Sarcoptidae

Virtual Microscope

Characteristics / Biology of Acarina

  • 8 legs (exception:  some  larval stages of mites and ticks have only 6 legs)
  • Mites have capitulum («head» with mouth parts)
  • Spheric body
  • Pronounced capitulum with mouth parts
  • Hard dorsal shield in case of hard ticks
  • Incomplete metamorphosis (hemimetabole development) (larvae look the same as adults)
  • Itch mite (scabies): feeding on cell and lymph fluid, female creates burrows in the skin
  • Hosts: Wild animals and pets, human

 

•Medical significance: 

  • skin irritations, skin rash