What happens if you eat a spider mite? - briefly
Consuming a spider mite generally produces no noticeable symptoms, as the insect is extremely small and its chitinous exoskeleton passes through the digestive tract unchanged; occasional mild stomach irritation is possible but uncommon.
What happens if you eat a spider mite? - in detail
Ingesting a spider mite introduces a minute arthropod, typically 0.2–0.5 mm in length, composed mainly of protein, lipids, and a chitinous exoskeleton. The human digestive system can break down the soft tissues, while the chitin remains largely indigestible and passes through the gastrointestinal tract.
Possible physiological responses include:
- No noticeable effect – the tiny mass (often less than a milligram) is insufficient to cause any measurable symptoms.
- Mild gastrointestinal irritation – occasional reports of transient nausea or abdominal discomfort arise when larger numbers are consumed, likely due to mechanical irritation from the exoskeleton.
- Allergic reaction – individuals sensitized to arthropod proteins may experience pruritus, hives, or, in rare cases, anaphylaxis after exposure.
- Pesticide exposure – if the mite was collected from treated foliage, residual insecticides could be ingested, potentially leading to toxic effects consistent with the specific chemical (e.g., neurotoxicity from organophosphates).
The digestive process proceeds as follows:
- Mouth and esophagus – mechanical breakdown is minimal; the mite is swallowed whole.
- Stomach – gastric acid denatures proteins; chitin resists dissolution.
- Small intestine – proteases hydrolyze mite tissue; chitin passes to the colon.
- Large intestine – bacterial fermentation may partially degrade chitin; the remainder is expelled in feces.
Overall, a single spider mite is unlikely to pose a health hazard. Risks increase with multiple mites, pre‑existing allergies, or contamination by agricultural chemicals.