Mites

Abstract

Mites are, in general terms, similar to ticks in appearance. They have a sac-like body, mouthparts grouped around the mouth opening as a capitulum„ and eight legs in the adult stage. They are, however, with very few exceptions, much smaller in size, and their feeding habits and biology are very varied. Those of medical significance include the forage mite and the house-dust mite, both of which may cause allergies, the scabies mite causing the condition scabies by its burrowing habits, and the Trombicula mite, which is the vector of scrub typhus.