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

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.