Mite
This mite was found on an environmental tapelift from a
school in Edmonds, Washington. The short birefringent
setae and the birefringent egg are easily visible.
Transmitted Off Crossed 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.
