Pyemotes tritici: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|A detailed overview of the straw itch mite}} | |||
{{Taxobox | |||
| name = Pyemotes tritici | |||
| image = Pyemotes_tritici.jpg | |||
| image_caption = Pyemotes tritici under a microscope | |||
| regnum = [[Animalia]] | |||
| phylum = [[Arthropoda]] | |||
| classis = [[Arachnida]] | |||
| ordo = [[Trombidiformes]] | |||
| familia = [[Pyemotidae]] | |||
| genus = ''[[Pyemotes]]'' | |||
| species = '''''P. tritici''''' | |||
}} | |||
'''''Pyemotes tritici''''', commonly known as the [[straw itch mite]], is a species of [[mite]] in the family [[Pyemotidae]]. It is known for its role as a [[parasite]] of various [[insect]]s and its potential to cause [[dermatitis]] in humans. | |||
''Pyemotes tritici'' is a | |||
== | ==Description== | ||
''Pyemotes tritici'' is a microscopic mite, typically measuring less than 0.2 mm in length. The body is elongated and segmented, with a soft, translucent cuticle. The mite has four pairs of legs, characteristic of the [[Arachnida]] class, and lacks eyes. | |||
== | ==Life Cycle== | ||
The | The life cycle of ''Pyemotes tritici'' involves several stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The mite is ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs hatch within the female's body, and she gives birth to live young. The entire life cycle can be completed in as little as 10 days under optimal conditions. | ||
==Habitat and Distribution== | |||
''Pyemotes tritici'' is found worldwide, particularly in regions where [[grain]] and [[straw]] are stored. The mites thrive in warm, humid environments and are often associated with stored products infested by [[insect]]s such as [[beetles]] and [[moths]]. | |||
== | ==Parasitism and Hosts== | ||
''Pyemotes tritici'' is an ectoparasite, primarily targeting the larvae of various insect species. The mite injects a toxic saliva into its host, which immobilizes and eventually kills the insect. This parasitic relationship is beneficial for controlling pest populations in stored products. | |||
== | ==Human Interaction== | ||
[[File:Pyemotes_tritici.jpg|thumb|right|''Pyemotes tritici'' under a microscope]] | |||
Humans can be affected by ''Pyemotes tritici'' through contact with infested materials. The mite's bite can cause an itchy, red rash known as "straw itch" or "grain itch." This condition is not serious but can be uncomfortable and may require topical treatment to alleviate symptoms. | |||
== | ==Prevention and Control== | ||
To prevent infestations of ''Pyemotes tritici'', it is important to maintain proper storage conditions for grain and straw, including low humidity and regular inspection for insect activity. Insecticides may be used to control host insect populations, thereby reducing the presence of the mites. | |||
== | ==Related pages== | ||
* [[Mite]] | |||
* [[Parasitism]] | |||
* [[Dermatitis]] | * [[Dermatitis]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Arachnida]] | ||
[[Category:Pyemotidae]] | |||
[[Category:Arachnids]] | |||
[[Category:Parasites]] | |||
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[[Category: | |||
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Latest revision as of 11:20, 15 February 2025
A detailed overview of the straw itch mite
Pyemotes tritici, commonly known as the straw itch mite, is a species of mite in the family Pyemotidae. It is known for its role as a parasite of various insects and its potential to cause dermatitis in humans.
Description[edit]
Pyemotes tritici is a microscopic mite, typically measuring less than 0.2 mm in length. The body is elongated and segmented, with a soft, translucent cuticle. The mite has four pairs of legs, characteristic of the Arachnida class, and lacks eyes.
Life Cycle[edit]
The life cycle of Pyemotes tritici involves several stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The mite is ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs hatch within the female's body, and she gives birth to live young. The entire life cycle can be completed in as little as 10 days under optimal conditions.
Habitat and Distribution[edit]
Pyemotes tritici is found worldwide, particularly in regions where grain and straw are stored. The mites thrive in warm, humid environments and are often associated with stored products infested by insects such as beetles and moths.
Parasitism and Hosts[edit]
Pyemotes tritici is an ectoparasite, primarily targeting the larvae of various insect species. The mite injects a toxic saliva into its host, which immobilizes and eventually kills the insect. This parasitic relationship is beneficial for controlling pest populations in stored products.
Human Interaction[edit]

Humans can be affected by Pyemotes tritici through contact with infested materials. The mite's bite can cause an itchy, red rash known as "straw itch" or "grain itch." This condition is not serious but can be uncomfortable and may require topical treatment to alleviate symptoms.
Prevention and Control[edit]
To prevent infestations of Pyemotes tritici, it is important to maintain proper storage conditions for grain and straw, including low humidity and regular inspection for insect activity. Insecticides may be used to control host insect populations, thereby reducing the presence of the mites.