''Otodectes'' is a

genus Genus (; : genera ) is a taxonomic rank above species and below family (taxonomy), family as used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In bino ...

of parasitic

mite Mites are small arachnids (eight-legged arthropods) of two large orders, the Acariformes and the Parasitiformes, which were historically grouped together in the subclass Acari. However, most recent genetic analyses do not recover the two as eac ...

in the superfamily Psoroptidae (the biting cohort of the

Sarcoptiformes The Sarcoptiformes are an order (biology), order of mites comprising over 15,000 described species in around 230 families. Previously it was divided into two suborders, Oribatida and Astigmatina, but Oribatida has been promoted to an order, and A ...

order of mites). There is a single species of mite in this genus, ''Otodectes cynotis''. This mite is within the class

Arachnid Arachnids are arthropods in the Class (biology), class Arachnida () of the subphylum Chelicerata. Arachnida includes, among others, spiders, scorpions, ticks, mites, pseudoscorpions, opiliones, harvestmen, Solifugae, camel spiders, Amblypygi, wh ...

a and subclass

Acari Mites are small arachnids (eight-legged arthropods) of two large orders, the Acariformes and the Parasitiformes, which were historically grouped together in the subclass Acari. However, most recent genetic analyses do not recover the two as ea ...

for mites and ticks. ''Otodectes'' are external parasites (ectoparasites) of dogs, cats and ferrets, but can be found on many other mammals. Otodectes is found worldwide. The mite is in size, approximately the size of a grain of salt, and can be seen with the naked eye. It lives in the external ear canal of its host, and causes intense irritation leading to

otitis externa Otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is inflammation of the ear canal. It often presents with ear pain, swelling of the ear canal, and occasionally decreased hearing. Typically there is pain with movement of the outer ear. A high fever ...

. The lifecycle of ''O. cynotis'' takes approximately three weeks. Otodectes cynotis is typically spread by direct contact with infected species and does not have evidence of living in the environment for transmission.

Etymology

New Latin ''Otodectes'' is from Greek prefix "ωτο- (''ōto-'')" meaning "ear" and the Greek word "δήκτης (''dēktēs'')" meaning "beggar."

References

Sarcoptiformes Monotypic arachnid genera Parasitic arthropods of mammals {{Sarcoptiformes-stub