Dermatophagoides (genus)

Pyroglyphidae • Mesostigmata • Arachnida (med.) • veterinary/medical pests • pests-diseases-weeds

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Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus aggregating (click on image to enlarge it)
Author(s): Gilles San Martin
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Dermatophagoides Bogdanov, 1864 - (house dust mites)

The genus is widely distributed and contains several species of dust mites which are common in houses and food stores. Other species might be found in bird nests. Two species, Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus are important hygenical and medical pests that produce allergens. The mites feed on skin scales (dermis = skin, phagos = feeding) and other organic matter like hair, flour or food particles. They can multiply rapidly under humid conditions.

Currently, the following species have been entered into the system:

• Dermatophagoides farinae
• Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus