Western predatory mite
Typhlodromus occidentalis
This record describes Typhlodromus occidentalis (species). Recorded family: Phytoseiidae. Recorded order: Mesostigmata.
Identification and Appearance
Pear shaped. First they are white. Later they take the color of their prey, usually red or brown. Used as primary biocontrol agent of pest mites on many crops. Its benefit to commercial apple, plum, peach, and cherry orchard farming is especially well known.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Mesostigmata (Mesostigs)
- Suborder
- Dermanyssina
- Superfamily
- Phytoseioidea
- Family
- Phytoseiidae
- Genus
- Typhlodromus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Native to western US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predaceous on other mites, etc.
Life History
overwinters as mated adult females in duff at base of trees, under bark scales, or in crevices on tree trunks.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Nesbitt
About Mesostigs: the wider group
Order-level background for Mesostigmata, the group containing Typhlodromus occidentalis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Mesostigmata includes ~11,500 described species of predatory and parasitic mites. Many species are voracious predators of other mites, springtails, and small insects in soil and leaf litter.
Ecological role of the group
Mesostigmatid mites are key regulators of soil arthropod communities. Some species are phoretic - they hitch rides on beetles and other insects to disperse to new habitats. Parasitic species include the varroa mite, the most devastating parasite of honey bees.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Predatory mesostigmatid mites are commercially produced for biological pest control. Phytoseiulus persimilis is one of the most widely sold biocontrol agents, used against spider mites in greenhouses worldwide - the market is worth hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: Biological control industry, bee health research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Western predatory mite (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Western predatory mite
What is Western predatory mite?
Western predatory mite (Typhlodromus occidentalis) is a species in the family Phytoseiidae, within the order Mesostigmata.
How do you identify Western predatory mite?
Pear shaped. First they are white. Later they take the color of their prey, usually red or brown.
Where is Western predatory mite found?
Range: Native to western US
What does Western predatory mite eat?
The diet of the Western predatory mite includes Predaceous on other mites, etc..
What is the life cycle of a Western predatory mite?
overwinters as mated adult females in duff at base of trees, under bark scales, or in crevices on tree trunks.