Predatory and parasitic mites associated with mosquitoes in New Jersey

A central premise of biological control is that the density of mosquitoes is reduced to stable equilibrium levels by using biological control agents. Parasitic and predaceous mites, of which several species are aquatic in nature, may possess potential to control mosquito populations. In order to determine mite prevalence and their association with mosquitoes in the state of New Jersey, over 1000 adult mosquitoes infested with mites were isolated from light and gravid traps during 2007. Mites belonging to five subfamilies i.e., Histiostomatinae, Rhizoglyphinae, Arrenurinae, Thyadinae and Anystinae were identified. Three i.e., Arrenurus, (Arrenurinae), Thyas, (Thyadinae), and Anystis, (Anystinae) were identified up to generic level. Mosquito genera, Culex, Culiseta, Aedes, and Coquillettidia were found infested. They were most common to Coquilletidia perturbans followed by Aedes and Culex spp. Most mites were attached on the thorax followed by the head and abdomen. They attach to emerging mosquito from pupae at the water surface. The infestation rates ranged between 1 and 38 mites per mosquito. The early season mosquito species were infected most in comparison to late season mosquitoes. Most species of mites were encountered from fresh water pools than brackish water habitats. Histiostomatid mites are filter-feeders, requiring an aqueous environment to survive. Their association with mosquitoes is therefore not too surprising. Anystis sp. is more or less terrestrial being found in leaf litter. It is an aggressive and active predator of anything it can overcome. The present study suggests parasitic and predaceous mites are prevalent in New Jersey which may be exploited to manage mosquito populations.