Diversity of Synanthropic Mites in Kolkat a Metropolis, India

The synanthropic mites are those which regularly inhabit human settlements and human constructions where they form permanent or intermittent, independent or semi independent popUlation (Kucheruk, 1965 and Rosicky, 199]). The group chiefly consisting of mite fauna inhabiting house dust (floor dust and bed dust), stored product, house hold storages and granaries, bird's nest, cattle sheds and those occuring in roof gardens. The dust mites are of great concern to human health as they are directly responsible for causing nasobronchial allergic disorders 1 ike allergic rhinitis, eczema, bronchial asthma etc. Stored product mites are important as nlajority of those directly feed upon the grain contents or on food staffs making those unsuitable for human consumption or make those unmarketable. Some of the mites inhabiting cattle sheds cause nuisance and are of great veterinary importance. The nest associated mites may act as vectors of some viral diseases while roof garden mites cause damage to ornamental plants.