vpg logo Parasite Diagnostic Key
Mite: Anatomy & Terms

back to Mite Key

Mite Groups

Demodex sp.
(a prostigmatid mite)
Body very elongate,
legs very stumpy.
Collect with Hair Pluck or Skin Scrape.

Astigmatid Mites
Body round to subovate;
much space b/w
2nd & 3rd legs.
Collect with Skin Scrape.

Mesostigmatid Mites
Body oval;
little space b/w
2nd & 3rd legs.
Collect with Tape Prep or Fine Brush


Astigmatid Mite

Chorioptes bovis (male)

Palps = Paired sensory mouth parts.

Chelicera = feeding mouth parts, usually claw-like in astigmatids.

Setae = Elongate hairs.

Epimere = Cuticular Extensions of the Leg Coxa.

Coxa = Basal leg structure.

Copulatory sucker = Male structures for holding the female mite.

Tarsus = Segment at end of leg.

Tarsal Claw = Claw at the end of the leg. Single claw in Astigmatids.

Tubercles = Posterior extensions of the male body.

Pretarsus = Structure at the end of some legs; includes the Pedicel & Caruncle.

Pedicel = Stalk connects to the caruncle at the end of some legs.

Caruncle = Sucker at the end of some legs.


Mesostigmatid Mite

Dermanyssus sp.

Palps = Paired sensory mouth parts.

Chelicera = Feeding mouth parts.

Pretarsus = Sucker-like membrane associated with the claws at the end of legs.

Tarsus = Segment at end of leg.

Tarsal Claw = Claw at the end of the leg. Double claw in Mesostigmatids.

Coxa = Basal leg structure.

Peritreme = Tracheal tube.

Stigma = Opening to Tracheal System.

Sternal Plate = Chitinous plate on the anterior ventral surface.

Genitoventral Plate = Chitinous plate on middle ventral surfcae, associated with genital functions.

Anal Plate = Chitinous plate on posterior ventral surfcae, associated with anus.

Anus = Location of Anus on Anal plate is diagnostic.



Website contents are for educational use only and are not to be copied or distributed without the owner's consent.
NC State College of Veterinary Medicine
1060 William Moore Drive
Raleigh, NC 27607