Observations on the mite Schizosthetus lyriformis (Acari: Parasitidae) preying on bark beetle eggs and larve

Richard W. Hofstetter; J. C. Moser; R. McGuire

Observations on the mite Schizosthetus lyriformis (Acari: Parasitidae) preying on bark beetle eggs and larve

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Richard W. Hofstetter, J. C. Moser, R. McGuire

Year:

2009

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Southern Research Station

Source:

Entomological News. 120(4): 397-400

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Abstract

Many species of mite that live exclusively in decaying wood and subcortical environments have intricate relationships with bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) (e.g., in the genus Dendroctonus, Ips, Scolytus) (Lindquist, 1969; Moser, 1975; Hirschmann and Wisniewski, 1983; Karg, 1993). These mites depend on bark beetles or other subcorticolous insects for dispersal and introduction into appropriate living substrates. Mite communities associated with bark beetles can be large and complex, with multiple feeding guilds and trophic levels (Lindquist, 1969; McGraw and Farrier, 1969). However, because of the difficulty in observing subcorticular mites, very little is known about their biology and feeding behavior.

Keywords

mite, Schizosthetus lyriformis, bark beetle

Citation

Hofstetter, Richard W.; Moser, J. C.; McGuire, R. 2009. Observations on the mite Schizosthetus lyriformis (Acari: Parasitidae) preying on bark beetle eggs and larve. Entomological News 120(4):397-400.