Tetranychidae - Spider mites Eriophyidae - Gall mites Sarcoptidae - Sarcoptic Mange mites
The mites and ticks, orderAcarina or Acari, belong to the Arachnida and are among the most diverse and successful of all the invertebrate groups, although some way behind the insects. They have exploited an incredible array of habitats and because of their small size (some are truly microscopic) most go totally unnoticed. Many live freely in the soil but there is also a vast array of species that live as parasites on plants or animals.
Some of the plant pests include the so_called Spider mites (family Tetranychidae) and the Gall mites (family Eriophyidae). Among the species that attack animals there are members of the Sarcoptic Mange mites (family Sarcoptidae), which burrow under the skin.
Insects may also have parasitic mites. One example is Varroa destructor which attaches to the body of the honeybee and feeds off it.
Mites (Acari or Acarina) are the most diverse and abundant of all arachnids, but because of their small size (usually less than a millimeter in length) we rarely see them.
Red velvet mites are also among the giants of the Acari (to 10 mm), and can often be seen hunting on the ground or on tree trunks.
--> Acari (ticks and mites) are an ancient mega-diverse group that displays a bewildering array of life histories and that occupies a stunning array of habitats.
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