Review Biology and ecology of trombidiid mites (Acari: Trombidioidea)

Most mites of the family Trombidiidae are ectoparasites in the larval stage and free-living predators in the deutonymphal and adult stages on a variety of arthropods, among which are pests of many economic crops. This paper provides an updated review of their systematics, life history, reproduction, behaviour, predator-prey and parasite-host relationships, and population dynamics, with particular reference to their possible role in biological control. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998