Epidermoptidae

Epidermoptidae is a of acariform mites in the order Sarcoptiformes. Members are permanent of birds and mammals, inhabiting skin surfaces and subcutaneous tissues. Several are nostril . Some have evolved phoretic associations with louse flies (Hippoboscidae), and certain species hyperparasitise these carriers, using them for oviposition and feeding. The family shows broad geographic distribution with records from Europe, North America, Australia, and the Galápagos Islands.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Epidermoptidae: //ˌɛpɪdɜːrˈmɒptɪdiː//

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Images

Habitat

Warm, damp areas of skin; several are nostril . Some occupy subcutaneous tissues.

Distribution

Recorded in Slovakia (first records), European Russia, Italy, Iran, Manitoba (Canada), Alaska (USA), Australia, and the Galápagos Islands. GBIF distribution records include Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Host Associations

Hirundo rustica - barn swallow
Lanius collurio -
Acrocephalus arundinaceus -
Turdus merula -
Neophema chrysogaster - Orange-bellied Parrot
Mergus merganser -
Lophodytes cucullatus -
Anas platyrhynchos -
Corvus frugilegus - Eurasian rook
Ornithomya avicularia - phoretic carrierlouse fly
Ornithomya biloba - phoretic carrierlouse fly
Ornithoica turdi - phoretic carrierlouse fly
Ornithomya fringillina - phoretic carrierlouse fly
Pseudolynchia canariensis - phoretic carrierlouse fly
Trinoton querquedulae - hyperparasitised chewing

Behavior

Phoretic associations with louse flies (Hippoboscidae) have evolved in some . Certain hyperparasitise their phoretic carriers, using them for oviposition and in some cases for feeding. Myialges trinotoni shows no statistically significant preference between male and female as .

Human Relevance

Hemimyialges macdonaldi does not appear to be a cause of significant mortality in its . Captive birds may require veterinary attention for subcutaneous .