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[[Image:Mite.jpg|300px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Mite.jpg|300px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

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 and inclusion body disease. Snake mites will also feed on other animals including humans but may not complete their 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 and inclusion body disease. Snake mites will also feed on other animals including humans but may not complete their [[Snake Mite Life Cycle|life cycle]].

==Examination==

==Examination==

The owner may note black parasites in the snake's water bowl, a white powder on the skin (the mite moulds and faeces) and long periods of soaking.  Visual inspection of the skin may reveal mites (the engorged female is the most obvious stage - see [[Snake Mite Life Cycle]]). The most common sites for mites are the gular and periocular regions, labial pits and commissures of the mouth. On the body, the ventrolateral aspect (scale rows one and two) is often colonised.  Skin lesions range from very mild to severe. Mite feeding is irritating to the host and causes oedema and erythema. Clinical signs include dysecdysis often with retained spectacles, anorexia, weight loss and lethargy. Very heavy infestations may result in anaemia, dehydration and death.  

The owner may note black parasites in the snake's water bowl, a white powder on the skin (the mite moulds and faeces) and long periods of soaking.  Visual inspection of the skin may reveal mites (the engorged female is the most obvious stage - see [[Snake Mite Life Cycle]]). The most common sites for mites are the gular and periocular regions, labial pits and commissures of the mouth. On the body, the ventrolateral aspect (scale rows one and two) is often colonised.  Skin lesions range from very mild to severe. Mite feeding is irritating to the host and causes oedema and erythema. Clinical signs include dysecdysis often with retained spectacles, anorexia, weight loss and lethargy. Very heavy infestations may result in anaemia, dehydration and death.