Trombicula, known as chiggers, red bugs, scrub-itch mites, or berry bugs, are small arachnids in the Trombiculidae family. In their larval stage, they attach to various animals and humans, then feed on skin, often causing itching and trombiculosis. These relatives of ticks are nearly microscopic, measuring 0.4 mm (0.01 in), and have a chrome-orange hue. A common species of harvest mite in North America is Trombicula alfreddugesi.
The Acariformes, also known as the Actinotrichida, are the more diverse of the two superorders of mites. Over 32,000 described species are found in 351 families, with an estimated total of 440,000 to 929,000 species, including undescribed species.
The Acaridae are a family of mites in order Sarcoptiformes.
Mesostigmata is an order of mites belonging to the Parasitiformes. They are by far the largest group of Parasitiformes, with over 8,000 species in 130 families. Mesostigmata includes parasitic as well as free-living and predatory forms. They can be recognized by the single pair of spiracles positioned laterally on the body.
Oribatida, also known as oribatid mites, moss mites or beetle mites, are an order of mites, in the "chewing Acariformes" clade Sarcoptiformes. They range in size from 0.2 to 1.4 millimetres. There are currently 12,000 species that have been identified, but researchers estimate that there may be anywhere from 60,000 to 120,000 total species. Oribatid mites are by far the most prevalent of all arthropods in forest soils, and are essential for breaking down organic detritus and distributing fungi.
Trombidiidae, also known as red velvet mites, true velvet mites, or rain bugs, are small arachnids found in plant litter and are known for their bright red color.
Trombidium is a genus of mite with about 30 described species.
Trombidium brevimanum is a species of mite in the genus Trombidium in the family Trombidiidae. It is found in Europe.
Trombidium heterotrichum is a species of mite in the genus Trombidium in the family Trombidiidae. It is found in Europe.
Trombidium mediterraneum is a species of mite in the genus Trombidium in the family Trombidiidae. It is found in Europe and Algeria.
Parasitengona is a group of mites, variously ranked as a hyporder or a cohort, between the taxonomic ranks of order and family.
The Laelapidae are a family of mites in the order Mesostigmata. The family is also referred to in the literature as Laelaptidae, which may be the correct spelling.
Macrochelidae is a family of mites in the order Mesostigmata.
Ascidae is a family of mites in the order Mesostigmata.
Rhinonyssidae is a family of mites in the order Mesostigmata. There are about 16 genera and at least 460 described species in Rhinonyssidae.
Abrolophus is a genus of mites in the family Erythraeidae, first described in 1891 by Antonio Berlese.
Allothrombium is a genus of mites belonging to the family Trombidiidae.
Trombidium grandissimum, commonly known as the giant red velvet mite, is a species of mite in the genus Trombidium in the family Trombidiidae. This common mite is endemic to northern and central India, especially in the central plateau, and it primarily inhabits arid regions. T. grandissimum live on the ground and often hidden among soil, but is commonly seen during the rainy season or after recent rain events, and therefore has the nickname of "rain bug".
Dinothrombium pandorae, also known as an angelita or a rain bug, is a giant red velvet mite found in the Southern California desert. This species usually emerges after rains. The larva eat grasshoppers, the adults eat termites.
Dinothrombium gigas is a species of red velvet mite described in 1894.
