Trombicula
Trombicula
Trombicula (pronunciation: trom-bi-cu-la) is a genus of mites in the family Trombiculidae. These mites are commonly referred to as "chiggers" or "harvest mites".
Etymology
The term "Trombicula" is derived from the Greek words "trombos" (meaning a spinning top) and "akule" (meaning small point), referring to the shape and size of the mites.
Description
Trombicula mites are tiny arachnids, typically only 0.4 mm long. They are best known for their parasitic larvae which infest a variety of hosts, including humans, and can cause intense itching and dermatitis. The adult mites are free-living and feed on plant material.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Trombicula mites includes four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The parasitic larval stage is the only stage that feeds on the blood and tissues of hosts.
Medical Significance
Trombicula mites are medically significant as they can transmit a disease known as scrub typhus. This disease is caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, which the mites acquire from feeding on infected rodents.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trombicula
- Wikipedia's article - Trombicula
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