Biting flies Order: DipteraFamily: Simuliidae, Ceratopogonidae, Tabanidae, Rhagionidae, Muscidae Description, life history, and bites Simulium spp. There are around 40 species of small biting black flies, Simulium spp. (family: Simuliidae), inhabiting Colorado. These...
Scabies Order: AcariFamily: Sarcoptidae Description Scabies is a common skin condition caused by a microscopic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, that burrows and reproduces in the upper layers of skin. These mites are extremely small, measuring approximately 0.1-0.5 mm long...
Millipedes, centipedes, sowbugs, and pillbugs Order: Polyxenida, Scolopendromorpha, Scutigeromorpha, Isopoda Description and life history Millipedes Millipedes (class: Diplopoda) are commonly dark brown and can reach lengths of 2.5- 3.8 cm (1-1 ½ inches) when fully...
Lice Order: PhthirapteraFamily: Pediculidae Description and life history Lice are insect ectoparasites that feed on the blood of vertebrates. The medical term “pediculosis” refers to a lice infestation and is a very common diagnosis worldwide. Chewing lice...
Mosquitoes and West Nile virus Order: DipteraFamily: Culicidae Description Over 200 species of mosquitoes inhabit the United States, with over 45 species of mosquitoes occurring in Colorado. Mosquitoes are small flies that have long, slender legs, piercing-sucking...
