Acarophenacidae (predators)
Acarophenacidae (predators)
This is a small family of mites with 30-40 species. They are egg parasites on insects like beetles or thrips. The largest genus, Acarophenax, includes about 10 species, parasitic on eggs of stored product beetles. They are regarded as beneficial biological control agents and can suppress populations of stored product pests like Rhyzopertha dominica. They live phoretically on the beetles.
The species of Acarophenax have a remarkable life cycle. The next generation develops and matures inside the body of the female. Among the offspring produced by a female is only one male which inseminates the other immature females developing inside the body of the mother, but can also penetrate the body of other mature females and fertilize the developing females there. One generation can be completed in as little as 2-4 days.
The following genera and species are currently entered in the system:
