Aculops ailanthii
This record describes Aculops ailanthii (species). Recorded family: Eriophyidae. Recorded order: Trombidiformes.
Identification and Appearance
An introduced species. It is hoped that it can be used as a biological control of the invasive tree of heaven ( Ailanthus altissima ).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Trombidiformes
- Suborder
- Prostigmata
- Superfamily
- Eriophyoidea
- Family
- Eriophyidae (Gall mites)
- Genus
- Aculops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
About Mites: the wider group
Order-level background for Trombidiformes, the group containing Aculops ailanthii. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Trombidiformes includes ~26,000 described species of mites including velvet mites, chiggers, and spider mites. Spider mites (Tetranychidae) are among the most destructive agricultural pests worldwide.
Ecological role of the group
Velvet mites are important soil predators. Chigger larvae are parasitic on vertebrates and can cause intense itching (trombidiosis). Some mite species are used as biological control agents against pest mites in agriculture.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Spider mites cause billions of dollars in crop damage globally, affecting over 1,100 plant species. The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) has developed resistance to more pesticides than any other arthropod.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, agricultural pest management research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Aculops ailanthii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset