Tenuipalpidae, also called flat mites or false spider mites, are a family of mites, closely related to the Tetranychidae. They are reddish and slow-moving and normally feed near the midrib or veins on the underside of leaves. Several species, among them Raoiella indica, are important crop pests. Other common species include Acaricis urigersoni and the Brevipalpus species B. phoenicis, B. californicus, B. obovatus, and B. lewisi.

Tenuipalpidae
Raoiella indica, an SEM image with false color
Scientific classification
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Tenuipalpidae

Berlese, 1913
Diversity
> 30 genera, > 780 species

Genera

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The family includes the following genera:

References

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  • Baker, Edward J.; Tuttle, Donald M. & Abbatiello, Michael J. (1975): The False Spider Mites of Northwestern and North Central Mexico (Acarina: Tenuipalpidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 194: 1-23.
  • Beard, J.J. & Ochoa, R. (2011). "New flat mite genera (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) associated with Australian sedges (Cyperaceae)." Zootaxa 2941: 1-37.
  • Joel Hallan's Biology Catalog: Tenuipalpidae
  • Mites and Ticks: A Virtual Introduction — Tenuipalpidae