Trombidiformes

Trombidiformes is an order of mites that contains about 13,000 described species, including the economically important chiggers and the spider mites. They are generally small, but visible to the naked eye, and can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including soil, vegetation, and aquatic environments.

Taxonomy

The order Trombidiformes is divided into two suborders: Prostigmata and Sphaerolichida.

Prostigmata

The suborder Prostigmata contains the majority of Trombidiformes species. It includes the families Trombiculidae (chiggers), Tetranychidae (spider mites), and many others. Prostigmatans are characterized by having their stigmata (respiratory openings) located at the base of their chelicerae (mouthparts).

Sphaerolichida

The suborder Sphaerolichida is much smaller and less diverse than Prostigmata. It includes only a few families, such as Sphaerolichidae and Lordalychidae. Sphaerolichids are characterized by their spherical bodies and short legs.

Biology

Trombidiformes are diverse in their lifestyles and habitats. Some are free-living, while others are parasitic on plants or animals. Many species are economically important as pests of crops, while others are beneficial predators of other pests.

Economic importance

Trombidiformes includes several families of mites that are significant pests of crops. These include the spider mites (Tetranychidae), which can cause significant damage to a wide variety of plants, and the gall mites (Eriophyidae), which cause deformities in plants.

On the other hand, some Trombidiformes are beneficial predators of other pests. For example, the family Phytoseiidae includes many species that are used in biological control of pest mites and insects.

See also

• List of Trombidiformes families
• Acarology

Trombidiformes Resources
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