The dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, is a microscopic mite found in household dust worldwide, feeding primarily on flakes of shed human skin that accumulate in bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture. It thrives in the warm, humid conditions typical of indoor environments and does not bite or transmit disease, but proteins found in its feces and body fragments are among the most common triggers of indoor allergies and asthma, making it one of the most medically significant arachnids despite being invisible to the naked eye.
Facts
Classification
DietDetritivore or Scavenger 1 System (Realm) Relationship to PeopleAgricultural or Structural Pest 2 Living or Extinct Scientific NameDermatophagoides pteronyssinus 3 Connections
Child Taxon Of
Source GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Sources
1. House dust mite (Wikipedia)
Diet and feedingQuote, Diet and feeding
Dust mites feed on skin flakes from humans and other animals, and on some mold.
2. Wikipedia: House dust mite
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_dust_miteQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_dust_mite
"found in association with dust in dwellings...known for causing allergies" (human-interaction structural pest, realm terrestrial/indoor)
3. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
GBIF Backbone TaxonomyTaxon recordQuote, Taxon record
"canonicalName": "Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus"
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