Otodectes is a genus of parasitic mite in the superfamily Psoroptidae (the biting cohort of the Sarcoptiformes order of mites). There is a single species of mite in this genus, Otodectes cynotis.[1] This mite is within the class Arachnida and subclass Acari for mites and ticks. Otodectes are external parasites (ectoparasites) of dogs, cats and ferrets,[2] but can be found on many other mammals.[3] Otodectes is found worldwide.[4]
The mite is 0.4 mm (0.016 in) in size,[2] approximately the size of a grain of salt, and can be seen with the naked eye.[5] It lives in the external ear canal of its host, and causes intense irritation leading to otitis externa.[2]
The lifecycle of O. cynotis takes approximately three weeks.[1]
Otodectes cynotis is typically spread by direct contact with infected species and does not have evidence of living in the environment for transmission.[6]
Etymology
New Latin Otodectes is from Greek prefix "ωτο- (ōto-)" meaning "ear" and the Greek word "δήκτης (dēktēs)" meaning "beggar."[7]
^ abcHendrix, Charles M.; Robinson, Ed (2012). "Otodectes cynotis (Ear mites)". Diagnostic Parasitology for Veterinary Technicians (4th ed.). Elsevier Mosby. p. 240. ISBN9780323291255.
^Bowman, Dwight D.; Hendrix, Charles M.; Lindsay, David S.; Barr, Stephen C. (2002). "Otodectes cynotis". Feline Clinical Parasitology. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. pp. 389–390. ISBN9780470376591.
^Bassert, Joanna M.; Beal, Angela D.; Samples, Oreta M. (2018). "Otodectes cynotis". McCurnin's Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians (9th ed.). Elsevier. p. 428. ISBN9780323496407.
