Gecko specific mites in Aus- species I.D.

[DrNick]

Howdy all,

I was recently discussing parasites, specifically gecko parasites, with my vet the other day and he says that he will occasionally see a species of mite that only appears to be found on geckos- especially those kept/found on red desert sands. The mite is almost the exact colour of the red sand grains so they are very hard to detect, and they appear to be quite tenacious i.e more resistant to treatment compared with other mites. When I purchased my Asper a few moths back he detected a few of these on them, however they appear to have responded well to treatment with no signs of them anymore.

He was interested in finding out the species of mite so I thought I would ask all the knowledgable members of this forum if they had information on these little beasties. I don't know if there are gecko specific parasites or if these are found on other reptiles.

Thanks in advance,
Nick

 

[Ari]

Generally I have heard that specimens that have mites on them particularly geckos are either wild caught specimens or captive specimens that have been kept outdoors. I have purchased 2 x specimens that were arboreal that had typical communal mites on them which tend only to feed on old skin/sheds which are of no real concern (typically orange or slightly reddish colouration), and typically if you get to know geckos & particularly the way they act you can even tell wild caught specimens by their constant hiding or running as soon as you enter the room. Regenerated tails is another sign but not always the case.

The problem is that when you purchase specimens with these above characteristics is that it is rather hard to tell their age - virtually impossible.

The vet isn't getting confused with the fact that the mites are orange/red & thinking they only occur on specimens from or on red sand - this isn't the case. i.e. take Leaf Tails for example they seem to get riddled with them.

 

[Magpie]

We used to get them on the house geckos at my old house.

 

[DrNick]

The problem is that when you purchase specimens with these above characteristics is that it is rather hard to tell their age - virtually impossible.

.

I am quite confident mine were quite young- they were MUCH smaller than his adult animals and have grown considerably since I got them (and they certainly didn't appear malnourished or underweight, in fact the opposite).

They were kept with a massive collection of other reptiles, my concern is the housing they were in and lack of cross-contamination measures (ie animals handled without handwashing and cages re-used without disinfecting).

I am fairly confident that mine were captive bred as they were not human shy from the first day I brought them home, and they are always out and about when I am around in the evening, BUT who can tell for sure...

 

[DrNick]

The vet isn't getting confused with the fact that the mites are orange/red & thinking they only occur on specimens from or on red sand - this isn't the case. i.e. take Leaf Tails for example they seem to get riddled with them.

He said that he has mostly seen mites like this on geckos, and was just bemoaning the fact that because the animals are kept on sand it makes them hard to distinguish between mite or sand. I don't think he meant that they only appear on specimens from red sand areas.

He has stacks experience with reptiles and small animals. These mites appear slightly different to the ones he sees most commonly on snakes and dragons.

I was just interested if there are any 'specialised' gecko parasites

 

[Ari]

Hey Nick

I wasn't imply that yours were wild caught - I was imply the relationship thats gecko specific when it comes to mites & the reasoning.

As far as I know the only parasite I am aware of is mites, protozoa & worms but then they effect almost everything I reacon. Not just geckos.

There maybe the odd bacteria or viral infection but then I guess they may also effect other reptiles also not just geckos.

 

[DrNick]

Hey Nick

I wasn't imply that yours were wild caught - I was imply the relationship thats gecko specific when it comes to mites & the reasoning.

As far as I know the only parasite I am aware of is mites, protozoa & worms but then they effect almost everything I reacon. Not just geckos.

There maybe the odd bacteria or viral infection but then I guess they may also effect other reptiles also not just geckos.

Thats ok, I DIDN'T think you were Troy... even though I bought them from a licenced dealer who has other Asper, after having their first vet check and finding worms and mites (they have been treated for both and now appear free from)

 

[Reptiluvr]

I recently just read a paper on a gecko-specific mite on Hemidactylus. The Genus was called Geckobia. I'll try to look up the source citation this weekend. It's a start to possibly identifying the mites you have.