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An Erythyraeoid Mite (ID by Zippo4k)

Interesting information from Zippo4k
RAH! I thought I recognized this body shape. This isn't an actual velvet mite, but rather an Erythyraeoid mite (ehr-rith-ray-oid, which refers to the red coloration of most members of the superfamily Earythraeoidea). Beyond that I can't tell, because there's at least two families (Erythraeidae & Smarididae) that are commonly encountered here in the U.S., and I'm sure there must be others. I can't tell the difference to be honest.

Erythraeoid mites are pretty common, though often overlooked, and frequently confused with Trombidioid mites (the 'true' velvet mites which are closely related but tend to have shorter, thicker legs and heavier, hairier bodies.) Both mites have a single pair of ocelli which you've captured perfectly here, but I also believe they are situated differently between these two super families.

Mites pass through a couple growth stages after they hatch" The first is known as the larva and has only three pairs of legs. The larvae of Erythraeoid mites live as parasites, sucking hemolymph from insects and spiders. In fact, I think this is might be true for the large velvet mites as well, but when they reach maturity, velvet mites become predators of insect eggs and larvae. I think Erythraeoids might also be predatory, but my knowledge is a bit tenuous.

Credit to Zippo4k

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July 23, 2012
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:iconskivwidget:
~skivwidget Feb 6, 2013  Hobbyist
There are only two families in Erythraeoidea worldwide, Smaradidae and Erythraeidae. They can be distinguished by Smaradidae having a retractable gnathosoma and Erythraeidae having a non-retractable gnathosoma. Basically, smaradids can suck their mouthparts into the body cavity, while erythraeids can't.

Here's a photo of an erythraeid,<a href=[link]">Leptus</a>, which is what I think yours is.

Here's a different erythraeid, Paraphanolophus just to demonstrate how different erythraeids can look.


You can kind of see the membranous area around the mouthparts of smaradids here that allow the gnathosoma to be retracted.
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:iconmelvynyeo:
Wow!! Thanks for the detailed information!! :) Learn something new!!!! :)
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:icontankg04:
~TankG04 Oct 6, 2012  Hobbyist Photographer
Those things are SO tiny. Well done, great shot.
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:iconmarcosrodriguez:
=MarcosRodriguez Jul 29, 2012  Hobbyist Photographer
Hi, your wonderful work has been featured in the #devPREMIUM's Weekly Macro Spotlight Vol. 25. Best regards!!
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:iconmarcosrodriguez:
=MarcosRodriguez Oct 6, 2012  Hobbyist Photographer
No problem! :D
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:iconasphyxiaticneko:
~AsphyxiaticNeko Jul 27, 2012  Hobbyist General Artist
That's a wonderful photo! :love:
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:iconthearbiterthel12:
your real good at taking these pics on such small insects
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