Found at the edges of ponds, streams, lakes, and swamps, small specks can be seen floating or swimming on the surface of the water. There are many varieties of creatures, but they are all classified simply as water mites.
Water mites are members of the spider family, but with one distinct difference. While spiders have two separate parts to their bodies, these mites only have one. Their smooth, flat bodies appear like specks in the water; sometimes near the surface when they surface for air, other times at the bottom of the water. Some of these creatures are excellent swimmers, gliding smoothly through the water as their eight legs work frantically to propel them forward. Others are content to rummage through plant debris on the water floor. Plant life provides a great playground for all moths, as they can frequently be found crawling on leaves, either on the surface or submerged.
Water mite larvae can be considered quite travellers. As parasites, a host is required for them to live; clinging to the host, which is not only a food source for the larvae, but also a means of transportation. The host will be an aquatic larva of some kind; often the fly, mosquito, dragonfly and stonefly will be the target. As adults, most water mites are carnivorous and predatory in nature; looking for and feeding on worms and insects. Since they do not have the ability to chew, the mites attach themselves to their chosen host using their piercing mouthparts and proceed to extract that host’s vital juices. Some types of mites are more like dust mites; it does not threaten any species, and feeds only on debris or organic material.
Due to the numerous species of water mites, it is difficult to detail a single life cycle that applies to all. They all start as eggs, hatch into parasitic larvae, and transform into two separate and consecutive nymphal stages before emerging as adults. It is the length of time for each stage to occur that remains a mystery to many water mites. The eggs are laid in the water; either on leaves or on clams, mussels or sponges, where they will hatch somewhere within a six week period depending on water temperature and mite species.
Water mites also act as a food source for many predators. Small fish, aquatic insects, water fleas and more feed freely on the large number of mites.
While there are many different varieties of the creature, each with their own characteristics and habits, those little specks in ponds and streams are part of the water mite family.