acariform

Acariform is a superorder of mites and ticks within the subclass Acari. Mites and ticks are arachnids, related to spiders and scorpions, and are found in virtually every terrestrial and freshwater habitat, as well as in or on the bodies of other animals. The group Acariform is characterized by a number of morphological features, including the absence of a tracheal system, a single pair of respiratory openings (stigmata) located near the mouthparts or on the legs, and a generally ovate body shape. They also possess a gnathosoma, which is the anterior-most part of the body containing the mouthparts.

The diversity within Acariform is immense, encompassing hundreds of families and tens of thousands of described species. This diversity is reflected in their varied lifestyles and ecological roles. Many acariform mites are free-living decomposers, feeding on detritus, fungi, or algae. Others are predatory, feeding on small invertebrates like nematodes or other mites. A significant number of acariform species are parasitic, living on or within plants or animals. These parasitic mites can cause a range of problems, from minor irritation to serious diseases in their hosts. Examples include the dust mites that trigger allergies in humans, the scabies mite that causes skin infections, and various ticks that transmit diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Understanding acariform mites and ticks is crucial for agriculture, public health, and ecological research due to their widespread impact.