What are entomophagous mites? - briefly
«Entomophagous mites» are predatory arachnids that consume insects, nematodes, and other tiny arthropods. They occupy soil, leaf litter, and stored‑product habitats, providing biological regulation of pest populations.
What are entomophagous mites? - in detail
Entomophagous mites are predatory arachnids that obtain nutrition exclusively from other arthropods, primarily insects and other mites. They belong to several families within the order Acari, notably Phytoseiidae, Stigmaeidae, and Macrochelidae, each comprising species adapted to distinct prey types.
Morphologically, these mites possess chelicerae modified for piercing or grasping prey, and a dorsal shield that varies in ornamentation among taxa. Body size ranges from 0.2 mm to 1 mm, allowing access to concealed habitats such as leaf litter, soil particles, and plant surfaces.
Feeding behavior centers on active hunting, ambush, or web‑mediated capture. Prey includes aphids, thrips, spider mites, and small fly larvae. Digestive enzymes break down exoskeletal components, and waste is expelled as minute fecal pellets.
Ecological functions include regulation of pest populations in natural ecosystems and cultivated fields. Utilization in integrated pest management (IPM) programs reduces reliance on chemical insecticides and promotes sustainable agriculture.
Distribution spans temperate and tropical regions. Habitats range from forest floor detritus to greenhouse foliage, where humidity and temperature conditions support rapid reproduction.
Life cycle comprises egg, several larval and nymphal stages, and adult. Development time is temperature‑dependent; at optimal conditions (≈ 25 °C) a complete cycle may finish within 5–7 days, enabling swift population increase following prey availability.
Key agricultural applications involve species such as:
- Phytoseiulus persimilis – specialist on spider mites
- Amblyseius swirskii – broad‑spectrum predator of thrips and whiteflies
- Macrocheles robustus – effective against soil‑borne fly larvae
These mites contribute to crop protection by maintaining pest densities below economic thresholds, enhancing yield stability, and supporting ecological balance.