Types of parasitism by larvae of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnellae)

The larvae of Hydrachnellae can be divided into three types, based on the habits of the parasitic (larval) stage in the life cycle. (1) The larvae do not leave the water. Parasitizing aquatic insects, they are permanently submerged and wet. Only some species of the family Hydrachnidae belong to this type. (2) The larvae leave the water. The parasitic phase occurs either on insects living on the water surface, or in the air stores of aquatic insects. In both cases the larvae are not in direct contact with water during the parasitic phase. The Limnocharidae, Eylaidae and some species of the Hydrachnidae belong to this type. (3) The larvae parasitize insects which live in the air and which can leave the direct proximity to water; therefore it may be difficult for the mite larva to return to water. Except for the Hydrachnidae, Limnocharidae and Eylaidae, all families of the Hydrachnellae belong to this type.