Acaroidea
This record describes Acaroidea (superfamily). Recorded order: Astigmata.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Astigmata (Astigs)
- Suborder
- Acaridia
- Superfamily
- Acaroidea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
About Astigs: the wider group
Order-level background for Astigmata, the group containing Acaroidea. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Astigmata includes ~6,000 described species of mites, including dust mites, scabies mites, and cheese mites. House dust mites (Dermatophagoides) are present in virtually every human dwelling.
Ecological role of the group
Astigmatid mites are important decomposers of organic matter and recyclers of nutrients. Many species are phoretic - hitching rides on insects to reach new food sources like decaying material, stored grain, and animal nests.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dust mites are the primary trigger for allergic asthma - affecting ~300 million people worldwide (WHO). The scabies mite causes an estimated 200 million cases of scabies globally. The global allergy treatment market partly driven by dust mites exceeds $25 billion.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, allergy research, medical acarology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.