The parasitic ecology of the rodent mite, Myobia musculi. IV. Life cycle.

The life cycle of Myobia musculi was determined by daily examination (under anesthesia) of experimentally infested mice. It was found that the larval period lasted 10 days followed by a 5-day nymphal period. Adult forms were seen on the 16th day. Adults produced fertile eggs within 24 hours of their appearance and eggs hatched in 7 days. Thus, the life cycle was completed in 23 days. Application of this information for a successful treatment regimen was discussed. Any treatment which does not kill embryonated eggs must be repeated subsequent to hatching of the eggs but prior to oviposition of fertile eggs by newly hatched females.