Birds
Guides
Alloptidae
Alloptidae is a family of feather mites in the arachnid order Sarcoptiformes. Its members are permanent ectosymbionts of birds and have been recorded on multiple avian groups, especially aquatic birds. Different genera occupy particular parts of the plumage, including flight-feather corridors and protected coverts. The family includes described species and lineages that continue to be studied.
Analgoidea
feather mites
Analgoidea is a superfamily of mites in the order Sarcoptiformes, comprising feather mites that live as permanent ectosymbionts on birds. Members occupy specific microhabitats on host plumage, with distributions influenced by feather morphology, aerodynamic forces, and host behavior. The superfamily includes approximately 15 families and shows high host specificity, with multiple species often coexisting on individual birds through niche partitioning.
Avenzoariidae
Avenzoariidae is a family of feather mites, tiny arachnids placed in the order Astigmata. The family is associated with feathers rather than free-living soil or plant habitats. Published overviews list at least 15 genera, and records summarized for the family are concentrated on aquatic birds, with one reported species associated with a bird of prey. Individual species and genera can have much narrower host associations than this family-level description suggests.
Dermanyssoidea
Dermanyssoidea is a superfamily of parasitiform mites (Mesostigmata) comprising 21 families, most of which are parasites of vertebrates. The superfamily exhibits exceptional morphological diversity reflecting varied parasitic strategies, from permanent ectoparasites to facultative nest-dwelling forms. Host associations span birds, rodents, bats, snakes, marine mammals, and honey bees. Parasitism has evolved independently at least eight times within the group. Some species are significant vectors of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protozoans, and nematodes.
Gastronyssidae
Gastronyssidae is a family of acariform mites in the arachnid order Sarcoptiformes. Published taxonomic summaries describe members as parasites associated with birds and mammals. The family was established by Fain in 1956, and reference treatments list genera including Gastronyssus, Opsonyssus, Sciuracarus, and Yunkeracarus. Family-level accounts do not justify assigning one body form, host, or life-history pattern to every member.
Phthiraptera
parasitic lice, lice
Phthiraptera, commonly called parasitic lice, is an infraorder of small, wingless insects specialized for permanent ectoparasitism on birds and mammals. Modern classifications place the lineage within Psocodea, although many references still discuss lice as the traditional order Phthiraptera.
Proctophyllodidae
Proctophyllodidae is a family of astigmatid mites that includes many feather mites. Members live on birds, commonly between feather barbs, where flattened bodies and gripping structures help them remain attached. The family includes Proctophyllodinae and Pterodectinae. Feeding and host effects vary among lineages: some use feather oils and material trapped on feathers, while others can feed on feather pith or skin.