Acarology and Its Importance

Abstract

Acarology is the study of mites and ticks which are distributed throughout the world and inhabit almost every ecosystem. Mites are most common arthropod ectoparasites of vertebrates including humans. They are the largest and diverse group within the arthropod class Arachnida with over 55,000 described species, but the number of undescribed species may reach upto 20-fold as mite fauna in most of the world regions are still poorly explored. Mites and ticks are of great interest to human beings in a variety of ways and affect the humans as pests of economic plants including vegetable crops, fruit crops, field and fibre crops, and different ornamental plants. They also act as parasites of human beings, cattle, poultry and pets; as pests of stored grains and processed foods; and as parasites of honeybees. Mite infestations are responsible for economic losses worth billions of dollars in terms of reduced crop yields, lowered quality of product, and poor health of mankind. The economic importance of mites and ticks is discussed to create more interest in these creatures.