(1) Department of Entomological Sciences, University of California, 94720 Berkeley, California, USA;(2) Jerusalem Road, P.O. Box 393, 01264 Tyringham, Massachusetts, USA;(3) 2 Taylors Road, 5062 Mitcham, South Australia, (Australia)
Abstract:
Summary Two adult moths (families Gracillariidae and Tineidae) in Dominican amber each contained a pair of larval parasitic mites attached to their bodies. The larval mites were identified as belonging to the family Erythraeidae and represent the first fossil evidence of moths parasitized by mites. Phylogenic and evolutionary implications of this find are discussed in light of similar extant associations.