Mites

Mites and ticks are among the most diverse and successful of all the invertebrate groups. They have exploited an incredible array of habitats and because of their small size (some are truly microscopic) most go totally unnoticed. Many live freely in the soil or water, but there is also a vast array of species that live as parasites on plants or animals.  Among the species that attack animals there are members of the Sarcoptic Mange mites, which burrow under the skin. Perhaps the most well known, though, is the house dust mite.