Might of the Mite: A review

Abstract Mites (Acari) are the most diverse and abundant of all arachnids but because of their small size they are rarely noticed. Mites are truly ubiquitous and have successfully colonized nearly every known habitat with their domicile ranging from earth to water to air and from sea to mountain peak. Acari show a wide variety of adaptations regarding life cycle and feeding habits which allow rapid escalation to pest status. On one hand, phytophagous mites as pests of field crops and mites associated with granaries and warehouses cause heavy financial losses, other species have attained prominence as household pests and causative agents of allergic reactions in human beings and other mammals. Many parasitic forms act as vectors of disease causing organisms. An unquantified but major positive contribution of Acari is their normal functioning in ecosystems, especially their roles in the decomposer subsystem. Acari are among the major sources for biological control of various classes of pests including insects, nematodes and weeds. In the current scenario, mites are on a stage of considerable economic significance and there is an urgent need to make awareness about Acarines and their behavior in different ecosystems so that timely management of harmful species and utilization of beneficial species can progress.