Epidermoptidae

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

Epidermoptidae by (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet. Used under a CC-BY license.

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
  • Ornithomya biloba - phoretic
  • Ornithoica turdi - phoretic
  • Ornithomya fringillina - phoretic
  • Pseudolynchia canariensis - phoretic
  • Trinoton querquedulae - hyperparasitised chewing

Behavior

Phoretic associations with () have evolved in some . Certain hyperparasitise their phoretic , using them for 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 .

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Sources and further reading