Slime mites

MM369999

Histiostomatids are mites in the Suborder Astigmata of the Order Acariformes. They inhabit aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats (e.g. rotting mushrooms) where they feed on bacteria and small protozoans using their modified flagelliform palps to create a feeding current (Fashing 1994; OConnor 1994). They have also been found on earthworms and leeches, where they presumably also feed on microorganisms (Proctor et al. 1997). The Histiostomatidae was previously called the Anoetidae (e.g. Krantz 1978).

In Australia, histiostomatids are common in treeholes, bromeliads and pitcher plants, and also occur in organic substrates in slow-moving streams (pers. obs., HCP). Genera include Hormosianoetusand Creutzeria, and there are likely other taxa that have not yet been described (Fashing, pers. comm.). Fashing & Kitching (1996) describe the swimming behaviour of Creutzeria; other than numerous genera of Hydracarina, this is the only known taxon of swimming mites.

References:

Fashing, N.J. 1994. Life-history patterns of astigmatid inhabitants of water-filled treeholes. pp. 160-185 in M.A. Houck (ed.) Mites: ecological and evolutionary studies of life-history patterns. Chapman & Hall, New York.

Fashing, N.J., B.M. OConnor and R.L. Kitching. 1996. Adaptations for swimming in the genus Creutzeria (Astigmata: Histiostomatidae). pp. 385-388 in R. Mitchell, D.J. Horn, G.R. Needham and W.C. Welbourn (eds.) Acarology IX. Proceedings of the IXth International Congress of Acarology, Columbus, Ohio, 17-22 July. Ohio Biological Survey, Columbus.

Krantz, G.W. 1978. A Manual of Acarology. 2nd edition. Oregon State University Book Stores, Corvallis, Oregon.

OConnor, B.M. 1994. Life-history modifications in astigmatid mites. pp. 136-159 in M.A. Houck (ed.) Mites: ecological and evolutionary studies of life-history patterns. Chapman & Hall, New York.

Proctor, H.C., H.M. Gray and B.M. OConnor. 1997. Subaquatic mites (Acari: Astigmata) associated with adult freshwater leeches (Hirudinea: Erpobdellidae). J. Nat. Hist. (Lond.) 31: 539-544.

Walter, D.E. and H.C. Proctor. 1999. Mites: Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour. University of New South Wales Press, Sydney, New South Wales.