Ectoparasites Figure 4

113  Karen  
(last edited )

Figure 4: Ectoparasite slides and description
courtesy of IDEXX-RADIL

Radfordia ensifera Fur Mite

This slide is a high power photo of the second digit of Radfordia ensifera, the rat fur mite. This mite has two claws of equal length.

Ornithonyssus bacoti Bloodsucking mites

This slide is a photo of Ornithonyssus bacoti, a bloodsucking mite, commonly referred to as the tropical rat mite. These types of mites (suborder Mesostigmata) are closely related to the ticks and their morphology reflects this. Note large dorsal shield, prominent chelicera and faint body setae.

Laelaps echidninus This slide is a photo of Laelaps echidninus, the spiny rat mite. Note the similarities between this mite and Ornithonyssus. The body is more globular and has stout body setae and prominent terminal suckers are evident on all legs.

Polyplax spinulosa Lice

This slide is a photo of Polyplax spinulosa, the rat louse.



Slides and descriptions courtesy of:
DISEASES OF RESEARCH ANIMALS-DORA University of Missouri (IDEXX-RADIL)

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