Raphignathoid mites



Mites of the superfamily Raphignathoidea are biological control agents of spider mites, eriophyid mites, and scale insects in agriculture and forestry. The majority of the species are free-living predators, but a few are phytophages, feeding on moss, and symbionts or parasites of insects.



The superfamily can be dated back at least 56 million years. It belongs to the supraorder Acariformes, order Prostigmata, and comprises about 770 species, and 57 genera in eleven families. They are worldwide in distribution, abundant in most of the geographical regions, and are even found in the Antarctic region.



In this contribution the mite superfamily Raphignathoidea is comprehensively revised. Keys to world families and genera are provided. The taxonomy, biology, and ecology of world Raphignathoidea are briefly reviewed so the 76 species, including 21 new species, now recognised from New Zealand can be placed in context. The species belong to 20 genera (including 1 new genus) and 5 families. Known stages (of specimens available) are diagnosed, keyed, described, and illustrated with line drawings, and notes are provided on the taxonomic references, habitats, and distribution of each species.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 400

Publication Date: 04-03-2014

The genus Tyrophagus comprises a group of primarily fungivorous mites, including the mould mites, commonly found in stored food products and decaying organic matter. They are also associates of various insects, or inhabitants of vertebrate nests. They are the most abundant and economically important mites inhabiting stored food and products. Some Tyrophagus species are also facultatively phytophagous and can cause economic damage to plants, including both ornamental flowers and vegetables grown in greenhouses.



Tyrophagus belongs to the supraorder Acariformes, order Astigmata, family Acaridae. Currently, it comprises about 35 species and is worldwide in distribution. In this contribution species of the genus Tyrophagus present in New Zealand are comprehensively revised, along with species found in Australia and other Oceanian countries. Ten species, including two new species, are described and illustrated from New Zealand.



Identification keys to adult males and females are given, along with taxonomic references, hosts/habitats and distribution data of each species. This will help identification and facilitate requests for rapid quarantine decisions from trading partners.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 291

Publication Date: 04-03-2014