**Lizard Mites** (most commonly referring to species like *Hirstiella trombidiformis*) are small, parasitic mites that feed on the blood and tissue fluids of reptiles, primarily pet lizards (geckos, chameleons, bearded dragons). They are a significant pest in the exotic pet industry and reptile husbandry, as heavy infestations cause severe stress, anemia, itching, scale damage, and can transmit various protozoan diseases to their host. They are a serious medical problem for individual reptiles.
Taxonomy and Classification
Lizard Mites belong to the class Arachnida, subclass Acari. They undergo simple metamorphosis. They are blood-feeding parasites that spend most of their life cycle on the host, but leave to lay eggs in crevices within the terrarium environment. They are highly specialized to their reptile hosts, not generally transferring to mammals or humans.
Physical Description
Lizard Mites are minute, less than 0.5 mm long.
- **Appearance (Key ID):** Often translucent when unfed, but turn reddish-brown or black after taking a blood meal, making them slightly easier to see.
- **Location:** They aggregate in thin-skinned areas, often around the eyes, ear openings, under leg joints, and between the scales of the host lizard.
- **Infestation Sign (Key ID):**
- Lizard appears lethargic, frequently bathing, or rubbing against objects.
- Small, pin-prick reddish-black dots visible on the reptile’s body or in the enclosure.
- Whitish-gray mite excrement (frass) may be visible.
Distribution and Habitat
Lizard Mites are found globally, primarily in captive reptile environments (terrariums, pet stores, reptile farms). The mites live on the host, but the eggs and unfed stages live in the substrate, bark, crevices, and decor within the enclosure, making the mite infestation cyclical.
Behavior and Conflict
The conflict is reptile health and stress.
- **Anemia:** Severe, chronic blood loss from heavy mite feeding can lead to lethal anemia, especially in small or young reptiles.
- **Disease Vector:** They are confirmed vectors of hemoparasites (blood parasites) that can severely sicken or kill the reptile host.
- **Stress:** The constant irritation and feeding cause high levels of stress and secondary skin infections.
Management and Prevention
Control is integrated pest management (IPM), requiring chemical treatment of the host and aggressive sanitation of the environment.
- Reptile-safe topical treatments (e.g., dilute Ivermectin, fipronil spray) applied under the direction of a reptile veterinarian.
- **Mite Baths:** Soaking the lizard in warm, shallow water to drown and remove mites.
- **Deep Cleaning:** Completely remove and discard all substrate, decor, and wood from the enclosure.
- Thoroughly disinfect the empty enclosure with bleach or a veterinary disinfectant.
- Treat the enclosure with an appropriate, non-residual insecticide (under veterinary supervision) to kill any remaining mites/eggs.
Conservation and Research
Lizard Mites are managed as high-priority exotic animal health pests. Research focuses on developing safer, effective systemic and topical miticides for reptiles and understanding the mite’s role in the transmission of reptile hemoparasites.