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This question was provided by Manson Publishing as part of the OVAL Project. See more Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A. |
All of the snakes in a large collection are found to be infested with this small dark brown-to-black invertebrate that crawls about on the surface of the snakes’ skin.
| Question | Answer | Article | |
| What is this creature? | A snake mite. |
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| What is its significance? | These arthropod parasites must take a blood meal in order to reproduce. If sufficient numbers are present they can cause anaemia and substantial disturbance, and also peri-spectacular lesions, to the snakes upon which they feed. |
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| How would you treat this infestation? | Soaking the affected snakes in slightly tepid water for 30 minutes daily will remove the majority of these mites. Spray a small quantity of a flea and tick spray that is formulated for kittens and puppies onto a clean cloth, and then let the snakes crawl through the moistened area, thus distributing a small amount onto their integument. The cages and all cage furniture must also be thoroughly cleaned and treated with an appropriate miticide so that the snakes do not become reinfested with mites. |
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