There is a single species of mite in this genus, Otodectes cynotis.

Otodectes are external parasites (ectoparasites) of dogs, cats and ferrets,[2] but can be found on many other mammals.

[5] It lives in the external ear canal of its host, and causes intense irritation leading to otitis externa.

[1] Otodectes cynotis is typically spread by direct contact with infected species and does not have evidence of living in the environment for transmission.

[6] New Latin Otodectes is from Greek prefix "ωτο- (ōto-)" meaning "ear" and the Greek word "δήκτης (dēktēs)" meaning "beggar.