The snake mite (''Ophionyssus natricis'') is a common and significant ectoparasite of captive snakes. The feeding of the mites causes irritation and clinical disease. They are suspected of being a mechanical vector for [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|ophidian paramyxovirus]] and [[Inclusion Body Disease|inclusion body disease]]. Snake mites will also feed on other animals including humans but may not complete their [[Snake Mite Life Cycle|life cycle]]. | The snake mite (''Ophionyssus natricis'') is a common and significant ectoparasite of captive snakes. The feeding of the mites causes irritation and clinical disease. They are suspected of being a mechanical vector for [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|ophidian paramyxovirus]] and [[Inclusion Body Disease|inclusion body disease]]. Snake mites will also feed on other animals including humans but may not complete their [[Snake Mite Life Cycle|life cycle]]. |