Dermanyssidae

Definition

A family of parasitic mites in the order Mesostigmata, comprising hematophagous species that feed on the blood of vertebrate hosts. Members are typically small, with reduced body sclerotization and elongated chelicerae adapted for piercing skin. The family includes significant pests of poultry, companion animals, and occasionally humans, as well as species that parasitize wild birds and mammals.

Etymology

Example

Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite, is a dermanyssid that infests chicken houses worldwide, hiding in cracks during daylight and emerging to feed on roosting birds at night, causing anemia, stress, and substantial economic losses in egg production.

Related Terms

• Mesostigmata
• Acari
• parasitiformes
• Dermanyssus
• Ornithonyssus
• gamasid mites
• haematophagy
• Ectoparasite

Usage Notes

The family is distinguished from related Laelapidae by its more pronounced parasitic specialization and association with vertebrate rather than invertebrate hosts. Dermanyssids are often called 'red mites' or 'chicken mites' in applied contexts, though these common names also apply to other groups. Identification to family requires examination of peritrematal groove shape, cheliceral dentition, and leg chaetotaxy.