Prostigs  -  Suborder:   Prostigmata
      After filtering out those mites that together became the Suborder: Parasitengona the Suborder: Prostigmata was left with six infraorders containing a large number of mites that are mostly minute to small in size, can be found in numerous types of habitas and have a wide variety of lifestyle and feeding habits.   A good number of species are parasites on other invertebrates including insects and other arachnids, although there are also many predatory types.  Some display both parasitic and predatory habits depending on which stage they are at in their lifecycle.  Their prey usually consists of other small invertebrates which they may actively pursue or capture while in waiting in ambush.           
      Many others phytophagous (= herbivores) and their foodplants may display signs that are typical of their presence such as galls, leafcurling or encapsulation in silk webbing.  More than a few of these herbivorous mites are responsible for serious crop losses or vegetative degradation.  Fungivores are found among the Prostigmatans as well although less commonly so.  Many of these species consume the spores of fungi but those living underground will also partake of the mycelium.
One large family, the Halacaridae consists of well over 1,100 species of small mites that live in marine environments all over the world. They may be found in salt, brackish, or fresh water.                 
      
      Prostigs are among the oldest arachnids in the world with the fossil record going back to the Early Devonian, 419 - 393 My ago.  Fairly recent discoveries of fossils belonging to a small number of species have been made in Northern Scotland near the town of Rhynie. 
The actual number of species is hard to determine, particularly in light of the recent reclassifications that have taken place in the Order: Trombidiformes to which they belong, but the number is likely to run into five digits.  Despite their sizeable numbers only a few are of medical interest; such as the Straw Itch Mite (Pyemotes tritici) which is usually found in stored grain products and the bite of which may cause an itchy rash.   and a small handful may be of economic interest as biological control agents of the species of they prey on.            
References  and  links:
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​      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eupodoidea
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halacaridae​
​      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostigmata
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyemotes_tritici
​      https://www.mindat.org/taxon-372.html

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