Arthropods, Insects, and Mites

Vocabulary flashcards about arthropods, insects and mites

Arthropoda

The largest phylum in the animal kingdom, characterized by segmented bodies, exoskeletons, and jointed limbs.

Exoskeleton

Rigid outer covering of arthropods, made of chitin and wax, that provides support and protection.

Molt

The process of shedding the exoskeleton to allow for growth.

Tagmata

Body segments of arthropods, such as the head, thorax, and abdomen in insects.

Cephalothorax

The body region of arachnids divided into cephalothorax (gnathosoma) and abdomen (idiosoma).

Spiracles/stigmata

Opening where air goes in and out of the respiratory system of arthropods.

Incomplete metamorphosis (hemimetabolous)

Development where early stages are similar to adults, with gradual development of wings and reproductive structures; immature stages are called nymphs.

Nymph

Immature stage in incomplete metamorphosis.

Complete metamorphosis (holometabolous)

Development where each stage is structurally and functionally different, involving a larval stage and pupal stage.

Pupa

Transitional stage where metamorphosis occurs within the pupal exoskeleton.

Lice

Insects belonging to the order Phtiraptera, including sucking and chewing lice.

Anoplura

Sucking lice, only found on mammals, with piercing-sucking mouthparts.

Amblycera and Ischnocera

Biting or chewing lice, found on mammals and birds, with chewing mouthparts.

General characteristics of Lice

Dorsoventrally flattened insects, permanent ectoparasites, highly specific to their hosts, and wingless.

Fleas

Insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera, characterized by lateral flattening, bristles, and strong legs adapted for jumping.

Ixodida

Order including hard and soft ticks.

Ixodidae

Hard ticks, characterized by a hard chitin shell (scutum).

Chelicera

The gnathosoma structure that cuts the skin of the host.

Hypostome

Structure on the gnathosoma that pierces the skin and has teeth to fix it inside.

Haller’s organ

The most important sensory organ on the first tarsus of ticks, detecting odors and hosts.

Ornate ticks

The colored enamel-like area on the body of some hard ticks.

Argasidae

Soft ticks, lacking a scutum and having multiple nymphal stages.

Sarcoptidae

Mites belonging to the order Sarcoptiformes, known for causing mange/scab.

Sarcoptes scabiei

Burrowing mite that forms tunnels under the skin, causing mange.

Mange/Scab

Condition caused by mite infestation, characterized by severe itching, erythema, and skin lesions.

Notoedres cati

Mites that cause mange specifically in cats, rabbits, and rodents.

Cnemidocoptidae

Mites belonging to the family Cnemidocoptidae (chewing mites).

Cnemidocoptes mutans

Mites causing scaly leg in birds.

Cytoditidae

Mites that cause acarinosis of the respiratory organs and subcutaneous tissue.

Demodecidae

Mites belonging to the family Demodecidae, often inhabiting hair follicles.

Demodex canis

Elongated, wormlike mites found in hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

Psoroptidae

Non-burrowing mites belonging to the family Psoroptidae.

Psoroptes ovis

Mites causing sheep scab, a severe ectoparasitic infection.

Chorioptidae

Non-burrowing mites belonging to the family Chorioptidae.

Chorioptes bovis

Mites causing foot mange in various animals.

Cheylettiellidae

Non-burrowing mites belonging to the family Cheylettiellidae; all species of these mites are zoonotic!

Cheyletiella yasguri

Mites causing scaling, pruritic dermatitis, often referred to as walking dandruff.

Otodectes cynotis

Non-burrowing ear mites belonging to the order Sarcoptiformes.

Otodectes cynotis

Mites that localize in the external ear canal, causing otitis.

Dermanyssidae

Mites belonging to the order Gamasida, transient between ticks and mites.

Dermanyssus gallinae

Hematophagous ticks feeding on birds, causing anemia and decreased production.

Trombiculidae

Mites belonging to the order Trombidiformes; only larval stages are parasitic.

Culicidae

Parasitic Nematocera family which includes midges, blackflies, sandflies and mosquitos

Psychodidae

A family of Nematocera also known as drain flies

Ceratopogonidae

A family of Nematocera also known as biting midges.

Simuliidae

A painful and dangerous occurence in livestock due to the combined effect of anaphylactic reaction, blood loss, inhalation of flies and pulmonary edema

Tabanindae

Parasitic Brachycera family that are livestock pests but do not often bite humans

Hypoderma bovis and Hypoderma lineatum

Cattle hypodermosis is caused by warble fly infestation, specifically these 2:

Myiasis

The act or state of being infested with dipterous larvae of flies

Melophagosis

An infestation known to occur in sheep, caused by melophagus ovinus (sheep ked)