How many species of house dust mites are there? - briefly
Approximately 25 species of house dust mites have been identified globally. The majority of indoor infestations are caused by two species, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae.
How many species of house dust mites are there? - in detail
The taxonomic record identifies roughly thirty‑four distinct species commonly classified as domestic dust mites. Within the family Pyroglyphidae, the two most frequently encountered taxa are Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, which together account for the majority of indoor infestations worldwide. Additional members of the genus Dermatophagoides include D. microceras, D. brevis, and D. evansi. The genus Euroglyphus contributes E. maynei, another prevalent indoor species.
Other families contain fewer house‑associated species but are occasionally reported in domestic settings:
- Acarus siro (family Acaridae) – often linked to stored‑product environments and occasionally found in homes.
- Suidasia medanensis (family Suidasiidae) – a tropical species that can survive in heated indoor climates.
- Tyrophagus putrescentiae (family Acaridae) – primarily a mold feeder, sometimes present in damp household areas.
Geographic distribution varies: the Dermatophagoides species dominate temperate regions of Europe, North America, and East Asia, while E. maynei shows higher prevalence in warmer climates such as the Mediterranean and parts of Africa. The less common taxa tend to appear in specific ecological niches, often linked to high humidity or the presence of organic debris.
Molecular studies using mitochondrial DNA sequencing have refined species boundaries, confirming at least thirty‑four valid taxa and suggesting additional cryptic lineages that may raise the count as research progresses. Current consensus therefore places the number of recognized house dust mite species at approximately thirty‑four, with ongoing investigations likely to adjust this figure.