Liponyssoides

Liponyssoides is a genus of mites in the family Laelapidae. They are ectoparasites of rodents and are known to transmit pathogens to humans and animals. The most notable species in this genus is Liponyssoides sanguineus, the house mouse mite, which is a vector of the bacteria Rickettsia akari, the causative agent of Rickettsialpox.

Taxonomy[edit | edit source]

The genus Liponyssoides belongs to the family Laelapidae, order Mesostigmata, class Arachnida, phylum Arthropoda. The genus was first described by the British acarologist Hugh L. Scott in 1929.

Description[edit | edit source]

Liponyssoides mites are small, typically less than 1 mm in length. They have a characteristic oval shape and are usually reddish-brown in color. The body is divided into two main parts: the cephalothorax (head and thorax combined) and the abdomen. The cephalothorax bears four pairs of legs, each ending in a claw.

Ecology[edit | edit source]

Liponyssoides mites are ectoparasites, meaning they live on the outside of their host. They are primarily associated with rodents, particularly mice. The mites feed on the blood of their host and can cause irritation and inflammation.

Medical significance[edit | edit source]

The house mouse mite, Liponyssoides sanguineus, is known to transmit Rickettsia akari, the bacterium that causes Rickettsialpox. This disease is characterized by fever, rash, and a black eschar at the site of the mite bite. Rickettsialpox is typically mild and self-limiting, but can be severe in individuals with weakened immune systems.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) - Liponyssoides

Liponyssoides Resources
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