Mites and Their Characteristics

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Questions and Answers

What is the maximum percentage of damage reported in mangoes due to spider mites?

50-60%

30-40%

50-80% (correct)

40-50%

How many cells can Tetranychus urticae damage in a minute?

22-25 cells

10-15 cells

15-18 cells

18-22 cells (correct)

What is the economic importance of parasitic mites?

They are phytophagous

They are of medical and veterinary importance (correct)

They are stored grain pests

They are predators

What is the estimated number of phytophagous mite species that damage plants worldwide?

7500 Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of feeding by phytophagous mites on plants?

Leaf stippling, blotching, curling, and twisting Signup and view all the answers

How do phytophagous mites damage plants?

By sucking sap with their stylet-like chelicerae Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical color of mites associated with mammals and birds before feeding on host's blood?

Translucent or whitish Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Gamasid mites in terms of disease transmission?

Vectors of epidemic hemorrhagic fever virus Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of severe inflammation caused by mites in hosts?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of the life cycle of mites?

2 to 17 days Signup and view all the answers

What type of mites are associated with honeybees?

Both external and internal parasites Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of secondary infection caused by mites?

Increased risk of disease transmission Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of penetration of cells by mite stylets and injection of saliva?

Mechanical damage and changes in cell cytology, physiological and biochemical processes of non-punctured adjacent cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic symptom of severe infestation by mites?

Yellowing and general drying of leaves, which drop prematurely Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of gall formed by Eriophyidae mites on Pongamia sp.?

Pouch gall Signup and view all the answers

What is the feeding behavior of Leaf Rollers?

They roll the whole leaves or only edges of leaves and feed within the rolls Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic symptom of Tenuipalpidae mite infestation?

Bronzing and rusting symptoms on the lower surface of leaves Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical feeding behavior of Tarsonemidae mites?

They suck the sap from buds, leaves, shoots, flowers and stem sheath Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chromosomes of Mites

Mites have 2 to 12 chromosomes, varying from group to group (Wrensch et al, 1994)

Categories of Mites

Divided into four main groups based on economic importance:
- Phytophagous mites (plant feeding mites)
- Predatory mites
- Stored grain and stored product mites
- Parasitic mites (mites of medical and veterinary importance)

Phytophagous Mites

Infest and damage cultivated crops, vegetables, orchards, and wild vegetation
Around 7500 species are known to damage plants
Characteristics: opaque white, translucent, slow-moving, short-legged, and suck sap with stylet-like chelicerae
Cause qualitative and quantitative losses, e.g., 10-30% losses in rice, sugarcane, eggplant, okra, and chillies, and up to 50-80% in mangoes
Feeding results in leaf stippling, blotching, curling, and twisting, and modification of developing tissue by forming galls and injecting toxins

Gamasid Mites

Considered as vectors of epidemic hemorrhagic fever virus
Leptotombidiumni akamushi and L.deliense transmit scrub typhus in humans

Mites Associated with Mammals and Birds

Usually translucent or whitish in color, changing to reddish brown after feeding on host's blood
Life cycle includes egg, larva, two nymphal stages, and adult
Act as causative agents for anemia, pneumonia, crustation of skin, hair loss, and death of host
Life cycle generally requires 2 to 17 days

Mites Associated with Honeybees

External parasites like Varroa destructor and Varroa jacobsoni, and internal parasites like Acarapis woodi
Penetration of cells by mite stylets and injection of saliva cause mechanical damage and changes in cell cytology, physiological, and biochemical processes of non-punctured adjacent cells

Eriophyidae

Occur on all parts of a plant, causing different types of injuries
Classified into:
- Gall formers, causing hypertrophy of cells and formation of galls on leaves, flower buds, and stem
- Leaf rollers, rolling whole leaves or only edges of leaves and feeding within the rolls
- Erineum formers, producing hair-like outgrowths on the epidermal layer of cells
- Blister mites, causing formation of blisters on the leaf sheath and feeding within

Tenuipalpidae and Tarsonemidae

Feed on the ventral surface of leaves near the midrib or veins, causing bronzing and rusting symptoms
Form galls on the leaves and stems of plants
Infest tender portions of plants and suck sap from buds, leaves, shoots, flowers, and stem sheaths

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Description

Learn about the characteristics and behavior of mites, including their association with mammals and birds, life cycle, and role as vectors of diseases. Discover how they change color after feeding on host's blood and the nature of damage they cause.