Tinamiphilopsis temmincki sp. n., a New Quill Mite Species from Tataupa Tinamou, and the Early History of Syringophilid Mites

Abstract

The quill mite fauna of the Syringophilidae family (Acariformes: Prostigmata), which is associated with palaeognathous birds of the Tinamiformes order, remains poorly studied. Thus far, only two species of syringophilid mites have been documented on four species of tinamous. In this study, we present a description of a new species, Tinamiphilopsis temmincki sp. n., which was found on the Tataupa Tinamou (Crypturellus tataupa) in South America. This newly identified species differs from others in the genus due to the short hysteronotal setae d2 in females, unlike the long setae d2 found in females of other Tinamiphilopsis species. In addition to describing the new species, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of the primitive syringophilid genera. The results reveal that the Tinamiphilopsis genus does not emerge as a sister group to all other syringophilids. Instead, it is deeply embedded within the radiation of quill mites associated with neognathous birds. This study provided evidence that mites belonging to the genus Tinamiphilopsis initially parasitised Neoavian birds before host switching to tinamous birds. This placement carries significant implications for our understanding of the evolution of quill mites and their relationship with their avian hosts.

Lost companions: a new quill mite species and its possible coextinction with the Carolina parakeet

“…Among quill-dwelling mites (e.g., Apionacaridae, Ascouracaridae, Syringobiidae), this family is the most diverse taxonomic group and can be found in various microhabitats of their hosts, i.e., feathers of different types: primaries, secondaries, wing and tail coverts, and body contour feathers. Currently, approximately 400 described species of syringophilid mites in 2 subfamilies, parasitize birds from 27 out of the 44 extant avian orders (Skoracki et al ., 2023 ; Zmudzinski et al ., 2023 ).…”