This assemblage of mites is less diverse than the Acariformes but is exceptionally well represented in the OSAC collection because of research interests by Dr. Gerald Krantz, whose research interests emphasized the Mesostigmata, one of the major groups within the Parasitiformes. This group also contains the well-known ticks, Family: Ixodidae (Ixodida), a group that is well recognized given their medical/veterinary importance. While ticks are well recognized by the public, many do not realize that ticks are an unusual form of mite, one that is specialized to feed on the blood of vertebrates.