Dust Mite

Mites are the most numerous group of Arachnids (Arachnida). Their body is only indistincly segmented and some of their internal organs (like circulatory and respiratory) are reduced. It is, however, chelicerae that has greatly diversified and thus enabled mites to use much broader spectrum of food sources than to any other group. Mites can be found practically everywhere and the diversity of diets reflects it. Some of them are predators of other invertebrates or parasites (even of water-living animals). Among mites also belong ticks, well known group important for their ability to transfer serious diseases from animals to people. Many species of mites are pests in food storage rooms, granaries, orchards and fields. One group of mites that lives in soil called moss mites (Oribatida) has specialized in eating decaying organic matter. Their numbers in solil can be enormous, up to half milion per square meter. Is is hardly surprising that moss mites are economically the most important invertebrates. Mites living in our houses are also one of major sources of alergens.