Cheyletidae (predators)

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Cheyletus eruditus (click on image to enlarge it)
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Cheyletidae (predators)

The family contains more than 400 species and about 80 genera. The members are often red or yellow with an elongated body and about 0.2 to 0.8 mm long. They have stylet-like, piercing chelicerae and large palpi functioning as pincers.

Several species are useful natural enemies of pest mites, small insects and insect eggs. These prey mainly on mites in stored products or in houses. Some species also live on plants and prey on plant feeding mites.

The following genera are currently entered under Cheyletidae (predators):