Avian-parasite
Guides
Brueelia brunneinucha
Brueelia brunneinucha is a species of chewing louse in the family Philopteridae, described by Cicchino in 1983. It belongs to a genus of feather lice that parasitize birds. Members of this genus are typically specialized to particular host species or groups.
Cimexopsis nyctalis
Chimney Swift Bug
Cimexopsis nyctalis is a species of bed bug in the family Cimicidae, commonly known as the Chimney Swift Bug. It is an ectoparasite specifically associated with the Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica), a North American bird species. The insect has been documented from nest material and roosting sites of its host. Its narrow host specificity and obligate parasitic lifestyle distinguish it from the more generalist bed bugs that feed on humans.
Epidermoptidae
Epidermoptidae is a family of acariform mites in the order Sarcoptiformes. Members are permanent ectoparasites of birds and mammals, inhabiting skin surfaces and subcutaneous tissues. Several species are nostril specialists. Some genera 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.
Freyanidae
Freyanidae is a family of feather mites in the order Astigmata, comprising more than 15 genera. Members of this family are ectoparasites or commensals associated with the plumage of birds. They inhabit the feather microenvironment of avian hosts, where they feed on feather materials and associated organic debris. The family is part of the superfamily Pterolichoidea within the mite order Sarcoptiformes.
Hesperocimex
Hesperocimex is a genus of bed bugs (family Cimicidae) containing at least two described species: H. coloradensis and H. sonorensis. Members of this genus are ectoparasites of birds, specifically associated with nest-dwelling species. H. sonorensis has been documented parasitizing purple martins, woodpeckers, swallows, and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls.
Menacanthus
bird lice, chewing lice
Menacanthus is a genus of chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) that parasitizes birds. The taxonomy is highly uncertain, with recent studies synonymizing dozens of previously recognized species and invalidating other names. Species in this genus feed on blood and feathers by piercing feather quills and gnawing epidermis. They are significant pests of poultry, causing feather loss, reduced egg production, and disease transmission. The genus has a global distribution across all major landmasses.
Menoponidae
chicken body lice, chicken body louse family
Menoponidae is a family of chewing lice (suborder Amblycera) comprising ectoparasites of birds. They are frequently called the chicken body louse family due to the economic importance of species like Menacanthus stramineus on poultry, though the family parasitizes diverse avian hosts including migratory birds and passerines. Members possess short antennae concealed in grooves behind the eyes, and many retain partial dependence on blood-feeding through specialized mouthparts such as the hypopharynx. This hematophagous capability allows broader host distribution and reduced microhabitat specialization compared to other chewing lice.
Microlynchia
Microlynchia is a genus of pupiparous louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) comprising four recognized species. All species are obligate ectoparasites of birds. The genus is distinguished from the closely related Pseudolynchia by the presence of minute ocelli and a differently shaped scutellum. Species within Microlynchia exhibit varying degrees of host specificity, with some records indicating associations primarily with Columbiformes (doves and pigeons) while others document broader host ranges across multiple avian orders.
Ornithoctona
Ornithoctona is a genus of louse flies (Hippoboscidae: Diptera) comprising 12 known species, all of which are obligate ectoparasites of birds. These winged or wing-reduced flies are blood-feeding parasites found worldwide except Antarctica. Several species have been documented expanding their ranges, with Ornithoctona laticornis recently recorded in Europe (Hungary, Romania) outside its native African distribution. The genus exhibits broad host associations across multiple avian orders, with some species showing low host specificity.
Ornithoica
Ornithoica is a genus of louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) comprising 23 described species. All species are obligate ectoparasites of birds. The genus is distinguished from other hippoboscid genera by morphological features and host associations. Species occur worldwide except Antarctica, with the greatest diversity in Southeast Asia.
Ornithoica vicina
Ornithoica vicina is a species of louse fly in the family Hippoboscidae, first described by Walker in 1849. This parasitic dipteran is known to infest birds, with a documented host record from the Marsh Hawk (Circus cyaneus). Louse flies in this family are obligate ectoparasites of birds and mammals, characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies and reduced or absent wings in adults, adaptations that facilitate movement through host plumage or fur. The species has been recorded from multiple localities including Brazil and Hawaii.
Ornithomya
bird louse flies
Ornithomya is a genus of louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) comprising approximately 31 species of obligate avian ectoparasites. All species are blood-feeding parasites of birds, primarily Passeriformes. Adults are dorsoventrally flattened with reduced or absent wings in many individuals. The genus exhibits adenotrophic viviparity, with larvae developing entirely within the female and deposited as fully mature third instars that immediately pupate. Species show varying degrees of host specificity correlated with bird nesting ecology.
Ornithomyinae
avian louse flies
Ornithomyinae is a subfamily of louse flies (Hippoboscidae) comprising blood-feeding ectoparasites primarily of birds, with some species parasitizing mammals. The subfamily contains approximately 16 genera and over 160 species worldwide. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Ornithomyinae as currently defined is not monophyletic, with at least one genus (Ornithoica) clustering separately from other members. These flies are obligate parasites that remain on their hosts for extended periods, feeding repeatedly on blood.
Pseudolynchia
pigeon louse flies
Pseudolynchia is a genus of blood-feeding louse flies (Hippoboscidae) comprising five described species. All species are obligate ectoparasites of birds. The genus is best known for P. canariensis, commonly called the pigeon louse fly, which has been extensively studied as a vector of avian malaria parasites. Members exhibit the family-characteristic pupiparous reproduction, in which females retain and nourish larvae internally until depositing a fully formed prepupa.
Ricinidae
Ricinidae is a family of chewing lice within the suborder Amblycera. All species are relatively large-bodied avian ectoparasites that feed on host blood, an atypical trait among chewing lice. The family includes three recognized genera: Ricinus (65 species, parasitizing Passeriformes), Trochiliphagus (13 species, on hummingbirds), and Trochiloecetes (30 species, also on hummingbirds but restricted to head and neck). Ricinids typically exhibit low prevalence and low intensity infestations with strongly female-biased sex ratios.
Speleognathinae
Speleognathinae is a subfamily of mites in the family Ereynetidae comprising endoparasites of the respiratory tracts of birds. These mites inhabit the nasal cavities and associated passages of avian hosts across multiple continents. At least 37 species in 15 genera have been documented from the Afrotropical region alone. The subfamily is distinguished from related nasal mite taxa by morphological features used in taxonomic keys.