How do orchid ticks look? - briefly
Orchid ticks are minute, egg‑shaped pests about 1–2 mm long, featuring a glossy brown‑black exoskeleton and short, bristly legs. Their flattened bodies enable them to conceal themselves beneath leaves and within root crevices.
How do orchid ticks look? - in detail
Orchid ticks are minute arachnids, typically ranging from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm in length. Their bodies consist of two main regions: a fused cephalothorax and an abdomen, both covered by a smooth, semi‑transparent cuticle that often appears pale yellow to light brown. The dorsal surface may display faint, irregular pigment spots that help differentiate species.
Key morphological features include:
- Four pairs of legs: each leg measures about one‑third of the body length, ending in claw‑like tarsi equipped with microscopic setae for gripping plant surfaces.
- Chelicerae: short, robust structures located near the mouth, adapted for piercing orchid tissue and extracting sap.
- Pedipalps: slender appendages positioned anterior to the chelicerae, used for sensory perception and handling food.
- Eyes: two simple eyes situated on the anterior cephalothorax, providing limited vision; many species rely more on tactile cues.
- Setae: dense, fine hairs covering the abdomen and legs, serving both sensory and protective functions.
- Glandular pores: minute openings on the cuticle that release waxy secretions, reducing desiccation.
Variations among species are evident in coloration (some exhibit reddish or orange hues), the presence of dorsal ridges, and the length of leg setae. Male specimens often possess slightly elongated pedipalps, while females may have a more rounded abdomen to accommodate egg development. The overall morphology enables orchid ticks to navigate tightly packed flower structures and remain attached to the host plant under fluctuating humidity conditions.