Whirligig mite - Anystis baccarum

 

	The whirligig mite is thought to have been introduced to New Zealand by accident. It feeds on a wide range of prey insects and mites and is common in apple orchards. It is characterised by rapid spiral and circular movement. It has been observed feeding on the soft bodies of adult female oystershell scales in Canterbury. The importance of this feeding in reducing scale populations is unknown.