A new record of mites (Ophionyssusnatricis) found on the body of Indian cobra (Najanaja) from the western ghats of North Pune District, Maharashtra [India]

Snake mites have been spread worldwide by herpetoculture. It's not known with certainty where they originated or which snake species are their natural hosts. Some authorities propose an African origin for snake mites and ball pythons as a possible natural host. Snake mites usually do not infest mammal species, yet they have been known occasionally to parasitize rodents and humans, taking a blood meal and then moving on (Mader, 1996). Snakes are not known to be parasitized by any of the mite species that commonly parasitize rodents. Ophionyssusnatricis is common arachnid ectoparasite of snakes. Snake mites have five life stages: egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult. Each of the three intermediate life stages is shed once to become the next life stage. Ideal environmental conditions for all life stages of snake mites are temperatures of 75 to 85 degrees) and relative humidity of 70 to 90 percent. Average longevity is affected by relative humidity and temperatures, and the period of development of the nymphal stages and the length of adult life are greater at lower temperatures. The development and survivorship of all life stages of mites are negatively affected by unfavorable environmental conditions. All life stages are apparently killed by exposure to temperatures in excess of 105 degrees or below 35 degrees for periods of several days. We observe and found mites (Ophionyssusnatricis) on Indian cobra (Najanaja) during the field work in WesternGhats of north Punedistrict. Perhaps we report the first occurrence of mites on Indian cobra(Najanaja).The aim of our team of NGO,S is to contribute towards sustainable development of India through rescue the snakes in the area and increase its population.