The life cycle is similar to that of Sarcoptes. Lesions are also similar to Sarcoptes being moist in the early stages and as hair loss continues, they become dry and crusty. The first evidence of infestations starts around the tips of the ears and may spread over the head and around the neck, gradually moving more posteriorly. Members of this genus are similar in appearance to Sarcoptes except that the anus is located on the dorsal surface. The adults can live for weeks off of the host and as such, direct contact is not necessary for spread.
Lesions usually start around hooves and spread upward.
The involved areas usually become crusty. Members of this genus can be identified by the presence of sarcoptiform pretarsi with a short caruncle. Males have posterior turret-like eminences. All species appear to be host specific. This mite is spread from one individual to another by direct contact.