99. Superorder Acariphormes. Genera Ixodes, Hyalomma, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus.

Order Acari (Mites and Ticks)

• Belongs to the class Arachnida and includes both mites and ticks.
• Acari typically have bodies segmented into two main regions: a fused cephalothorax and abdomen.
• Most species possess four pairs of legs, though some have fewer depending on their life stage.
• Their mouthparts are adapted for biting, stinging, or sucking, depending on their feeding strategy.

Superorder Acariformes (Mites)

General Characteristics of Mites

• Typically measure between 0.5 and 3 millimeters.

• Bodies are soft and often hairy.
• Found in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
• Many are plant pests, feeding on crops and leaves of fruit trees.
• Some species are medically important due to their role in human and animal health.

Key Genera and Species

1. 1. Sarcoptes scabiei (Scabies Mite)

• Causes scabies in humans, a skin condition marked by intense itching and skin burrows.
• Female mites burrow into skin, where they lay 2 to 3 eggs daily for up to two months.
• The burrowing process begins at thin skin areas like elbows, fingers, feet, and genitals.
• Lifecycle includes stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult.
• Males typically do not burrow but roam on the skin surface.
• Mating is brief but sufficient to fertilize females for their entire egg-laying phase.

1. 2. Dermanyssus gallinae (Chicken Mite or Red Mite)

• A nocturnal ectoparasite of birds, especially in poultry farms.
• Feeds at night and hides in cracks during the day.
• Reproduces rapidly with a full lifecycle possible in as little as seven days.
• Heavy infestations can cause anemia in birds and affect productivity.
• Also capable of feeding on mammals including humans, leading to dermatitis.

1. 3. Dermatophagoides (House Dust Mites)

• Commonly found in household dust.
• Known for producing allergens that can trigger asthma, rhinitis, and eczema.
• They are not parasitic but impact health through allergic responses.

1. 4. Demodex folliculorum

• A commensal mite that lives in human hair follicles, mainly on the face.
• Common in adults and elderly individuals but absent in newborns.
• Acquired early in life, likely from maternal contact.
• High populations are associated with skin conditions like blepharitis and acne.
• Lifecycle is approximately two weeks, with mating occurring at the hair follicle opening.