Psoroptidae

Scab Mite

Psoroptidae is a of parasitic in the Sarcoptiformes. Members are 1–2 mm in length and inhabit the surface of skin rather than burrowing into it. The family includes economically important such as Psoroptes, Chorioptes, and Otodectes, which cause mange and skin in mammals. Host associations span domestic animals (sheep, cattle, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits) and wildlife including African monkeys and various bird .

Psoroptidae by (c) Adrianh M. Orozco, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Adrianh M. Orozco. Used under a CC-BY license.

Psoroptidae by (c) Oleksii Vasyliuk, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Oleksii Vasyliuk. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Psoroptidae: /psɔˈrɒptɪˌdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Psoroptidae are distinguished from Sarcoptidae (burrowing mites) by their non-burrowing, surface-dwelling habit. At 1–2 mm, they are relatively large among parasitic mites. Chorioptes can be distinguished from Psoroptes by leg segmentation and setation patterns; Otodectes is recognized by its location in ear canals of . Identification to typically requires microscopic examination of , particularly leg and pretarsal structures.

Images

Habitat

Strictly parasitic; found on the external surface of skin or feathers. Not free-living in the environment, though some can survive brief periods off-host.

Distribution

Documented from Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden per GBIF), Africa (Democratic Republic of the Congo), and globally distributed through movement. Distribution is effectively due to association with widespread domestic animal hosts.

Host Associations

sheep - Psoroptes ovis causes sheep scab
European rabbit - Psoroptes cuniculi
cattle - Psoroptes natalensis
horses - Psoroptes natalensis, Chorioptes
goats - Psoroptes natalensis
dogs - Otodectes cynotis in ear canals
cats - Otodectes cynotis
Miopithecus talapoin - Paracoroptes miopithecus
Piliocolobus badius - Paracoroptes piliocolobus
owls (Strigiformes) - Pandalura spp. feather
caprimulgiform birds - Pandalura spp.
Pudu puda - Otodectes cynotis, unexpected record
Antilope cervicapra - Psoroptes cuniculi, new record

Behavior

Surface-dwelling on skin or feathers; does not burrow into tissue. Causes skin inflammation, scabbing, crusting, and hair/feather loss through host inflammatory response to products.

Human Relevance

Major veterinary importance. Psoroptes ovis causes sheep scab, a notifiable in many countries with significant economic impact. Otodectes cynotis causes otodectic mange (ear ) in dogs and cats. Chorioptes causes leg and tail mange in cattle and horses. Control requires and measures.

Similar Taxa

SarcoptidaeBurrowing skin ; Psoroptidae distinguished by surface-dwelling habit and larger size
DemodexidaeHair ; much smaller, elongated, and confined to follicles/sebaceous glands