Neotrombidium beeri
This record describes Neotrombidium beeri (species). Recorded family: Neotrombidiidae. Recorded order: Trombidiformes.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Trombidiformes
- Suborder
- Prostigmata
- Superfamily
- Trombidioidea
- Family
- Neotrombidiidae
- Genus
- Neotrombidium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae of this species are subelytral ectoparasites of false mealworm beetles, Alobates pennsylvanica . Larvae are found on these beetles from September to January, when the beetles are common under bark of fallen logs. Post-larval stages (nymphs and adults) are presumably predators found on trees in host habitat.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Etymology from Singer (1971): "This species is named in honor of Dr. R. E. Beer, Chairman, Department of Entomology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, whose research work and example have been an inspiration to his students."
About Mites: the wider group
Order-level background for Trombidiformes, the group containing Neotrombidium beeri. 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 Neotrombidium beeri (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ray Fisher