Acari: Phytoseiidae, Trombidiidae
Identification
• Mites are very small (< 1/32 inch long), teardrop shaped, have
8 legs, and are fast moving. ID to species is very difficult.
Host Range
• Predatory mites feed on spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. Most
are fairly generalist feeders, with some specializing on groups of pests
or seeking prey in certain environments.
Life Cycle
• Mites have incomplete metamorphosis with a development time of about
1 week.
Related Species
• Predatory mites should not be confused with plant feeding mites (pests),
such as spider mites.
• The world has more than 100,000 mite species.
Other Information
• Mites are extremely important predators. An egg-laying female
can eat 10 prey per day for several weeks, while laying 40-60 eggs during
her lifetime.