Ectoparasites
Guides
Allothrombium
Sumo Mites
Allothrombium is a genus of velvet mites (family Trombidiidae) comprising approximately 45 described species distributed across the Palaearctic, Ethiopian, Australian, Oriental, and Nearctic realms. Species in this genus exhibit complex life cycles involving parasitic larvae and predatory post-larval stages. Larvae are ectoparasites primarily of aphids, while deutonymphs and adults are free-living predators of small arthropods and their eggs. Several species have been investigated as potential biological control agents for agricultural pest aphids.
Antennophoridae
Antennophoridae is a family of mites in the order Mesostigmata, comprising five genera and nine recognized species. Members are obligate ectoparasites of ants, with Antennophorus grandis being the best-studied species. These mites ride on host workers, using specialized front legs to solicit food through tactile communication.
Argasidae
soft ticks, soft-backed ticks, argasid ticks
Argasidae, commonly known as soft ticks, is one of three extant families of ticks (Ixodida), alongside Ixodidae (hard ticks) and the monotypic Nuttalliellidae. The family contains approximately 220 species in 17 genera, though taxonomic composition remains unresolved due to conflicting morphological and molecular phylogenies. Soft ticks are distinguished from hard ticks by the absence of a hard scutum (dorsal shield), a ventrally positioned gnathosoma (mouthparts-bearing structure) that is not visible from above, and rounded lateral body edges. They exhibit remarkable physiological adaptations including extreme desiccation resistance, longevity (documented up to 27 years in laboratory conditions), and the ability to survive years without feeding. Soft ticks are primarily associated with shelter habitats such as animal burrows, nests, and rock crevices, and are less commonly encountered by humans than hard ticks.
Atrichopogon
biting midges, grass punkies
Atrichopogon is a genus of small biting midges in the family Ceratopogonidae, subfamily Forcipomyiinae. Species occur across multiple continents with documented records from the Neotropical region, Patagonia, Europe, and Asia. Some species are ectoparasites of larger insects, while others develop on aquatic vegetation or in terrestrial habitats such as rotting wood. Immature stages show habitat-specific distribution patterns: larvae of A. wirthi occur on water lettuce leaves, and larvae of European Meloehelea subgenus species inhabit rotting pine wood.
Avenzoariidae
feather mites
Avenzoariidae is a family of feather mites in the order Astigmata, comprising at least 15 genera. These mites are ectoparasites or commensals inhabiting the feathers of birds, with documented associations primarily involving aquatic birds including seabirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. One species has been recorded from birds of prey. The family includes subfamilies such as Bonnetellinae and Pteronyssinae, with genera including Zachvatkinia and Zygepigynia.
Charletonia
Charletonia is a genus of erythraeid mites comprising approximately 86 described species based on larval morphology. The genus is globally distributed and comprises ectoparasitic mites whose larvae attach to arthropod hosts. Adult and nymphal stages are active predators, though less frequently encountered than the distinctive larval form. The genus was established by Oudemans in 1910 and belongs to the family Erythraeidae within the order Trombidiformes.
Cheyletoidea
Cheyletoidea is a superfamily of mites in the order Trombidiformes. Members include ectoparasites of arthropods and vertebrates, particularly birds, as well as some free-living predatory species. The superfamily encompasses several families including Cheyletidae, Cheyletiellidae, Harpirhynchidae, and Syringophilidae. Many species are highly host-specific, inhabiting feather quills or skin of birds.
Eleutherengona
Eleutherengona is an infraorder of mites within the suborder Prostigmata (Trombidiformes). This group includes permanent ectoparasites of mammals, with the family Myobiidae being a well-documented representative. Members are highly specialized for life in mammalian fur and have been recorded from bats, rodents, opossums, and shrews.
Erythraeidae
Erythraeidae is a family of predatory mites in the order Trombidiformes. Adults are free-living, fast-running predators with long legs adapted for pursuit. Larvae are ectoparasites of various arthropods, including harvestmen, spiders, bees, and grasshoppers, using a stylostome to feed on host body fluids. These mites are typically oval, relatively large for mites, reddish in color, and densely hairy. The family belongs to the superfamily Erythraeoidea within the diverse group Parasitengona, which includes velvet mites, chiggers, and water mites.
Macronyssidae
Macronyssidae is a family of parasitic mites in the order Mesostigmata, established by Oudemans in 1936. Members are obligate ectoparasites of vertebrates, primarily infesting reptiles, birds, and mammals. The family includes economically significant pests such as the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) and the tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti), as well as the snake mite (Ophionyssus natricis). Macronyssids are hematophagous and have been documented as vectors of pathogens including Rickettsia and Bartonella species.
Psocodea
bark lice, book lice, parasitic lice, barklice, booklice
Psocodea is an order of insects comprising approximately 11,000 species across three extant suborders: Trogiomorpha, Troctomorpha, and Psocomorpha. The group includes free-living barklice and booklice, as well as the parasitic lice (formerly Phthiraptera). Molecular and morphological evidence demonstrates that parasitic lice evolved from within the barklice lineage, rendering the former order 'Psocoptera' paraphyletic. Members range from 1–10 mm in length and occupy diverse habitats from forest canopies to stored products.
Trichobius
bat flies
Trichobius is a genus of bat flies (Diptera: Streblidae) containing more than 60 described species. These obligate ectoparasites are exclusively associated with bats, exhibiting varying degrees of host specificity. Species within the genus display diverse morphological and ecological traits, with some showing strong preferences for particular host species, roost types, or host sexes.
Trombellidae
Trombellidae is a family of prostigmatid mites within the superfamily Trombiculoidea. These mites are closely related to chiggers (Trombiculidae) and share the characteristic parasitic larval stage, though they are far less studied than their medically important relatives. The family is distinguished by particular morphological features of the larval gnathosoma and setation patterns. Adult trombellids are free-living predators, while larvae are ectoparasites of arthropods.
Trombiculidae
chiggers, harvest mites, berry bugs, red bugs, scrub-itch mites, aoutas
Trombiculidae is a family of mites commonly known as chiggers (North America) or harvest mites (Britain). The family includes species whose larvae are parasitic on vertebrates, including humans, causing skin irritation through a unique feeding mechanism. Only the larval stage is parasitic; nymphs and adults are free-living predators. Several species serve as vectors for scrub typhus in East Asia and the South Pacific. The family was formally established by Henry Ellsworth Ewing in 1944, though references to chiggers date back to sixth-century China.
Trombidium
velvet mites, red velvet mites
Trombidium is a genus of velvet mites in the family Trombidiidae comprising approximately 30 described species. Members are characterized by their bright red coloration and dense, velvety setae covering the body. The genus exhibits a complex life cycle with parasitic larval stages and free-living postlarval stages. The best-known species is Trombidium holosericeum, which has a Palearctic distribution.