Macrochelid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) occurring in animal droppings in the pasture ecosystem in central Italy

Abstract

Coprophilous predatory mites of the family Macrochelidae are often associated with the manure of domestic animals and other sites where there are accumulations of dung and organic matter. Interest has recently been renewed in macrochelid mites because of the following results: (1) their synanthropic habits; (2) the potential use of synanthropic flies as biological control agents; (3) the introduction of exotic species for the biological control of pest flies. The results obtained in Italy from some species of fimicolous Macrocheles tested in laboratory conditions and pastoral settings indicate: the eggs and larval stages of Musca domestica are natural food for macrochelid mites and therefore there is a significant control of fly populations; different strategies of macrochelid mites (species r and K selected) inhabiting the manure of domestic animals and pastoral droppings; a number of instances of phoresy and hyperphoresy; and a succession of macrochelid mites and other invertebrates in pastoral settings and their importance in recycling nutrients. The use of natural ‘natagonists’ which live in manure together with further study of the ecology of these species in the Mediterranean area is recommended.