Anystis
Anystis, also called whirligig mites, is a genus of predatory mites. They hunt other mites and small insects. Members are usually red, have long legs, and are about 0.5–1.5 millimeters long.
They belong to the family Anystidae in the order Trombidiformes. The body is broad and almost trapezoidal. A large front shield (prodorsal shield) covers the head area and is kidney-shaped at the back. Two pairs of eyes sit behind the shield, on the sides. From the shield grow two long pairs of hair-like sensory setae, and there are sensory organs (sensilla) on the shield and another pair on the front part of the body (idiosoma).
The mouthparts (chelicerae) end in hook-shaped claws, with setae. The last leg segment (tarsus) ends in two claws and may have a combed, toothed, or hairy claw, with an empodium between the claws.
Anystis baccarum is notable for being used in apple orchards as a natural pest control because it preys on Panonychus ulmi, a mite that damages apples. It is not yet clear whether other Anystis species can provide the same pest-control benefits.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 15:45 (CET).