What is the scientific name for ear mites? - briefly
The ear mite that commonly infests dogs and cats is scientifically named Otodectes cynotis. It is a member of the family Psoroptidae.
What is the scientific name for ear mites? - in detail
Ear mites belong primarily to the species Otodectes cynotis. This arachnid is classified within the subclass Acari, order Sarcoptiformes, family Psoroptidae. The binomial name follows the conventions of zoological nomenclature, with Otodectes designating the genus and cynotis the specific epithet.
Key taxonomic details:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Arachnida
- Subclass: Acari
- Order: Sarcoptiformes
- Family: Psoroptidae
- Genus: Otodectes
- Species: cynotis
Morphology: adult mites measure 0.2–0.35 mm in length, exhibit a flattened, oval body, and possess four pairs of legs. The gnathosomal apparatus is adapted for feeding on cerumen and epidermal debris within the external auditory canal.
Life cycle: eggs hatch into larvae within 3–4 days; successive molts produce protonymphs, deutonymphs, and adults. The complete development from egg to adult requires approximately 2–3 weeks under optimal temperature and humidity conditions.
Host range: O. cynotis infests a broad spectrum of mammals, including dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, and occasionally wild carnivores. Infestation manifests as pruritic otitis, characterized by dark, waxy discharge and inflammation of the ear canal.
Related taxa: other ear‑associated mites include species of the genera Psoroptes and Sarcoptes, which belong to different families (Psoroptidae and Sarcoptidae, respectively) and may cause similar clinical signs but differ in morphology and host specificity.
Diagnostic relevance: identification relies on microscopic examination of ear debris, revealing the distinctive dorsoventrally flattened body and short setae of O. cynotis. Molecular methods, such as PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene, provide confirmatory species‑level resolution.
Therapeutic implications: accurate taxonomic identification guides the selection of acaricidal agents (e.g., selamectin, ivermectin) and informs treatment duration, as the life cycle dictates the need for repeated administrations to eradicate all developmental stages.