House dust mite biology

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Krzysztof Solarz

Abstract

This paper gives a review of literature on biology of house dust mites [HDM]. These mites have six developmental stages, each being separated by a moult: the egg, prelarva, larva, protonymph, tritonymph and adult (female or male). All juvenile stages have both active and quiescent phases. Development from egg to adult requires about a month in cultures under optimal conditions. Most studies have used optimum conditions of temperature 22–25°C and humidity between 75–80%RH; however dietary components and races of mites may differ considerably. The most important limiting factor for HDM populations is air relative humidity. The pyroglyphid HDM are 50–80% water by weight, but significant amounts of water are obtained neither from feeding nor metabolic production. These species have a critical equilibrium activity below 0,75 and thus can maintain their water content as long as they have access to air as humid as 75% RH during at least part of time. To maintain their water balance, mites therefore rely on absorbing water from the atmosphere across the cuticle. Moreover, the supracoxal glands actively take up ambient water vapour. HDM can decrease evaporation and thereby avoid desiccation by aggregating under extreme conditions. An understanding of the biology and the life cycle of HDM, as well as environmental factors influencing mite populations, can be exploited in mite control.


 

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Solarz , K. (2008). House dust mite biology. Alergoprofil, 4(1), 2-11. Retrieved from https://journalsmededu.pl/index.php/alergoprofil/article/view/42
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