The higher order classification (family level and above) used at OSAL largely follows "A Manual of Acarology", 3rd ed. (Krantz & Walter, 2009), and Zhang (2011) with the following exceptions. Following Norton et al (1993) Acariformes and Parasitiformes are considered orders, not superorders. Similarly, Opilioacarida, Holothyrida, Ixodida, Mesostigmata, Trombidiformes and Sarcoptiformes are considered suborders, not orders. Second, the Manual proposes to standardize all higher order grouping names with fixed endings. Given very serious remaining questions on relationships among several large taxa (e.g. Astigmata vs. oribatid mites) this seems premature.
The higher order classification used in the OSAL database is as follows:
Order Parasitiformes (= Anactinotrichida) (following Klompen et al., 2007; changes relative to manual as indicated)
- Suborder Opilioacarida
- Suborder Holothyrida
- Suborder Ixodida
- Suborder Mesostigmata
- Infraorder Trigynaspida (including Cercomegistina and Antennophorina)
- Infraorder Uropodina (including Microgyniina and Uropodina)
- Infraorder Sejina (including Sejida and Heterozerconina)
- Infraorder Gamasina
- Hyporder Epicriina (including Epicriiae and Heatherellina)
- Hyporder Arctacarina (= Arctacariae)
- Hyporder Dermanyssina (including Dermanyssiae & Parasitiae)
Order Acariformes (following Manual of Acarology)