Schwiebea is a genus of mites in the family Acaridae.[1] It is among the largest in the family with over 60 species.[2]
Adults of Schwiebea are distinguished from other mites by: the absence of many setae, the reduction of supracoxal seta of leg I to a tiny spine, and the absence of Grandjean's organ. Additionally, the propodosomal sclerite has a posterior indentation/incision for up to 50% of its length. Females have a spermatheca (organ for receiving and storing sperm) and its morphology is important for distinguishing species.[2]
Schwiebea have been collected from various habitats including vegetation (clover roots, a verbena field, peony rose, Gerbera roots, yams, taro seeds), leaf litter, peat moss, caves, insect rearing containers and even some aquatic environments (fish farms, aquariums, swimming pools).[2][3] Some species attach phoretically to arthropods such as bark beetles,[4] millipedes[5] and ticks.[6]
Some species of Schwiebea are all-female and reproduce by parthenogenesis, while others use sexual reproduction.[2][3] Parthenogenesis is thought to have evolved at least three times within the genus.[3]
One species, S. similis, is a pest of American ginseng in China. A scientific study found it can also feed on other crops to varying extents, including garlic, potato and Chinese yam.[7]
Schwiebea is a genus of mites in the family Acaridae. It is among the largest in the family with over 60 species.
