Review of The Diversity of Macrochelid Mites from Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Macrochelidae is known as one of the acarine biocontrol agents which target agricultural pests. In this article, we conducted a literature review of the species of Macrochelidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) in Sumatra, Indonesia. The association between Macrochelid mite and insects and their potential use are also discussed. Most of the Macrochelid mites were collected from the surface body of dung beetles Scarabaeidae, captured by baited pitfall trap (human dung trap). Twenty-two species of Macrochelidae belonging to 5 genera are found in Sumatra. None of them is endemic, and there have been no reports of the use of Macrochelid for the agricultural system on this island so far. Therefore, intensive research on Macrochelidae on Sumatra Island is needed.