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Dust mites (Dermatophagoides spp.) on wool fabric. Millions of dust mites inhabit the home, feeding on dead scales of human skin that are common in house dust. The average double bed contains about two million dust mites of various species. The mite's body is in three parts: the gnathosoma (head region) adapted for feeding on dead skin, the propodosma (carrying the 1st & 2nd pair of walking legs) and the hysterosoma (locating the 3rd & 4th pairs of legs). Dust mites produce 10-20 waste particles per day. The dead bodies and fecal pellets can trigger allergic responses. The whole life cycle from egg to adult takes approximately one month to complete. Mature female mites can lay from 1-2 eggs per day. Adult mites can live up to two months but this is dependent on the levels of humidity and temperature of their surrounding environment. The most important house dust mites worldwide are Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.
Magnification: mites x25, fabric x44
Copyright Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc.
This image is the property of Dennis Kunkel and Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc. The image is copyrighted and any reproduction without direct approval is expressly prohibited.
For permission to license and use this image, please contact Dennis Kunkel:
Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc.
P.O. Box 2008
Kailua, HI 96734
Phone: 808-263-0583
Email: kunkel@denniskunkel.com
www.denniskunkel.com
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