It is often used as a biological control of the noxious weed Chondrilla juncea (rush skeletonweed),[2] a highly competitive herbaceous perennial composite found in Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.

Larvae are smaller than the adults and distinguished by a humpback and exhibit no external genitalia.

Mite growth and development is dependent on environmental and climatic conditions.

The development of the galls impede the health, growth, and reproduction abilities of the plant by: A. chondrillae has been recognized to affect plants of the Chondrilla genus: C. juncea, C. juncea f. acantholepis, C. brevirostris and C.

It was introduced to Australia in 1971 as part of a program to suppress skeleton weed in areas where it dominates the landscape.