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Abstract
Ultrastructure of the extremely long chelicerae and adjacent mouthparts of the parasitic mite Dermanyssus prognephilus Ewing was studied with transmission electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscope was used to examine the chelicerae of Dermanyssus hirundinis (Herman). The fine structure is figured and described, with emphasis on the structure and function of the second and third cheliceral segments. The medially concave faces of the opposed second segments are joined by interlocking grooves and ridges to form a tube through which blood is withdrawn. The heavily sclerotized and innervated cheliceral tips are postulated as serving both as sensory receptors and as aiding disruption or penetration of dermal vessels of the host.