Prelude to a study of the feather mites of Australia (Acariformes: Astigmata)

Abstract

This paper reviews the state of knowledge of the feather mites of Australia (Arachnida: Acariformes: Astigmata). The known fauna includes 149 species arranged in 95 genera and 24 families, in the Superfamilies Analgoidea and Pterolichoidea. A checklist of the fauna is provided, including bibliographic details for every species and genus. The bird host and collecting localities are listed for every species, and taxonomic and nomenclatural problems are discussed where necessary. The total fauna may include as many as 800 undescribed species. The checklist is preceded by a brief review of some aspects of the biology of feather mites, which have not been studied in the context of the Australian fauna.The correct spelling for a family of respiratory tract parasites is confirmed as Kytoditidae. Dabertia indistincta (Dabert & Atyeo, 1993) comb. n. (Syringobiidae) and Hemialges australis (Trouessart, 1885) comb. n. (Analgidae) are new combinations proposed herein.

A record of the parasitic mite Hemimyialges macdonaldi (Evans et al. 1963) (Acari: Epidermoptidae) in the Orange‐bellied Parrot Neophema chrysogaster (Latham, 1790) (Psittaciformes: Psittaculidae) in Australia

“…They were identified to the family Epidermoptidae using the key to families in OConnor 9 . The known Australian fauna of Epidermoptidae comprises 10 species in 6 genera, plus some specimens that have not been fully identified 10 . The family includes three genera in the subfamily Myialginae, whose species are hyperparasites of chewing lice (Phthiraptera) or flies in the family Hippoboscidae, which are themselves parasites of birds.…”

“…9 The known Australian fauna of Epidermoptidae comprises 10 species in 6 genera, plus some specimens that have not been fully identified. 10 The family includes three genera in the subfamily Myialginae, whose species are hyperparasites of chewing lice (Phthiraptera) or flies in the family Hippoboscidae, which are themselves parasites of birds. Female mites attach themselves to a fly or louse and feed on its haemolymph.…”