Water mite \Wa"ter mite`\ (Zool.)
Any of numerous species of aquatic mites belonging to
{Hydrachna} and allied genera of the family {Hydrachnidae},
usually having the legs fringed and adapted for swimming.
They are often red or red and black in color, and while young
are parasites of fresh-water insects and mussels. Called also
{water tick}, and {water spider}.
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