FAUNA 52 - RAPHIGNATHOIDEA

Discover the fascinating world of Raphignathoidea with FAUNA 52, a comprehensive exploration of these remarkable mites. Authored by the esteemed Qing-Hai Fan and published by Manaaki Whenua Press, this 400-page paperback book is an invaluable resource for entomologists, ecologists, and agricultural professionals alike. The superfamily Raphignathoidea, crucial biological control agents, play a vital role in managing pest populations like spider mites and scale insects in agriculture and forestry. With around 770 known species and 57 genera, this meticulously revised work presents keys to world families and genera, shedding light on their taxonomy, biology, and ecology. Dive deep into the evolutionary history of these intriguing creatures, dating back over 56 million years, and discover 76 recognized species from New Zealand alone. Enhanced with detailed line drawings, this guide offers insights into their habitats and distributions, making it easy to identify these important free-living predators and their relationships within ecosystems. Whether for scientific research or practical applications in pest management, FAUNA 52 - RAPHIGNATHOIDEA is a must-have for anyone interested in the interconnectedness of nature. Embrace the knowledge and elevate your understanding of Raphignathoidea with this essential book.

Author: Qing-Hai Fan Publisher: Manaaki Whenua Press
Bind: paperback

Pages: 400
Publication Date: 04-03-2014

Raphignathoid mites



Mites of the superfamily Raphignathoidea are biological control agents of spider mites, eriophyid mites, and scale insects in agriculture and forestry. The majority of the species are free-living predators, but a few are phytophages, feeding on moss, and symbionts or parasites of insects.



The superfamily can be dated back at least 56 million years. It belongs to the supraorder Acariformes, order Prostigmata, and comprises about 770 species, and 57 genera in eleven families. They are worldwide in distribution, abundant in most of the geographical regions, and are even found in the Antarctic region.



In this contribution the mite superfamily Raphignathoidea is comprehensively revised. Keys to world families and genera are provided. The taxonomy, biology, and ecology of world Raphignathoidea are briefly reviewed so the 76 species, including 21 new species, now recognised from New Zealand can be placed in context. The species belong to 20 genera (including 1 new genus) and 5 families. Known stages (of specimens available) are diagnosed, keyed, described, and illustrated with line drawings, and notes are provided on the taxonomic references, habitats, and distribution of each species.