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Mites

Acari
Back to What is this bug?
Mite. Image: anthonypaul / CC BY NC

Mite. Image: anthonypaul / CC BY NC

Order
Acarina
Show in Te Reo

Size range

  • Tiny, some microscopic. Red mite only 0.4 mm diameter

Distribution

  • Worldwide, many different types
  • Found in most habitats and many different situations

Life history

  • Pests on fruit and vegetables. Cause galls on some plants. Associated with food which has been stored for a long time. Parasitic on insects. Dust mites – microscopic, can trigger asthma in susceptible people. Very common in leaf litter
  • Immature stages may have only six legs
Mite. Image: anthonypaul / CC BY NC Image
Mite. Image: anthonypaul / CC BY NC
Mite [Tetranychus lintearius]. Image: Phil Bendle Collection, CitSciHub.nz Image
Mite Tetranychus lintearius. Image: Phil Bendle Collection, CitSciHub.nz
Lacebark Gall Mite [Eriophyes hoheriae]. Image: MC Barnhart / CC-BY-NC Image
Lacebark Gall Mite Eriophyes hoheriae. Image: MC Barnhart / CC-BY-NC
MItes around eyes forest gecko. Image: Mike Lusk / CC-BY-NC Image
MItes around eyes forest gecko. Image: Mike Lusk / CC-BY-NC
Varroa mite on honeybee. Image: Phil Bendle Collection, CitSciHub.nz Image
Varroa mite on honeybee. Image: Phil Bendle Collection, CitSciHub.nz