The parasite that lives in ears is:

• A. Sarcoptes species
• B. Chorioptes species
• C. Demodex species
• D. Otodectes species

Answer: (D)

Parasites often have preferred places on the body where they thrive. The ear canal provides a warm, dark, and moist environment, so a parasite adapted to that niche can live there and cause trouble. The ear mite Otodectes cynotis specifically inhabits the external ear canal of dogs and cats, feeding on ear secretions and debris and commonly leading to otitis externa with a dark, crumbly cerumen and intense itching. Other mites listed have different habitats: Sarcoptes species burrow into the skin and cause mange; Chorioptes species are surface mites often found on the skin of the limbs and tail; Demodex species live in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, typically on the face and around the eyes. Because of its residence in the ear canal, the parasite that lives in ears is the ear mite.