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
2^nd & 3^rd legs.
Collect with Skin Scrape.

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

Astigmatid Mite

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

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.