gamasid
/ˈɡaməsɪd/Zoology
adjective
Belonging to or characteristic of the acarine group Gamasida (in early use restricted to the former family Gamasidae), comprising mites that are typically free-living and predatory, and some that are parasitic or commensal.
- Economically important gamasid mites include the phytoseiid mites, which are used in the biological control of insect pests, and the bee mite, Varroa destructor..
noun
A gamasid mite.
Origin
Late 19th century. From scientific Latin Gamasus, genus name (Latreille, 1802), specific use of post-classical Latin gamasus agile + -id, after scientific Latin Gamasidae, former family name, or (in later use) Gamasida, group name.