Parasitism of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) by larval mites (Acari: Parasitengona) in Adelaide, South Australia

Abstract

Larval mites (Acari) from the cohort Parasitengona were collected from adult female mosquitoes captured in Adelaide, South Australia, from 1997 to 2000. Larvae from three families were identified: Arrenuridae, Hydryphantidae and Erythraeidae. Arrenurid larvae were associated with mosquitoes that use ground pools for larval habitat, while hydryphantids were associated with tree-hole and container-breeding species. Only a single erythraeid record was made. The overall prevalence of parasitism was very low (0.27% of 19 280 mosquitoes) and ranged from 0 to 5.6% for the 16 mosquito species collected. New mite-host records are presented.