Mite
This mite was found on an environmental tapelift from a
school in Edmonds, Washington. Notice the birefringent
setae and egg.
Transmitted Circular Polarized Light
Definition/Function:
Significance in the Environment:
Characteristic Features:
Birefringent setae are characteristics of the Trombidiformes and the Sarcoptiformes. The
setae of Parasitiformes and Holothyroidea are
optically inactive. The optical activity was attributed to actinochitin by F. Grandjean
(see Hughes p.6).
Associated Particles:
References:
Hughes, A.M., THE MITES OF STORED FOOD, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food,
Technical Bulletin No. 9, 1961.
