Most of the species in the family Tydeidae are considered fungivores or predators, however, a few are known to be facultatively phytophagous. These mites are oval in shape, fast moving, and can be found both singly or in congregations. Their chelicerae (mouthparts) are highly modified into slender stylets which are used to pierce fungal bodies, other microorganisms, and/or plant tissue.

The few species which are known to be phytophagous are members of the genus Lorryia. Research, led by Carl Childers at the University of Florida in collaboration with the Florida Department of Agriculture and the USDA, is underway focusing on Lorryia formosa in citrus. Early reports indicate that this species can damage citrus plants, however, studies from the 1980s suggest that L. formosa may have beneficial effects on citrus through its feeding on the sooty mold, a fungus whose negative impact on citrus crops is well known.