Knemidokoptes gallinae
- Pronunciation
- /Nee-mee-doe-kop-tees gal-i-nay/
- Category
- Parasitology
- Singular
- Knemidokoptes gallinae
- Plural
- Knemidokoptes gallinae
Definition
A parasitic mite species that infects the skin and feathers of poultry, causing a condition known as 'depluming itch'.
Etymology
From Greek 'kneme', meaning 'leg' or 'shin', and 'kopto', meaning 'to cut'. The species name 'gallinae' refers to domestic chickens.
Example
Knemidokoptes gallinae infestations can lead to feather loss and skin lesions in affected poultry.