging in phoresy—attaching to insects such as longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) for dispersal.
Chrysomelobia
Chrysomelobia is a genus of sexually transmitted parasitic mites in the family Podapolipidae that infest chrysomelid beetles. The genus was originally described from the Americas, Europe and Africa, and was later expanded to include Australian species following the synonymization of Parobia. These mites complete their entire life cycle on adult beetles and do not infest immature host stages.
Compsomyiops
Compsomyiops is a genus of blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) established by Townsend in 1918. Members are necrophagous and serve as important forensic indicators for postmortem interval estimation. The genus has been documented as a phoretic host for Myianoetus mites (Acari: Histiostomatidae), representing a novel dispersal association for these mites. At least two species are recognized: C. fulvicrura in South America and C. wheeleri in North America.
Dermanyssina
Dermanyssina is a suborder of mesostigmatid mites characterized by adaptations for parasitic or phoretic lifestyles. Members exhibit diverse host associations, including beetles and earwigs. The suborder includes taxa with specialized morphological features for attachment to and transport by host organisms.
Diplogyniidae
Diplogyniidae is a family of parasitic mites in the order Mesostigmata. Most species are associated with beetles, particularly passalid beetles (Coleoptera: Passalidae), histerid beetles (Histeridae), and scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae). Some species have been recorded from larger mammals, including rats. The family exhibits strong host specificity, with many species restricted to single host species, though exceptions such as Paradiplogynium nahmani occur across multiple hosts.
Dryobius sexnotatus
Six-banded Longhorn Beetle
Dryobius sexnotatus is a species of longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) and the sole member of its monospecific genus. It is endemic to North America. The species has been documented as a host for phoretic pseudoscorpions, which attach to adult beetles for dispersal.
Epidermoptidae
Epidermoptidae is a family of acariform mites in the order Sarcoptiformes. Members are permanent ectoparasites of birds and mammals, inhabiting skin surfaces and subcutaneous tissues. Several species are nostril specialists. Some genera have evolved phoretic associations with louse flies (Hippoboscidae), and certain species hyperparasitise these carriers, using them for oviposition and feeding. The family shows broad geographic distribution with records from Europe, North America, Australia, and the Galápagos Islands.
Eucharitinae
Eucharitinae is a subfamily of chalcid wasps within Eucharitidae, established by Walker in 1846. Members are parasitoids of ants, with larvae developing inside ant colonies after being transported by worker ants. The subfamily is distinguished by specialized life history adaptations involving ant host exploitation.
Fannia pusio
Chicken Dung Fly
Fannia pusio is a small calyptrate fly in the family Fanniidae, commonly known as the chicken dung fly. Native to Central and North America, it has achieved near-global distribution through human-mediated dispersal associated with livestock. The species is notable for its synanthropic association with poultry facilities, where it can reach nuisance-level populations. It has forensic significance as a colonizer of decomposing remains, including buried corpses inaccessible to larger flies, and serves as a developmental indicator for post-mortem interval estimation. Females also function as phoretic hosts for Dermatobia hominis eggs, linking the species to veterinary and medical myiasis cases.
Glycyphagus
Grocer's Itch Mites
Glycyphagus is a genus of astigmatid mites in the family Glycyphagidae, commonly known as grocer's itch mites. Species in this genus inhabit diverse environments including animal nests, stored products, house dust, and hay. They feed on organic debris and can disperse via phoresy on insects or air currents. Some species are significant pests of stored grain and household materials.
Glyptholaspis
Glyptholaspis is a genus of macrochelid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) first described by Filipponi and Pegazzano in 1960. The genus comprises approximately 10 species worldwide, including G. fimicola (the type species), G. americana, and G. confusa. Species in this genus are associated with dung beetles (Scarabaeidae) via phoresy, using beetles for transport between dung microhabitats. Two species, G. americana and G. confusa, have been documented in Australia, while G. fimicola has been recorded from Bali, Indonesia.
Haeteriinae
Haeteriinae is a subfamily of clown beetles (Histeridae) comprising over 110 genera and 330 described species. Members are obligate myrmecophiles and termitophiles, specialized as social symbionts that infiltrate ant and termite colonies. The subfamily exhibits dramatic behavioral and chemical adaptations for colony integration, including mouth-to-mouth feeding with host workers, grooming behaviors, and chemical mimicry of host scents. A 99-million-year-old fossil from Burmese amber demonstrates that this symbiotic relationship originated in the Cretaceous period, contemporaneous with the earliest-known ants.
Histiostoma
Histiostoma is a genus of astigmatan mites in the family Histiostomatidae, characterized by modified brush-like chelicerae adapted for filtering microbes from substrates. The genus exhibits remarkable ecological diversity, with species occupying habitats ranging from bark beetle galleries and insect associations to aquatic environments and decaying organic matter. Many species form heteromorphic deutonymphs (hypopi) specialized for phoretic dispersal on arthropod hosts. Histiostoma includes economically significant species such as H. feroniarum, a pest of cultivated mushrooms, and H. laboratorium, a notorious contaminant of Drosophila research cultures.
Histiostomatoidea
Histiostomatoidea is a superfamily of mites within the suborder Astigmata (Sarcoptiformes). Members are characterized by highly modified mouthparts adapted for feeding on decomposing organic matter and associated microorganisms. The group includes families such as Histiostomatidae and Guanolichidae. Many species exhibit phoretic relationships with insects, using carriers for dispersal.
Lepadidae
Goose Barnacles
A family of pedunculate (stalked) barnacles established by Charles Darwin in 1852, commonly known as goose barnacles. Comprises approximately five genera and over 20 described species. Members are exclusively marine, with worldwide distribution in warm temperate and tropical seas. The family includes the well-known genus Lepas (goose barnacles) and Conchoderma (whale barnacles).
Limoniidae
Limoniid Crane Flies, Limoniidae, Short-palped Crane Flies
Limoniidae is the largest family of crane flies, comprising over 10,700 species in more than 150 genera. Members are distinguished from other crane flies primarily by their wing posture at rest: wings are typically held folded along the body rather than perpendicular to it. The family includes notable wingless snow flies in the genus Chionea, which are active in winter. Limoniids are generally smaller than other crane flies and occupy diverse habitats worldwide. Recent phylogenetic studies indicate the family is paraphyletic, with some limoniids more closely related to Tipulidae and Cylindrotomidae than to other limoniids.
Lobogynioides
Lobogynioides is a genus of mesostigmatic mites in the family Diplogyniidae. The genus is known from Eastern Europe and the Caucasus region. Members are associated with beetles through obligatory phoretic relationships and exhibit kleptoparasitic feeding behavior. The single well-documented species, L. andreinii, develops from egg to adult in 48–60+ days at 18–22°C.
Macrocheles
Macrocheles is a genus of mites in the family Macrochelidae, containing over 80 described species. Members of this genus are primarily known for their phoretic associations with insects, particularly flies and beetles, though some species exhibit facultative or obligate parasitism. Research on Macrocheles muscaedomesticae has provided important insights into the evolutionary origins of parasitism from free-living ancestors. Species in this genus occupy diverse habitats including carrion, dung, decaying plant matter, and necrotic cacti, often following their insect hosts to these ephemeral resources.
Macrochelidae
Macrochelidae is a cosmopolitan family of predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata. The family is primarily associated with ephemeral, nutrient-rich habitats such as animal dung, where they prey on nematodes, oligochaete worms, and arthropod eggs. Phoresy on flying insects—particularly dung beetles and flies—enables dispersal between temporary resource patches. Some species have been developed as biological control agents for pest management.
Macrosiagon
wedge-shaped beetles
Macrosiagon is a genus of wedge-shaped beetles (family Ripiphoridae) containing more than 20 described species. Species in this genus are parasitoids of wasps and bees. First-instar larvae (triungulinids) exhibit phoretic behavior, attaching to host insects for transport. The genus has a broad distribution spanning the Nearctic, Neotropical, Palaearctic, Oriental, and Afrotropical regions.
Macrosiagon octomaculata
Macrosiagon octomaculata is a ripiphorid beetle species known to be a parasitoid of wasps and bees. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving triungulinid larvae that use phoretic transport on host insects to reach their ultimate hosts. First accurately recorded from southern Brazil, specifically Santa Catarina Island, where it was found associated with the eriocaulaceous plant Paepalanthus polyanthus in restinga habitat. The species represents one of the few documented cases of Ripiphoridae utilizing an Eriocaulaceae species for reproductive biology.
Mantispidae
mantidflies, mantispids, mantid lacewings, mantis-flies
Mantispidae is a family of neuropteran insects comprising approximately 400 species in around 400 genera, distributed worldwide with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Adults are predators characterized by raptorial forelegs—convergent with mantises but independently evolved—used to capture small arthropod prey. The family exhibits diverse larval life histories: Mantispinae are ectoparasitoids of spider egg sacs; Symphrasinae parasitize ground-nesting hymenopterans and scarab beetle larvae; Calomantispinae are predatory on small arthropods; and Drepanicinae life history remains largely unknown. First-instar larvae (planidia) employ specialized host-location strategies including direct penetration of egg sacs or phoretic transport on female spiders.
Meloe
Oil Beetles
Meloe is a large genus of blister beetles commonly known as oil beetles, named for their defensive release of oily hemolymph containing cantharidin from leg joints and other body articulations when disturbed. Adults are flightless with shortened elytra that expose most of the abdomen, often displaying iridescent blue, green, or black coloration. The genus exhibits hypermetamorphic development with triungulin larvae that employ phoretic transport on bees to access host nests, where they consume provisions and host offspring.
Meloe americanus
Buttercup Oil Beetle, American Oil Beetle
Meloe americanus is a flightless blister beetle native to North America, commonly known as the buttercup oil beetle or American oil beetle. Adults are entirely black with occasional blue metallic iridescence, measuring 7–17 mm in length. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving hypermetamorphosis, with triungulin larvae employing phoresy to reach host bee nests where they develop as parasites. Adults are active during late autumn through early spring, with peak emergence in December and April. The beetle is notable for its chemical defense: it secretes cantharidin, a potent blistering agent toxic to mammals at high concentrations.
Meloe strigulosus
Meloe strigulosus is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, characterized by its phoretic larval behavior involving attachment to other organisms for transport. The species has been documented in coastal dune habitats in Oregon, where its ecological relationships have been specifically studied. Adults possess the typical oil beetle morphology with shortened elytra that expose much of the abdomen. Like other Meloe species, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound toxic to vertebrates.
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.
Mycetina
handsome fungus beetles
Mycetina is a genus of handsome fungus beetles in the family Endomychidae, established by Mulsant in 1846. The genus comprises approximately 11 described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with records from Europe, North America, and the Eastern Palearctic. Members are associated with fungal habitats and serve as hosts for phoretic mites.
Nemognathinae
blister beetles
Nemognathinae is a subfamily of blister beetles (Meloidae) characterized by highly modified adult mouthparts, with elongated maxillae adapted for feeding on nectar from deep-corolla flowers. The subfamily contains approximately 8 genera and at least 80-120 described species globally, distributed across all continents except New Zealand, eastern Polynesian Islands, and Antarctica. Members exhibit diverse morphological adaptations including sexually dimorphic antennae in some taxa, abbreviated elytra, and reduced hind wings in certain genera. The subfamily is divided into five tribes: Nemognathini, Horiini, Cissitini, Leptopalpini, and Stenoriini.
Nicrophorus pustulatus
Pustulated Carrion Beetle, Blistered Burying Beetle
Nicrophorus pustulatus is a North American burying beetle distinguished by its unique ecology among congeners. Unlike typical carrion beetles that bury small vertebrate carcasses underground, this species is a canopy specialist that has undergone a remarkable host shift to exploit snake eggs as a primary breeding resource. It is the only described Nicrophorus species demonstrated to function as a true parasitoid of vertebrates, attacking live reptile eggs. Adults are medium-sized (14.0–22.2 mm), predominantly black with distinctive orange elytral spots, and lack the long dorsal setae characteristic of related species. The species exhibits flexible social mating systems and facultative parental care.
Podagrion
Podagrion is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Torymidae that exclusively parasitize mantid egg cases (oothecae). Adults measure 2–3 mm and possess distinctive raptorial hind legs that mimic their mantis hosts, along with elongated ovipositors for penetrating oothecae. The genus exhibits a near-cosmopolitan distribution with strongest representation in Afrotropical, Neotropical, and Australasian regions. Podagrion demonstrates complex reproductive adaptations including multivoltine life cycles, phoretic oviposition behavior, and frequent sib-mating facilitated by limited dispersal.
Poecilochirus
Carrion Beetle Mites
Poecilochirus is a Holarctic genus of relatively large mites (0.5–1 mm) in the family Parasitidae. They are phoretic symbionts of burying beetles (Silphidae: Nicrophorus), using beetles for transport to vertebrate carcasses where they feed and reproduce. The genus exhibits extensive cryptic diversity, with molecular studies identifying 24 genetic clusters potentially representing distinct species. Their interaction with beetle hosts is context-dependent, ranging from antagonistic (egg predation, competition) to potentially mutualistic (preying on fly eggs and nematodes).
Pseudopityophthorus
oak bark beetles
A genus of bark and ambrosia beetles in the family Curculionidae, comprising more than 30 described species distributed primarily in North and Central America. Species in this genus are strongly associated with oak trees (Quercus spp.) and have been investigated as potential vectors of forest pathogens, including the oak wilt fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum and the canker-causing fungus Geosmithia pallida. Some species exhibit phoretic behavior and form associations with other organisms including mites and nematodes.
Pseudopityophthorus minutissimus
oak bark beetle
Pseudopityophthorus minutissimus, commonly known as the oak bark beetle, is a small bark beetle in the family Curculionidae. It is native to North America and breeds in oak species (Quercus). The species has been investigated as a potential vector of the oak wilt fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum, though evidence suggests it plays a minor role in long-distance pathogen transmission compared to other insects.
Pseudoscorpiones
pseudoscorpions, false scorpions, book scorpions
Pseudoscorpions are tiny arachnids, most under 5 mm in length, superficially resembling scorpions but lacking a stinger and elongated tail. They are among the oldest terrestrial colonizers, with fossils dating to the Middle Devonian (ca. 390 million years ago). Despite their ancient lineage, they exhibit remarkable morphological stasis, with even Devonian fossils appearing modern. Most species inhabit concealed microhabitats such as beneath bark, in leaf litter, soil, caves, or mammal nests, making them seldom encountered despite being fairly common. They are predatory, seizing small invertebrate prey with venomous pincer-like pedipalps.
Pteronarcys
Giant Stoneflies, Salmonflies
Pteronarcys is a genus of giant stoneflies in the family Pteronarcyidae, commonly known as salmonflies. The genus comprises approximately 8 described species distributed across North America and Far Eastern Russia. These are among the largest stoneflies, with nymphs reaching substantial sizes in lotic freshwater habitats. Life cycles are notably long, ranging from 1 to 5 years depending on species and thermal conditions, with multiple larval diapause stages and temperature-dependent egg development documented in several species.