Mites and Their Life Cycle

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to mites and their life cycles.

Acari

The order of arachnids that includes mites and ticks.

Chelicerata

A subphylum of arthropods characterized by the presence of chelicerae, which are pincer-like mouthparts.

Ticks vs. Mites

Ticks are macroscopic with barbed chelicerae, while mites are microscopic with varying hypostomes.

Life Cycle of Mites

Includes egg, larval, nymph, and adult stages, with variations in free-living and parasitic habits.

Sarcoptes scabiei

A mite species responsible for causing scabies in humans and animals.

Idiosoma

The main body of a mite, distinct from the capitulum and walking legs.

Stylosome

A specialized feeding tube used by some mites to extract fluids from their hosts.

Demodex

A genus of mites that dwell in hair follicles and sebaceous glands of humans, often asymptomatic.

House dust mites

Mites of the genus Dermatophagoides, which can trigger allergies and asthma in humans.

Chiggers

Larval mites of the species Trombicula alfreddugesi, which feed on body fluids of hosts and are known for causing itchy pustules.

Free-living mites

Mites that live independently in the environment as herbivores or detritivores.

Parasitic mites

Mites that derive their nutrients from a host, often causing harm to the host.

Haller's organ

A sensory organ found in some ticks, absent in mites.

Morphology of Mites

Characterized by features like chelicera, pedipalps, and a distinctive body plan.

Scabies Symptoms

Itching, crusty rash, secondary infections; caused by reactions to mite waste and presence.

Mange

A skin disease caused by parasitic mites (such as Sarcoptes scabiei) affecting various animals.