What does the scabies mite look like on a budgerigar? - briefly
The scabies mite is a microscopic, oval‑shaped parasite, white to translucent, about 0.2‑0.5 mm long, often observed as tiny moving specks or as fine, white, crusted lesions on the skin and feather bases of a budgerigar. Infestation leads to dry, scaly patches and feather loss, most commonly around the face, wings, and vent.
What does the scabies mite look like on a budgerigar? - in detail
The scabies mite that infests budgerigars is a microscopic arachnid belonging to the family Psoroptidae. Adult females measure approximately 0.2–0.3 mm in length, while males are slightly smaller, around 0.15 mm. Both sexes possess a flattened, oval body covered with fine striations that give a silvery‑gray appearance under magnification. Six legs are present on the anterior region, each ending in short, curved claws adapted for gripping feather shafts and skin surfaces.
Key visual indicators of infestation include:
- Skin lesions: Thin, grayish to white crusts adhering to the ventral surface of the wings, tail, and legs. Crusts often appear as concentric rings surrounding a central depression where the mite resides.
- Feather damage: Localized feather loss or broken barbs, especially on the thighs and underwing coverts, resulting from the mite’s burrowing activity.
- Inflammation: Reddened, moist patches with slight swelling; the surrounding tissue may exhibit a raised, papular texture.
- Mite tracks: Linear or serpentine trails of fine, translucent excrement visible on the skin or feather bases, best seen with a hand lens.
Microscopic examination reveals the mite’s dorsal shield (idiosoma) bearing a pattern of punctate setae, while the ventral side shows a pair of sclerotized gnathosoma used for feeding on epidermal tissue. The legs display sensory setae that aid navigation through the dense plumage.
Diagnosis relies on collecting skin scrapings from affected areas, placing them on a glass slide with a drop of mineral oil, and observing under a light microscope at 100–400× magnification. The presence of the characteristic oval bodies, along with their distinctive leg arrangement and gnathosoma, confirms the infestation. Early detection permits prompt treatment, reducing the risk of secondary infections and minimizing feather damage.