Phytoseiidae Mite on a Black-eyed Susan Flower
While looking for thrips on the Black-eyed Susan flowers planted under our mailbox, I accidently collected a tiny (0.4mm) mite belonging to the Order Mesostigmata -- Family Phytoseiidae. At first, I thought I was dealing with a mite in the family Ascidae based on the shape of the Genito-Ventral and Anal Plates (see insert at lower right). But a closer look showed too many dorsal shield setae and the wrong number of teeth on the cheliceral digit (see insert at upper left). The mite family Phytoseiidae was a much better fit.
There are over 1,800 described species of Phytoseiidae mites and plenty yet to be named. Most are free living and feed on a wide variety of plant material and small arthropods. Much of the interest in this mite family is due to several of the species having potential to become biological control agents. The taxonomy of Phytoseiidae mites is best left to the specialists. It is far beyond me to even attempt a generic level identification.
Sorry for the air pocket covering the backend of the mite.
To see the equipment used for the photos visit: www.flickr.com/photos/dragonflyhunter/51326699925/in/date...
Collected 25-July-2021 at Beaverbrook Environs, Howard County, Maryland.
Phytoseiidae Mite on a Black-eyed Susan Flower
While looking for thrips on the Black-eyed Susan flowers planted under our mailbox, I accidently collected a tiny (0.4mm) mite belonging to the Order Mesostigmata -- Family Phytoseiidae. At first, I thought I was dealing with a mite in the family Ascidae based on the shape of the Genito-Ventral and Anal Plates (see insert at lower right). But a closer look showed too many dorsal shield setae and the wrong number of teeth on the cheliceral digit (see insert at upper left). The mite family Phytoseiidae was a much better fit.
There are over 1,800 described species of Phytoseiidae mites and plenty yet to be named. Most are free living and feed on a wide variety of plant material and small arthropods. Much of the interest in this mite family is due to several of the species having potential to become biological control agents. The taxonomy of Phytoseiidae mites is best left to the specialists. It is far beyond me to even attempt a generic level identification.
Sorry for the air pocket covering the backend of the mite.
To see the equipment used for the photos visit: www.flickr.com/photos/dragonflyhunter/51326699925/in/date...
Collected 25-July-2021 at Beaverbrook Environs, Howard County, Maryland.