mitess

Mites are tiny arachnids, belonging to the subclass Acari. They are closely related to ticks. Mites are incredibly diverse, with over 50,000 described species, and it is estimated that millions more exist in various habitats. They are found in almost every environment on Earth, from mountaintops to the deep sea, and are common in soil, fresh water, decaying matter, and as parasites on plants and animals.

The size of mites varies greatly, but most are microscopic, typically less than a millimeter in length. Their bodies are generally oval-shaped and unsegmented, unlike their spider relatives. Mites possess eight legs, although some larval stages may have only six. Their feeding habits are equally varied; some are scavengers, feeding on dead organic material, while others are predators, consuming smaller invertebrates. Many species are plant feeders, causing damage to crops and gardens.

A significant number of mite species are parasitic, living on or in other animals. These include species that infest the skin of mammals, birds, and insects, leading to conditions like mange in dogs and cats, or scabies in humans. Dust mites, a common household pest, are not true parasites but feed on shed human skin cells, and their waste products can trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals. Despite their often negative associations, many mites play crucial roles in ecosystems, such as decomposition and nutrient cycling.