Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Macrochelid Mites (Mesostigmata: Macrochelidae) as Biological Control Agents

  • Chapter
Prospects for Biological Control of Plant Feeding Mites and Other Harmful Organisms

Part of the book series: Progress in Biological Control ((PIBC,volume 19))

Abstract

Macrochelidae are fast-moving, free-living cosmopolitan predators found in habitats that are rich in decaying organic material, including manure. They feed mainly on small arthropods and nematodes, showing great potential as biological control agents. The first publication concerning the predatory behavior of these mites was published only about 70 year ago. The number of publications increased considerably until the mid-1970s, mainly due to the efforts of A. Filipponi and R.C. Axtell, reducing considerably afterward. Macrochelids have received limited attention in most countries. However, researchers involved in the biological control of organisms that spend part of their life in discontinuous habitats, where these mites are most commonly found (especially fly species), might consider macrochelids to deserve special attention. The initial effort in these countries should concentrate on faunistic studies to enable correct determination of the species present, their population dynamics, and their relationships with other organisms. A series of other more applied topics for research could then be established, involving the evaluation of groups of organisms to be targeted for control. Encouragin results obtained by different authors have led to the practical use of macrochelids. Macrocheles robustulus is presently commercially available for the control of pre-pupae and pupae of thrips as well as larvae of Lyprauta sp. (Keroplatidae). More intensive studies of the macrochelids may turn possible the detection of other species with potential for practical use.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Adis J, Krantz GW (1985) Notes on the natural history of Macrocheles (Acari: Gamasida: Macrochelidae) associated with 3-toed sloths Bradypus spp. (Edentata: Bradypodidae) in the Central Amazon. Zool Anz 214:22–224

    Google Scholar 

  • Afifi AM (1989) Laboratory studies on the biology and feeding habitats of three macrochelid mites (Acari: Gamasida: Macrochelidae). Bull Entomol Soc Egypt 68:169–174

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Dulaimi SI (1986) Biological studies on the mite Macrocheles muscaedomesticae Acarina Macrochelida. J Biol Sci Res 1:329–338

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Dulaimi SI (2002) Predation by the mite Macrocheles glaber (Müller) (Acarina: Macrochelidae) on the house fly Musca domestica L. with some notes on its biology. Bull Iraq Nat Hist Mus 9:7–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Almeida NW (1994) Caracterização de alguns parâmetros biológicos de Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli, 1772) (Acari: Gamasida) associada às moscas sinantrópicas em granja de aves poedeiras de Monte-Mor, S.P. (Acarina: Mesostigmata: Macrochelidae). MS dissertation, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, p 115

    Google Scholar 

  • Anderson JR (1983) Mites as biological control agentes of dung-breeding pests: practical considerations and selection for pesticide resistance. In: Hoy MA, Cunningham GL, Knutson L (eds) Biological control of pests by mites, vol 3304. University of California, Berkeley, pp 99–102, Special publication

    Google Scholar 

  • Athias-Henriot C (1968) L’appareil d’insémination laelapoïde (Acariens anactinotriches: Laelapoidea, ♀♀). Premières observations. Possibilité d’emploi à des fins taxonomiques. Bull Sci Bourgogne 25:229–274

    Google Scholar 

  • Axtell RC (1961) New records of North American Macrochelidae (Acarina: Mesostigmata) and their predation rates on the house fly. Ann Entomol Soc Am 54:748

    Google Scholar 

  • Axtell RC (1962) Macrochelidae (Acarina: Mesostigmata) inhabiting manure and their effect on house fly production. PhD thesis, Cornell University, Ithaca, p 151

    Google Scholar 

  • Axtell RC (1963a) Effect of Macrochelidae (Acarina: Mesostigmata) on house fly production from dairy cattle manure. J Econ Entomol 56:317–321

    Google Scholar 

  • Axtell RC (1963b) Acarina occurring in domestic animal manure. Ann Entomol Soc Am 56:628–633

    Google Scholar 

  • Axtell RC (1964) Phoretic relationship of some common manure-inhabiting Macrochelidae (Acarina: Mesostigmata) to the house fly. Ann Entomol Soc Am 57:584–587

    Google Scholar 

  • Axtell RC (1966) Comparative toxicities of insecticides to house fly larvae and Macrocheles muscaedomesticae, a mite predator of the house fly. J Econ Entomol 59:1128–1130

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Axtell RC (1968) Integrated house fly control: populations of fly larvae and predaceous mites, Macrocheles muscaedomesticae, in poultry manure after larvicide treatment. J Econ Entomol 61:245–249

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Axtell RC (1969) Macrochelidae (Acarina: Mesostigmata) as biological control agents for synanthropic flies. Proceedings of the 2nd international congress of acarology, Sutton Bonington. Akadamia Kiado Sutton Bonington, Budapest, 1967, pp 401–416

    Google Scholar 

  • Axtell RC (1970) Fly control in caged-poultry houses: comparison of larviciding and integrated control programs. J Econ Entomol 63:1734–1737

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Axtell RC (1986) Fly management in poultry production: cultural, biological, and chemical. Poult Sci 65:657–667

    Google Scholar 

  • Axtell RC (1991) Role of mesostigmatid mites in integrated fly control. In: Dusbábek F, Bukva V (eds) Modern acarology, vol 2. Academia, Prague and SPB Academic Publishing bv, The Hague, pp 639–646

    Google Scholar 

  • Axtell RC (1999) Poultry integrated pest management: status and future. Integr Pest Manag Rev 4:53–73

    Google Scholar 

  • Axtell RC, Arends JJ (1990) Ecology and management of arthropod pests of poultry. Annu Rev Entomol 35:101–126

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Axtell RC, Rultz DA (1986) Role of parasites and predators as biological fly control agents in poultry production facilities. In: Biological control of muscoid flies, vol 61. Entomological Society of America, Miscellaneous Publications, College Park, pp 88–100

    Google Scholar 

  • Balogh J (1958) Macrocheliden aus Bulgarien (Acarina: Mesostigmata). Acta Entomol Mus Natl Prague 32:247–256

    Google Scholar 

  • Beaulieu F, Weeks AR (2007) Free-living mesostigmatic mites in Australia: their roles in biological control and bioindication. Aust J Exp Agr 47:460–478

    Google Scholar 

  • Behan-Pelletier VM (2003) Acari and Collembola biodiversity in Canadian agricultural soils. Can J Soils Sci 83:279–288

    Google Scholar 

  • Blaszak C, Ehrnsberger R, Schuster R (1990) Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Lebensweise der Litoralmilbe Macrocheles superbus Hull,1918 (Acarina: Gamasina). Osnabrücker Naturwissenschaftliche Mitt 16:51–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Borden EER (1989) The phoretic behavior and olfactory preference of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli) (Acarina: Macrochelidae) in its relationship with Fannia canicularis (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae). Pan Pac Entomol 65:89–96

    Google Scholar 

  • Braig HR, Perotti MA (2009) Carcases and mites. Exp Appl Acarol 49:45–84

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bregetova NG (1977) Sem. Macrochelidae. In: Bregetova NG, Vaînshteîn BA, Kadite BA, Koroleva EV, Petrova AD, Tikhomirov SI, Shcherbak GI (eds) Opredelitel obitayushchikh v pochve kleshchei, Mesostigmata. Izdatelstvo Nauka, Leningrad, pp 621–632

    Google Scholar 

  • Bregetova NG, Koroleva EV (1960) The macrochelid mites (Gamasoidea: Macrochelidae) in the USSR. Akademii Nauk SSSR Zoolog Inst Parazitologicheskii Sbornik 29:32–154

    Google Scholar 

  • Canestrini G (1881) Osservazioni intorno al genere Gamasus. Atti del Reale Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti, 7, serie 5. Apud G. and R. Canestrini (1882)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cavalcante AC (2014) Ácaros predadores da família Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) para o controle do biótipo B da mosca-branca Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) no Brasil. PhD thesis, Universidade de São Paulo/USP, Piracicaba, p 93

    Google Scholar 

  • Cicolani B (1978) The influence of temperature on the speed of development, from egg to adult, of Macrocheles matrius (Acarina: Mesostigmata). Acarologia 19:384–394

    Google Scholar 

  • Cicolani B (1979) The intrinsic rate of natural increase in dung macrochelid mites, predators of Musca domestica eggs. Boll Zool 46:171–178

    Google Scholar 

  • Cicolani B (1983) Foresia tra nematodi rabditidi, acari macrochelidi e scarabei coprofagi: una originale strategia ecologica. Atti XIII Congresso Nazionale Italiano di Entomologia, Torino, pp 629–634

    Google Scholar 

  • Cicolani B, Passariello S, Petrelli G (1977) Influenza dela temperatura su l’incremento di popolazione in Macrocheles subbadius (Acarina: Mesostigmata). Acarologia 19:563–578

    Google Scholar 

  • Coons LB, Axtell RC (1973) Sensory setae of the first tarsi and palps of the mite Macrocheles muscaedomesticae. Ann Entomol Soc Am 66:539–544

    Google Scholar 

  • Costa M (1966) Notes on macrochelids associated with manure and coprid beetles in Israel. I. Macrocheles robustulus (Berlese, 1904), development and biology. Acarologia 8:532–548

    Google Scholar 

  • Costa M (1967) Notes on macrochelids associated with manure and coprid beetles in Israel. II. Three new species of the Macrocheles pisentii complex, with notes on their biology. Acarologia 9:304–329

    Google Scholar 

  • Doube BM, Macqueen A, Huxham KA (1986) Aspects of predatory activity of Macrocheles peregrinus (Acarini: Acrochelidae [sic]) on two species of Haematobia fly (Diptera: Muscidae). In: Biological control of muscoid flies, vol 61. Entomological Society of America, Miscellaneous Publications, College Park, pp 132–141

    Google Scholar 

  • Eickwort GC (1983) Potential use of mites as biological control agents of leaf-feeding insects. In: Hoy MA, Cunningham GL, Knutson L (eds) Biological control of pests by mites, vol 3304. University of California, Berkeley, pp 41–52, Special publication

    Google Scholar 

  • Emberson RM (2010) A reappraisal of some basal lineages of the family Macrochelidae, with the description of a new genus (Acarina: Mesostigmata). Zootaxa 2501:37–53

    Google Scholar 

  • Erõss J, Mahunka S (1971) Investigations on coprophilous and stercoricolous macrochelids (Acari, Gamasina) in Hungary, as possible agents in the control of synanthropous flies. Parasitol Hung 4:215–226

    Google Scholar 

  • Estébanes-González ML, Cervantes FA (2009) Mites and ticks associated with some small mammals in Mexico. Int J Acarol 31:23–37

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans GO (1956) On the classification of the family Macrochelidae with particular reference to the subfamily Parholaspinae (Acarina: Mesostigmata). Proc Zool Soc 127:345–377

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans GO (1963) Observations on the chaetotaxy of the legs in the free-living Gamasina (Acari: Mesostigmata). Bull Br Mus (Nat Hist) Zool 10:277–303

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans GO, Browning E (1956) British mites of the subfamily Macrochelinae Trägårdh (Gamasina-Macrochelidae). Bull Br Mus (Nat Hist) Zool 4:1–55

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans GO, Hyatt KH (1963) Mites of the genus Macrocheles Latr. (Mesostigmata) associated with coprid beetles in the collections of the British Museum (Natural History). Bull Br Mus (Nat Hist) Zool 9:327–401

    Google Scholar 

  • Farish DJ, Axtell RC (1966) Sensory functions of the palps and first tarsi of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acarina: Macrochelidae), a predator of the house fly. Ann Entomol Soc Am 59:165–170

    Google Scholar 

  • Farish DJ, Axtell RC (1971) Phoresy redefined and examined in Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acarina: Macrochelidae). Acarologia 13:16–29

    Google Scholar 

  • Filipponi A (1955) Sulla natura dell’associazione tra Macrocheles muscaedomesticae e Musca domestica. Riv Parassitol 16:84–102

    Google Scholar 

  • Filipponi A (1959) Due specie riproduttivamente isolate sotto il nome di Macrocheles gabler (Mueller) (Acarina: Mesostigmata). Riv Parassitol 20:199–212

    Google Scholar 

  • Filipponi A (1964) The feasibility of mass producing macrochelid mites for field trials against houseflies. Bull World Health Organ 31:499–501

    PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Filipponi A (1971) Influence of temperature on population increase of four dung-living macrochelid mites within optimum range. In: Daniel M, Rosický B (eds) Proceedings of the 3rd international congress of acarology, 31 Aug–6 Sept 1971. S. Junk, The Hague and Academia, Prague, pp 775–779

    Google Scholar 

  • Filipponi A, Cicolani B (1974) Influenza della temperatura sulla fecondita’ longevita’ e capacita’ moltiplicativa nello intervallo ottimale di Macrocheles matrius (Acarina: Mesostigmata). Riv Parassitol 35:291–306

    Google Scholar 

  • Filipponi A, Delupis GD (1963) Sul regime dietetico di alcuni Macrochelidae (Acari: Mesostigmata), associati in natura a muscidi di interesse sanitario. Riv Parassitol 24:277–287

    Google Scholar 

  • Filipponi A, Francaviglia G (1964) Larviparità facoltativa in alcuni macrochelidi (Acari: Mesostigmata) associati a muscidi di interesse sanitario. Parassitologia 6:99–113

    Google Scholar 

  • Filipponi A, Ilardi PA (1959) Alcuni dati sulla biologia di Macrocheles insignitus, Berl. (Acarina: Mesostigmata). Riv Parassitol 20:79–90

    Google Scholar 

  • Filipponi A, Mosna B (1968) Influenza di fattori ecologici e genetici sulla natalitá e mortalitá di Macrocheles robustulus (Berlese, 1904). Ann Is Super Sanita (Roma) 4:551–571

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Filipponi A, Petrelli MG (1967) Autoecologia e capacita’ moltiplicativa di Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli) (Acari: Mesostigmata). Riv Parassitol 28:129–156

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Filipponi A, Petrelli G (1969) Sulla capacità moltiplicativa di Macrocheles perglaber (Acarina: Mesostigmata) in condizioni di laboratorio. Parassitologia 11:1–4

    Google Scholar 

  • Filipponi A, Mosna B, Petrelli G (1971) L’ottimo di temperatura di Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli), come attributo di popolazione. Riv Parassitol 32:193–218

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Geden CJ, Axtell RC (1988) Predation by Carcinops pumilio (Coleoptera: Histeridae) and Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acarina: Macrochelidae) on the house fly (Diptera: Muscidae): functional response, effects of temperature, and availability of alternative prey. Environ Entomol 17:739–744

    Google Scholar 

  • Geden CJ, Stinner RE, Axtell RC (1988) Predation by predators of the house fly in poultry manure: effects of predator density, feeding history, interspecific interference, and field conditions. Environ Entomol 17:320–329

    Google Scholar 

  • Geden CJ, Stinner RE, Kramer DA, Axtell RC (1990) MACMOD: a simulation model for Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acari: Macrochelidae) population dynamics and rates of predation on immature house flies (Diptera: Muscidae). Environ Entomol 19:578–586

    Google Scholar 

  • Gerson U, Smiley RL, Ochoa R (2003) Mites (Acari) for pest control. Blackwell Science Ltd, London, p 539

    Google Scholar 

  • Glida H, Bertrand M, Peyrusse V (2003) A limiting factor in the abundance of predatory phoretic mites (Acari: Macrochelidae): the seasonal abundance of their phorionts (dung beetles) in Southern France. Can J Zool 81:2066–2072

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenberg B, Carpenter PD (1960) Factors in phoretic association of a mite and a fly. Science 132:738–739

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grosman A, Messelink G, Groot E (2011) Combined use of a mulch layer and the soil-dwelling predatory mite Macrocheles robustulus (Berlese) enhance the biological control of sciarids in potted plants. IOBC/WPRS Bull 68:51–54, Integrated control in protected crops, temperate climate

    Google Scholar 

  • Guanilo A, Cordero J (2003) Comportamiento depredador de Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli) (Acarina: Macrochelidae) sobre huevos de Musca domestica Linnaeus (Diptera: Muscidae). Rev Peruana Entomol 43:137–142

    Google Scholar 

  • Halliday RB (1986) Mites of the genus Glyptholaspis Filipponi and Pegazzano (Acarina: Macrochelidae) in Australia. J Aust Entomol Soc 25:71–74

    Google Scholar 

  • Halliday RB (1987) Further observations on the dorsal idiosomal chaetotaxy in the Macrochelidae (Acarina). Int J Acarol 13:51–53

    Google Scholar 

  • Halliday RB (1993) Two new species of Macrocheles from Australia (Acarina: Mesostigmata: Macrochelidae). Aust Entomol 20:99–106

    Google Scholar 

  • Halliday RB (2000) The Australian species of Macrocheles (Acarina: Macrochelidae). Invert Taxon 14:273–326

    Google Scholar 

  • Halliday RB, Holm E (1987) Mites of the family Macrochelidae as predators of two species of dung-breeding pest flies. Entomophaga 32:333–338

    Google Scholar 

  • Hassan MF, Ali FS, Hussein AM, Mahgoub MH (2002) Biological studies on Macrocheles muscaedomesticae Scopoli fed on different stages of potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella Zeller. Egypt J Biol Pest Control 12:43–46

    Google Scholar 

  • Ho CC (1989) Studies on the biology of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli) (Acarina: Macrochelidae). Chin J Entomol 3:181–187, Special publication

    Google Scholar 

  • Ho TM (1990) Phoretic association between Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acari: Macrochelidae) and flies inhabiting poultry manure in peninsular Malaysia. Exp Appl Acarol 10:61–68

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ho CC, Cromroy HL, Patterson RS (1990) Mass production of the predaceous mite, Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli) (Acarina: Macrochelidae), a predator of the house fly. In: Rutz DA, Patterson RS (eds) Biocontrol of arthropods affecting livestock and poultry. Westview Press, Colorado, pp 201–213

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunter PE, Rosario RMT (1988) Associations of Mesostigmata with other arthropods. Annu Rev Entomol 33:393–417

    Google Scholar 

  • Hyatt KH, Emberson RM (1988) A review of the Macrochelidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) of the British Isles. Bull Br Mus (Nat Hist) Zool 54:63–125

    Google Scholar 

  • Ignatowicz S (1974) Inter and intraspecific competition in mites: Parasitus coleoptratorum (L.) and Macrocheles glaber (Müller). In: Edward P (ed) Proceedings of 4th international congress acarol saalfelden (Austria). Akademiai Kiado, Budapest, 1979, pp 623–625

    Google Scholar 

  • Ito Y (1971) Predation by manure-inhabiting mesostigmatids (Acarina: Mesostigmata) on some free-living nematodes. Appl Entomol Zool 6:51–56

    Google Scholar 

  • Ito Y (1973) The effects of nematode feeding on the predatory efficiency for house fly eggs and reproduction rate of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acarina: Mesostigmata). Japan Soc Med Entomol Zool 23:209–213

    Google Scholar 

  • Ito Y (1977) Predatory activity of mesostigmatid mites (Acarina: Mesostigmata) for house fly eggs and larvae under feeding of nematodes. Japan Soc Med Entomol Zool 28:167–173

    Google Scholar 

  • Jalil M, Rodriguez JG (1970) Studies of behaviour of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acarina: Macrochelidae) with emphasis on its attraction to the house fly. Ann Entomol Soc Am 63:738–744

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Karg W (1993) Einzelbehandlung der Familien mit Bestimmungsschlüsseln der Gattungen und Arten sowie Autökologie der Arten. In: Karg W (ed) Acari (Acarina), Milben Parasitiformes (Anactinochaeta) Cohors Gamasina Leach. Gustav Fischer Verlag Jena, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinn DN (1966) Predation by the mite, Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acarina: Macrochelidae), on three species of flies. J Med Entomol 3(2):155–158

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinn DN, Witcoskjy JJ (1977) The life cycle and behaviour of Macrocheles boudreauxi Krantz. Z Angew Entomol 84:136–144

    Google Scholar 

  • Koehler HH (1999) Predatory mites (Gamasina: Mesostigmata). Agr Ecosyst Environ 74:395–410

    Google Scholar 

  • Kramer P (1876) Zur Naturgeschichte Einiger Gattungen aus der Famillie der Gamasiden. Arch Naturgeschichte 42:46–105

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz GW (1960) A re-evaluation of the Parholaspinae Evans, 1956 (Acarina: Mesostigmata: Macrochelidae). Acarologia 2:293–433

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz GW (1962) A review of the genera of the family Macrochelidae Vitzthum, 1930 (Acarina: Mesostigmata). Acarologia 4:143–173

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz GW (1967) A review of the genus Holocelaeno Berlese, 1910 (Acarina: Macrochelidae). Acarologia Suppl 9:1–89

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz GW (1983a) Mites as biological control agents of dung-breeding flies, with special reference to the Macrochelidae. In: Hoy MA, Cunningham GL, Knutson L (eds) Biological control of pests by mites, vol 3304. University of California, Berkeley, pp 91–98, Special publication

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz GW (1983b) Three new species of Macrocheles (Acari: Gamasida: Macrochelidae) associated with 3-toed sloths, Bradypus spp. (Edentata: Bradypodidae), in Brazil and Surinam. Acarologia 24:3–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz GW (1991) Nature oh the association between Pisentii-group mites (Acari: Macrochelidae: Macrocheles) and dung beetles of the genus Scarabaeus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in southern France. Acarologia 32:3–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz GW (1998) Reflections on the biology, morphology and ecology of the Macrochelidae. Exp Appl Acarol 22:125–137

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krantz GW, Ainscough BD (1990) Acarina: Mesostigmata (Gamasida). In: Dindal DL (ed) Soil biology guide. Wiley, New York, pp 583–666

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz GW, Redmond BL (1987) Identification of glandular and poroidal idionotal systems in Macrocheles perglaber F. and P. (Acari: Macrochelidae). Exp Appl Acarol 3:243–253

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz GW, Redmond BL (1989) On the structure and function of the cribrum, with special reference to Macrocheles perglaber (Gamasida: Macrochelidae). In: Channabosavanna GE, Viraktamath CA (eds) Progress in acarology, vol 1. Oxford/IBH Publishing, New Delhi, pp 179–185

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz GW, Royce LA (1994) Observations on the biology and behavior of Macrocheles mycotrupetes Krantz and Mellott (Acari: Macrochelidae). Int J Acarol 20:115–121

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz GW, Wernz JG (1979) Sperm transfer in Glyptholaspis americana. In: Rodriguez JG (ed) Recent advances in acarology, vol 2. Academic, New York, pp 441–446

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz GW, Whitaker JO Jr (1988) Mites of the genus Macrocheles (Acari: Macrochelidae) associated with small mammals in North America. Acarologia 29:225–259

    Google Scholar 

  • Krauss W (1970) Die europäischen Arten der Gattungen Macrocheles Latreille 1829 und Geholaspis Berlese 1918. (Eine systematische Studie aus dem Jahr 1960). Acarol Schriftenr Vergleichende Milbenkunde 14:1–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Lesna I, Sabelis MW, Bolland HR, Conijn CGM (1995) Candidate natural enemies for control of Rhizoglyphus robini Claparede (Acari: Astigmata) in lily bulbs: exploration in the field and pre-selection in the laboratory. Exp Appl Acarol 19:655–669

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindquist EE, Evans GO (1965) Taxonomic concepts in the Ascidae, with a modified setal nomenclature for the idiosome of the Gamasina (Acarina: Mesostigmata). Mem Entomol Soc Can 47:1–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindquist EE, Krantz GW, Walter DE (2009) Order Mesostigmata. In: Krantz GW, Walter DE (eds) A manual of acarology. Texas Tech University Press, Lubbock, pp 124–232

    Google Scholar 

  • Manning MJ, Halliday RB (1994) Biology and reproduction of some Australian species of Macrochelidae (Acarina). Aust Entomol 21:89–94

    Google Scholar 

  • Mašán P (2003) Macrochelid mites of Slovakia (Acari: Mesostigmata: Macrochelidae). Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, p 149

    Google Scholar 

  • Mattos MR (1992) Macroquelídeos associados a fezes acumuladas em granja de aves poedeiras do município de montemor, Estado de São Paulo: levantamento, taxonomia e estudos populacionais (Acari, Gamasida: Macrochelidae). PhD thesis, Universidade Estadual de Campinas/Unicamp, Campinas, p 78

    Google Scholar 

  • Messelink GJ, De Kogel WJ (2005) Impact of chrysanthemum cultivar, fertilization and soil-dwelling predatory mites on Frankliniella occidentalis. Proc Neth Entomol Soc Meet 16:101–107

    Google Scholar 

  • Messelink G, van Holstein-Saj R (2008) Improving thrips control by the soil-dwelling predatory mite Macrocheles robustulus (Berlese). IOBC/WPRS Bull 32:135–138, Integrated control in protected crops, temperate climate

    Google Scholar 

  • Moraza ML (2004) The phoretic genus Neopodocinum (Oudemans, 1902) in the Iberian Peninsula (Acari: Mesostigmata: Macrochelidae). Rev Iberica Arachnol 10:261–269

    Google Scholar 

  • Mullens BA, Hinkle NC, Szijj CE (1996) Impact of alternating manure removal schedules on pest flies (Diptera: Muscidae) and associated predators (Coleoptera: Histeridae, Staphylinidae; Acarina: Macrochelidae) in caged-layer poultry manure in Southern California. Biol Microb Control 89:1406–1417

    Google Scholar 

  • Mullens BA, Hinkle NC, Szijj CE, Kuney DR (2001) Managing manure and conserving predators helps control flies in caged-layer poultry systems. Calif Agric 55:26–30

    Google Scholar 

  • Niogret J, Lumaret JP, Bertrand M (2006) Review of the phoretic association between coprophilous insects and macrochelid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) in France. Elytron 20:99–121

    Google Scholar 

  • Norton RA, Kethley JB, Johnston DE, O’Connor BM (1993) Phylogenetic perspectives on genetic systems and reproductive modes of mites. In: Wrensch DL, Ebbert MA (eds) Evolution and diversity of sex ratio in insects and mites. Chapman and Hall, New York, pp 8–99

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Donnell AE, Axtell RC (1964) Predation by Fuscuropoda vegetans (Acarina: Uropodidae) on the house fly (Musca domestica). Ann Entomol Soc Am 58:403–404

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Donnell AE, Nelson EL (1967) Predation by Fuscuropoda vegetans (Acarina: Uropodidae) and Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acarina: Macrochelidae) on the eggs of the little house fly, Fannia canicularis. J Kansas Entomol Soc 40:441–443

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliver JH Jr, Krantz GW (1963) Macrocheles rodriguezi, a new species of mite from Kansas (Acarina: Macrochelidae) with notes on its life cycle and behavior. Acarologia 5:519–525

    Google Scholar 

  • Peck JH, Anderson JR (1970) Influence of poultry-manure-removal schedules on various diptera larvae and selected arthropod predators. J Econ Entomol 63:82–90

    Google Scholar 

  • Pereira C, Castro MP (1945) Contribuição para o conhecimento da espécie tipo de “Macrocheles Latr”. (“Acarina”): “M. muscaedomesticae (Scopoli, 1772)” Emend. Arq Inst Biol 16:153–186

    Google Scholar 

  • Pereira C, Castro MP (1946) Cultura de ácaros e de alguns outros aracnídeos predadores. In: Imprensa oficial do estado de São Paulo, Livro comemorativo de Romulo Ferreira de Almeida, vol 33. pp 285–288. São Paulo, SP

    Google Scholar 

  • Pereira C, Castro MP (1947) Forese e partenogênese arrenótoca em “Macrocheles muscaedomesticae” (Scopoli) (“Acarina: Macrochelidae”) e sua significação ecológica. Arq Inst Biol 18:71–89

    Google Scholar 

  • Perotti MA (2001) Prey location and predation rates of predatory mites (Acari: Macrochelidae) on immature stages of pest flies (Diptera: Muscidae). Syst Appl Acarol 6:27–33

    Google Scholar 

  • Perotti MA, Braig HR (2009) Phoretic mites associated with animal and human decomposition. Exp Appl Acarol 49:85–124

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Petrova AD (1960) Materialien über den Bau des inneren Sackchens des Receptaculum seminis der gamasoiden Milben Macrochelidae Vitzt. Zool Anz 165:393–400

    Google Scholar 

  • Polak M (1996) Ectoparasitic effects on host survival and reproduction: the Drosophila-Macrocheles association. Ecology 77:1379–1389

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramakers PMJ, van Lieburg MJ (1982) Start of commercial production and introduction of Amblyseius mckenzie Sch. and Pr. (Acarina: Phytoseiidae) for the control of Thrips tabaci Lind. (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in glasshouses. Med Van de Faculteit Landbouwwetenschappen 47:541–545

    Google Scholar 

  • Rettenmeyer CW (1962) Notes on host specificity and behavior of myrmecophilous macrochelid mites. J Kansas Entomol Soc 35:358–360

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodrigueiro TSC, Prado AP (2004) Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acari: Macrochelidae) and a species of Uroseius (Acari: Polyaspididae) phoretic on Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae): effects on dispersal and colonization of poultry manure. Iheringia Sér Zool 94:181–185

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez JG, Wade CF (1961) The nutrition of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae in relation to its predatory action on the house fly egg. Ann Entomol Soc Am 54:782–788

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez JG, Wade CF, Wells CN (1962) Nematodes as a natural food for Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acarina: Macrochelidae), a predator of the house fly egg. Ann Entomol Soc Am 55:507–511

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez JG, Singh P, Taylor B (1970) Manure mites and their role in fly control. J Med Entomol 7:335–341

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roth JP, MacQueen A, Bay DE (1988) Predation by the introduced phoretic mite, Macrocheles peregrinus (Acari: Macrochelidae), on the buffalo fly, Haematobia irritans exigua (Diptera: Muscidae), in Australia. Environ Entomol 17:603–607

    Google Scholar 

  • Royce LA, Krantz GW (1991) A new rearing method for nematophagous mites. In: Dusbábek F, Bukva V (eds) Modern acarology, vol 2. Academia, Prague and SPB Academic Publishing, The Hague, pp 619–622

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabelis MW (1985) Reproduction. In: Helle W, Sabelis MW (eds) Spider mites. Their biology, natural enemies and control, vol 1B, Natural enemies of the Tetranychidae. World Crop Pests/Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 73–82

    Google Scholar 

  • Saito M, Takaku G (2013) Predation of Tyrophagus similis Volgin (Acari: Acaridae) by indigenous predatory mites (Acari: Gamasina) found in spinach fields. J Acarol Soc Japan 22:37–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Scopoli JA (1772) Annus V. Historico naturalis. I. Emendationes et Additamenta ad Ann. I. II. III. IV. II. Tentamen Mineralogicum I. De Minera Argenti alba. III. Tentamen Mineralogicum II. De Sulphure. IV. Tentamen Mineralogicum III. De Pseudogalena, Auripigmento, aliisque. V. Observationes Zoologicae. Lipsiae Chr G Hilscher 5:128

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh P, Rodriguez JG (1966) Food for Macrochelid mites (Acarina) by an improved method for mass rearing of a nematode, Rhabditella leptura. Acarologia 8:549–550

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh P, King WE, Rodriguez JG (1966) Biological control of muscids as influenced by host preference of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acarina: Macrochelidae). J Med Entomol 3:78–81

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Singh P, McEllistrem MT, Rodriguez JG (1967) The response of some macrochelids to temperature and humidity (Acarina: Macrochelidae). Acarologia 9:1–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Soliman ZR, Zaher MA, Mohamed MI (1978) Biology and predaceous efficiency of Macrocheles matrius Hull Acari, Mesostigmata. Z Angew Entomol 85:225–230

    Google Scholar 

  • Stafford KC, Bay DE (1987) Dispersion pattern and association of house fly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), larvae and both sexes of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acari: Macrochelidae) in response to poultry manure moisture, temperature, and accumulation. Environ Entomol 16:159–164

    Google Scholar 

  • Toyama GM, Ikeda JK (1976) An evaluation of fly predators at animal farms on Leeward and central Oahu. Proc Hawaiian Entomol Soc 22:369–379

    Google Scholar 

  • Valle A (1953) Revisione di generi e sottogeneri Berlesiani di Acari. (Primo contributo). Redia 38:316–360

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Hammen L (1964) The morphology of Glyptholaspis confusa (Foà, 1900) (Acarida: Gamasina). Zool Verh 71:1–56

    Google Scholar 

  • Vitzthum HG (1930) Acarologische Beobachtungen (14. Reihe). Zool Jahrb Abt Syst 59:281–350

    Google Scholar 

  • Wade CF, Rodriguez JG (1961) Life history of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acarina: Macrochelidae), a predator of the house fly. Ann Entomol Soc Am 54:776–781

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallace MMH, Holm E (1983) Establishment and dispersal of the introduced predatory mite, Macrocheles peregrinus Krantz, in Australia. J Aust Entomol Soc 22:345–348

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallace MMH, Holm E (1984) Competition between species of predatory macrochelid mites in the cow-dung pad. In: Griffiths DA, Bowman CE (eds) Acarology VI, vol 1. Ellis Horwood, Chichester, pp 581–584

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallace MMH, Tyndale-Biscoe M, Holm E (1979) The influence of Macrocheles glaber on the breeding of the Australian bushfly, Musca vetustissima in cow dungs. In: Rodriguez JG (ed) Recent advances in acarology, vol 2. Academic, New York, pp 217–222

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallwork JH, Rodriguez JC (1963) The effect of ammonia oh the predation rate of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae on house fly eggs. In: Naegele JA (ed) Advances in acarology, vol 1. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, pp 60–69

    Google Scholar 

  • Walter DE, Ikonen EK (1989) Species, guilds, and functional groups: taxonomy and behavior in nematophagous arthropods. J Nematol 21:315–327

    PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Whitaker JO (1977) Food and external parasites of the Norway rat, Rattus norvegicus, in Indiana. Proc Indiana Acad Sci 86:193–198

    Google Scholar 

  • Whitaker JO, Spicka EJ (1976) Ectoparasites of squirrels of the genus Sciurus from Indiana. Proc Indiana Acad Sci 85:431–436

    Google Scholar 

  • Wicht MC, Rodriguez JG (1970) Integrated control of muscid flies in poultry houses using predator mites, selected pesticides and microbial agentes. J Med Entomol 7:687–692

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wicht MC, Rodriguez JG, Smith WT, Jalil M (1971) Attractant to Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acarina) present in the housefly, Musca domestica. J Insect Physiol 17:63–67

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Willis RR, Axtell RC (1968) Mite predators of the house fly: a comparison of Fuscuropoda vegetans and Macrocheles muscaedomesticae. J Econ Entomol 61:1669–1674

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wills LE, Mullens BA, Mandeville JD (1990) Effects of pesticides on filth fly predators (Coleoptera: Histeridae, Staphylinidae; Acarina: Macrochelidae, Uropodidae) in caged layer poultry manure. J Econ Entomol 83:451–457

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Womersley H (1955) The acarina fauna of mutton birds’ nests on a Bass Strait island. Aust J Zool 3:412–414

    Google Scholar 

  • Yasui Y (1988) Sperm competition of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli) (Acarina: Mesostigmata: Macrochelidae), with special reference to precopulatory mate guarding behavior. J Ethol 6:83–90

    Google Scholar 

  • Yasui Y (1992) The existence of sex pheromone eliciting precopulatory mate guarding behavior in a male predatory mite, Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli). J Ethol 10:15–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Yasui Y (1996) Males of a mite, Macrocheles muscaedomesticae, estimate a female’s value on the basis of her age and reproductive status. J Insect Behav 9:517–524

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We are especially thankful to the following researchers who provided copies of the papers referred to in this publication: C.H.W. Flechtmann, C.C. Ho, G. Takaku, G.W. Krantz, M. Knapp and R. Abo-Shnaf.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, Universidade de São Paulo, 13418-900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil

    Letícia H. de Azevedo, Fernanda de C. N. Esteca & Gilberto José de Moraes

  2. Department of Ecology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, 84, 7647, Canterbury, New Zealand

    Rowan M. Emberson

Authors
  1. Letícia H. de Azevedo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Rowan M. Emberson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Fernanda de C. N. Esteca
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Gilberto José de Moraes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Letícia H. de Azevedo .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology and Nematology Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida - IFAS, Homestead, Florida, USA

    Daniel Carrillo

  2. Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

    Gilberto José de Moraes

  3. Department of Entomology and Nematology Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida - IFAS, Homestead, Florida, USA

    Jorge E. Peña

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

de Azevedo, L.H., Emberson, R.M., Esteca, F.d.C.N., de Moraes, G.J. (2015). Macrochelid Mites (Mesostigmata: Macrochelidae) as Biological Control Agents. In: Carrillo, D., de Moraes, G., Peña, J. (eds) Prospects for Biological Control of Plant Feeding Mites and Other Harmful Organisms. Progress in Biological Control, vol 19. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15042-0_4

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation