Mites (Acarii)
Basic Information 
Definition
Small free-living (saprophytic) or parasitic arthropods of the order Acarina, excluding ticks
Epidemiology
Genetics and Breed Predisposition
Most commonly encountered on Arthropods (Crustacea, Myriapoda, Insecta, and Arachnida) and Molluscs (mainly gastropods).
Contagion and Zoonosis
Parasitic species are contagious and appear to be able to affect a wide variety of species. Most species do not appear to be zoonotic, but there is a paucity of specific data.
Associated Conditions and Disorders
• Abnormal behavior of host invertebrate species
• Increased activity of some host species
• Anorexia in severe parasitic infections
• Poor growth and reproduction in colony-kept species
• Spread of pathogens and fungal spores between enclosures
• Occlusion of spiracles or booklung surfaces by large numbers of mites
Etiology and Pathophysiology
• Parasitic mites generally feed on hemolymph, which they access with piercing mouthparts at joints and the thinner part of the cuticle.
• Parasitic mites may have a role in dysecdysis of arthropods (see Dysecdysis).
• Saprophytic mites may be present in very large numbers in larger collections or enclosures, where food residues accumulate or where cleaning is not regularly performed. Saprophytic mites may act as vectors for fungal spores.
Diagnosis 
Differential Diagnosis
• Alopecia due to environmental stress in tarantulas (see Alopecia)
• Ants (these can kill captive invertebrates in severe cases)
• Phoridae humpback flies (very small fruit flies that may also act as a vector for Panagrolaimidae nematode infections; see Panagrolaimidae Oral Nematodes in Tarantulas)
• These mechanical methods of mite removal are time consuming. In some cases anesthesia is helpful in performing mite removal with a brush or cotton tip and water based lubricant to trap the mites. Anesthesia will also slow the mites’ movements, making them easier to remove.
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
