Scanning electron microscopical observation on external morphology of Aleuroglyphus ovatus at different developmental stages

Objective To observe the morphological changes of the live Aleuroglyphus ovatus and the ultrastructure under scanning electron microscope (SEM) at different developmental stages. Methods The mites were cleaned with distilled water, then fixed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution and washed again by alcohol. At last the mites were dried by critical-point drying. The disposed mites were settled on the conductive double sided tape and scaned under SEM. Results The larvae had three pairs of legs and the genital area was under-developed. The male was similar with the female. There was a Grandjean's organ in the front of basipodite of foot Ⅰ. Foot Ⅳ existed a tarsus sucker. Penis was like straight tube and the end of it was fork. There is a pair of suckers on both sides of anus. Three pairs of postanal seta almost aligned in the same line. The female adult mite slightly larger and had two pairs of postanal setae. Conclusions The description of the morphology and ultrastructure of A. ovatus mites provide important information for the taxonomy and further study of its life history.