Attraction of Laelaps Echidnina (Acari: Laelapidae) to Host-Emitted Ir Radiation

Abstract

Adult females of Laelaps echidnina Berlese (so-called spiny rat mite) within 4 cm of a rat were attracted to host-emitted infrared radiation. No attraction to rat odor was observed. Mites were exposed at several distances to various combinations of natural and artificial sources of radiation and host odors, and the response was recorded.