MITES WHICH DESTROY SCALE-INSECTS. 



85 



other species. This Mite also evidently preys either on the Mytilaspis 

 or the Dactylopius." 



A very long- bodied Mite, without spots, is found occasionally in empty 

 Mytilaspis scales ; it has the same habits as the Spotted Mite. This 

 species may be identical with Tyroglyplms malus Shinier, which preys 

 upon the Oyster-shell Bark-louse of the Apple. The figures of the lat- 

 ter, from Eiley 7 s Fifth Missouri Eeport, are here reproduced. [Fig. 41.] 



THE ORBICULAR MITE. This is the largest Mite found among Scale- 

 insects ; it is nearly circular, or slightly oval, in outline ; the body is 

 thick and somewhat flattened, covered with a pol- 

 ished, horny shell of brown color, surmounted by 

 a few fine bristles. The shell or carapace is turned 

 under at the sides and ends, so that the short, 

 stout legs are concealed beneath it as the animal 

 walks, and only the tip of the head and beak pro- 

 ject beyond the front margin. Length, about 

 0.4 mm ( T ^ inch). 



This is an active, wandering Mite, undoubtedly 

 predatory upon Scale-insects, but found also suck- 

 ing the eggs of many other insects. Its eggs are 

 laid, and transformations undergone, under loose bark and in crevices, 

 where the early forms are mingled with those of numerous other Mites, 

 from which they have not been clearly distinguished.* 



A variety of other Mites are found from time to time wandering over 

 scale-infested leaves and branches, but the forms above indicated are 

 believed to include those most closely connected with orange pests. 



FIG. 42. Nothrus ovivorus. 

 (After Packard). 



* This may be the Nolhrus ovivorus of Packard, Fig. 42, which is found sucking the 

 eggs of the Canker-worm. 



