THE PARASITIC ASSOCIATIONS OF LARVAL WATER MITES WITH IMAGINAL AQUATIC INSECTS, ESPECIALLY CHIRONOMIDAE

Abstract

AbstractData on the parasitic associations of larval water mites with imaginal aquatic insects are reviewed. Documented associations now are known for larvae of 47 genera of water mites in 23 families representing all seven superfamilies. The particular importance of the nematocerous Diptera, and especially the Chironomidae, as hosts of larval water mites is demonstrated, primarily on the basis of new data. New insights into the evolution of parasitic behaviour patterns in larval water mites are discussed.