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Arthropods: AcariTicks and MitesPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaSubphylum Uniramia
Subphylum ChelicerataSubphylum Chelicerata
Large, diverse group of arthropodsIncludes horseshoe crabs, spiders, sea spiders, scorpionsMost have 4 pairs of legsSome mites have one to three pairsExternal segmentation reducedTwo body partsCapitulum (gnathosoma)Contains the mouthpartsIdiosomaLegs and tailMost are free-living, non-parasiticTicks and mites are parasiticClass ArachnidaeSubclass AcariOrder IxodidaOrder MesostigmataOrder ProstigmataOrder OribatidaOrder Astigmata
Order Ixodida
TicksHard ticksSoft TicksFour life cycle stages: egg, larva, nymph, adultMay have one to six nymphal instarsIn many species, all stages are solenophagous ectoparasitesIn some, all instars are on one animal.In others, each instar finds a new hostIncreases transmission of diseaseSome are host specific, some are opportunisticCan live as long as 16 years without blood meal!Life span may be as long 21 yearsVery complex behavior Controlled by pheromones
Family Ixodidae
Hard TicksCapitulum is terminal and can be seen from abovePathologyAnemiaHost animal can lose 2000 pounds of blood in a seasonDermatitisInflammation, swelling, ulceration and itching around biteTick ParalysisTick imbeds at base of skullToxic secretions released by tick causes swelling and temporary paralysis of hostParalysis disappears when tick is removedInfection
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Many are important vectors of diseases in humans and domestic animals
Ixodes
sp.Largest genus with 200 species40 in North AmericaImportant vector of diseaseLyme Disease – caused by spirochaete
Borrelais burgdorferi 
Tick-borne encephalitisHuman granulocytic erlichiosis – caused by
Erlichia
sp. bacteria
Dermacentor 
sp.Most important genus medically30 species with 7 in North AmericaVector for several human diseasesTick paralysisPowassan encephalitis virusColorado Tick Fever Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever TularemiaAlso vectors for disease among domestic animals
Hyalomma
sp.Very difficult to identify to speciesFairly large ticksVery hardyFound in deserts with little shelter Will bite humans and domestic animalsImportant vector for diseaseCan be carried to other continents by migratory birdsCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever spreads between Africa and EuropeCarries West Nile VirusAlso can transmit Siberian tick typhus, boutenneuse fever, Q Fever, and Ehrlichiosis
Boophilus
sp.Very small ticks when not engorgedSpread with the spread of the cattle industryPrimarily use cattle as hostsWill bite humansImportant vector for Texas Cattle Fever Caused by
Babesia bigemina,
a Protozoan related to the malarial parasitesNow eradicated in U.S.Important vector for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and several other viruses in humans
Family Argasidae
Soft ticksAbout 160 species totalNot vectors for diseaseFive genera
 Antricola
and
Northaspis
found on cave-dwelling bats in North and Central America
Ornithodoros
Over 100 speciesParasitize mammals, including bats and humansVector for relapsing fever in humans
O. cariaceus
will give nasty bite to humans
Otobius –
spinous ear ticksAdults do not feed; only mate, lay eggs and die
 Argas
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Mostly parasites of birds and batsSpends time in animal’s beddingWill bite humans
Order Mesostigmata
Easily recognized by spiracle just behind third coxa of third pair of legsFour families are parasiticFamily LaelaptidaeLarge number of diverse generaUsually Ectoparasite of mammalsSome on invertebratesDo not transmit disease to humansMay cause dermatitisFamily HalarachnidaeParasite of the respiratory system of mammals
Pneumonyssus
sp. are found in primatesBut not in humans
Raillietea auris
lives on ears of cattleLives on dead cells and secretions of ear 
Family Dermanyssidae
Parasites of vertebratesVery important economically and medically
Dermanyssus gallinae
– Chicken miteCommon on domestic fowlChickens, turkeys, pigeonsFeed at nightHide in crevices during the day.Can kill chickens and chicks in large infestationsWill bite humansAttracted to warm objectsMay carry western and St. Louis equine encephalitis but transmission to mammals unlikely
Liponyssus sanguineus
– House Mouse MiteFeed on mice but will bite humansTransmits Rickettsial pox to humansNot fatal but makes you sick for weeks
Ornithonyssus bacoti 
– Tropical Rat MiteMost common in mice and ratsCan cause severe declines in laboratory rodentsWill attack humans with painful biteSome people develop severe dermatitisDoes not transmit diseases to humansDoes transmit filarial worm to rats
Family Rhinonyssidae
All are parasites in respiratory tract of birdsNasal mitesFeed on blood and tissueProbably very important vector of disease in wild bird populations
Order Prostigmata
Spiracle is variable in positionNot as hard (schlerotized) as other mitesMany feed on plants.Only a few are parasitic on animalsAlso free-living forms in terrestrial and aquatic habitats
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