Otodectes
Otodectes is a genus of parasitic mite in the superfamily Psoroptidae. There is a single species of mite in this genus, Otodectes cynotis. This mite is within the class Arachnida and subclass Acari for mites and ticks. Otodectes are external parasites of dogs, cats and ferrets, but can be found on many other mammals. Otodectes is found worldwide.
The mite is in size, approximately the size of a grain of salt, and can be seen with the naked eye. It lives in the external ear canal of its host, and causes intense irritation leading to otitis externa.
The lifecycle of O. cynotis takes approximately three weeks.
Otodectes cynotis is typically spread by direct contact with infected species and does not have evidence of living in the environment for transmission.