Known as the snake mite (in the family Macronyssidae) and found on captive snakes all over the world, Ophionyssus natricis is the most common and clinically significant mite to be found on captive snakes in captivity. It has been suggested that these mites are responsible for the transmission of Aeromonas spp. and inclusion body disease, as well as for the development of dermatitis and irritation in snakes. Even though there have been some anecdotal reports, there have been no confirmed reports of snake mites in Australia’s free-ranging reptiles.

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It is critical to take action as soon as possible in order to prevent the introduction of this parasite into wild populations of reptiles. The activities that involve the release of rehabilitated reptiles that have been kept in captivity back into their natural environments are the ones that pose the greatest threat to the species. In most cases, there is no need for laboratory testing.

It is possible to contract the virus from any of the species of captive snakes, as well as other captive reptiles such as lizards and (rarely) chelonians. Snakes are the most commonly infected species, though chelonians are also susceptible to infection.

It is recommended that the cage and substrate be cleaned twice a week, at the very least. In order to achieve complete eradication of snake mites, it is necessary to treat the environment. During one stage of their life cycle, mites can survive for up to 40 days without food, and a single female can lay 60 to 80 eggs after only two to three feedings. Mites have the ability to reproduce successfully in a wide range of different environmental conditions, including those that are harsh.

Mites feed on the blood of the reptile and parasitize it. The eggs are laid in the environment, and the larval and late nymph stages are able to move freely. Early nymph and adult stages are parasitic, meaning they live on the host reptile, attaching themselves beneath the scales of the host, and sucking blood. Adult mites can survive for up to 40 days in the environment. The adult female’s engorgement can take up to eight days, after which she will lay approximately twenty eggs. In adults, females feed twice to three times a week for one to two weeks at a time. Mites prefer temperatures in the range of 20-23 degrees Celsius and die at temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius. To hatch, eggs require at least 85 percent humidity and a temperature of at least 20 degrees Celsius, and larvae require at least 75 percent humidity to complete their molting process. However, mites are hardy and can survive in the environment for up to 90 days, despite the fact that their life cycle is relatively short.

The mite life cycle is completed within the confines of the reptile’s enclosure when it is kept in captivity. Infestations can spread quickly between enclosures, and the parasite can be extremely difficult to eradicate from animal collections once they have established a foothold.

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