A study of the temperature and humidity reactions of some free living mites

Includes bibliographical references.Includes illustrations.The study of mites offers opportunity for every type of biological investigation. The field of study is so broad and relatively untouched that problems can be found which will fit the aptitude, capability, experiences and interest of any investigator. Baker and Wharton feel that Acarology today is in the same position that Entomology was some 100 years ago and suggest that the lack of information on mites is not due to their insignificance or their importance but rather to the small size of this arthropod. Although the mite because of its small size is commonly overlooked, its presence is made known in many ways. Anyone infested with chiggers will attest to the discomfort caused by these nearly invisible creatures. The damage done each year by mites to growing crops, stored agricultural products, and to livestock is extensive. Baker and Warton suggest that the use of the insecticide D.D.T, has caused unidentified innocuous species of mites to become serious pests of plants. Not only do sites weaken or kill animals by their parasitic action but they are also known to carry and transmit disease-producing organisms.M.S. Ed. (Master of Education