Laelaps (mite) facts for kids

Laelaps is a group of tiny creatures called mites. They are part of a family known as Laelapidae. These mites are often found living on other animals, which makes them parasites. This means they live on or in another animal (called a host) and get their food from it.

Quick facts for kids Laelaps
Laelaps hilaris drawn by Oudemans.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Arachnida
Subclass:	Acari
Order:	Mesostigmata
Family:	Laelapidae
Genus:	Laelaps Koch, 1836
Type species
Laelaps agilis Koch, 1836
Species
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Understanding Laelaps Mites

Laelaps mites are very small, often hard to see without a microscope. They belong to the same larger group as spiders and ticks, called Arachnids. These mites are known for being parasites, especially on small mammals.

What is a Parasite?

A parasite is an organism that lives on or in another organism, called a host. The parasite gets its food and shelter from the host. In return, the host usually gets nothing good from the parasite. Sometimes, the host can even be harmed.

Where Do Laelaps Mites Live?

Laelaps mites live on many different kinds of animals. They are often found on rodents like rats and mice. They can also live on other small mammals. These mites feed on the blood or skin of their hosts.

Here are some examples of Laelaps species and their hosts:

• Laelaps agilis – often found on Rattus (rats).
• Laelaps alaskensis – lives on many different small mammals. These include voles (like Microtus), shrews (like Blarina and Sorex), and even muskrats.
• Laelaps echidnina – commonly found on Rattus (rats) and Mus (mice). It can also be found on opossums.
• Laelaps kochi – found on various small mammals. These include voles, shrews, and even kangaroo rats.
• Laelaps nuttalli – often found on Mus (mice) and Rattus (rats).

These mites are an important part of the natural world. They show how different living things can interact with each other.

See also

In Spanish: Laelaps (animal) para niños