Acariformes

A diverse order of mites

Acariformes is an order of mites, which are small arachnids belonging to the subclass Acari. This order is one of the two main groups of mites, the other being Parasitiformes. Acariformes is a highly diverse group, containing thousands of species that inhabit a wide range of environments.

Morphology

Acariformes exhibit a wide variety of body forms and sizes, ranging from less than 0.1 mm to several millimeters in length. They typically have a two-segmented body consisting of a gnathosoma and an idiosoma. The gnathosoma contains the mouthparts, while the idiosoma contains the legs and most of the internal organs.

Ecology

Acariformes are found in nearly every habitat on Earth, including soil, water, plants, and animals. They play important roles in ecosystems as decomposers, predators, and parasites. Some species are known to be agricultural pests, while others are beneficial as biological control agents.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Acariformes typically includes several stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The number of nymphal stages can vary among species. Many Acariformes reproduce sexually, but some can reproduce asexually through parthenogenesis.

Economic Importance

Acariformes include species that are significant to agriculture and human health. For example, some species are pests of crops, while others can cause allergic reactions in humans. Conversely, some Acariformes are used in biological control to manage pest populations.

Gallery

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  Lorryia formosa

Related pages

• Acari
• Parasitiformes
• Arachnida
• Arthropoda

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  Trombidium holosericeum
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  Yellow mite (Tydeidae), Lorryia formosa