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==Astigmata Introduction==

==Astigmata Introduction==

Mites are one of the most successful and divers vertebrate group. The species of veterinary importance are parasitic, although a few non-parasitic mites are also important, such as orbatid and forage mites.

Mites are one of the most successful and diverse vertebrate groups. The species of veterinary importance are parasitic, although a few non-parasitic mites are also important, such as oribatid and forage mites.

Mites are very small, on average under 0.3mm in length and for this reason often go unnoticed. They spend the majority of their life cycle '''on''' the host and cause '''mange'''.

Mites are very small, on average under 0.3mm in length and for this reason often go unnoticed. They spend the majority of their life cycle '''on''' the host and cause '''mange'''.

The body shows no segmentation but can be divided into two sections, the '''idiosoma''' and the '''gnathosoma'''. Adult and nymps have '''four''' pairs of legs, whereas larvae have only '''three''' pairs of legs.

The body shows no segmentation but can be divided into two sections, the '''idiosoma''' and the '''gnathosoma'''. Adult and nymphs have '''four''' pairs of legs, whereas larvae have only '''three''' pairs of legs.

The taxonomy of mites is complex as there are over 8 families. In this article the families are split according to their location on the host into sub-surface (burrowing) and surface (non-burrowing) mites.

The taxonomy of mites is complex as there are over 8 families. In this article the families are split according to their location on the host into sub-surface (burrowing) and surface (non-burrowing) mites.