Astigmatina is now made up of the two groups Acaridia and Psoroptidia, which have been suborders of the order Astigmata in the past.

[1][2] Astigmatan mites are usually soft-bodied and white to brownish in colour (rarely tan and well-sclerotised), and range from 0.15 to 2.00 mm in length.

[3] Unlike their oribatid ancestors, which are mostly restricted to soil,[4] the Astigmatina show a wide range of ecological strategies.

The Histiostomatoidea live in various wet substrates such as decaying plant tissue, dung, mud and tree holes, and feed on organic material.

Many Acaroidea live in stored foods, but the superfamily also includes plant pests and inhabitants of vertebrate or insect nests.

Most soil-dwelling Astigmatina are microbe feeders, though the species with chelate chelicerae can chew on vegetable material, fungi and algae.

[8] Astigmatina in homes damage stored products, disperse microbial propagules and contribute to allergic reactions.