Ingestion of Erythrocytes Containing 51Cr-Labeled Hemoglobin by Psoroptes Cuniculi (Acari: Psoroptidae)

Abstract
Washed rabbit erythrocytes labeled with radioactive chromium in vitro were resuspended in plasma and injected into 2 adult female rabbits that were heavily infested with ear canker mites, Psoroptes cuniculi. After 24 h the mites were harvested and the radioactivity was measured. The mites (850 mg) contained approximately 77 μl of blood and had digested almost ½ the hemoglobin. The data suggest that the mites actually penetrate the capillaries and ingest intact erythrocytes during feeding.

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