Feather-mites
Guides
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.
Astigmata
Astigmata is a diverse suborder of mites characterized by the absence of stigmata (respiratory openings) and tracheal systems. The group encompasses three major ecological radiations: permanent ectosymbionts of birds (feather mites), inhabitants of decaying organic matter and stored products, and parasites of vertebrates and arthropods. Feather mites represent the most species-rich component, with three superfamilies (Analgoidea, Pterolichoidea, Freyanoidea) colonizing all feather types of birds worldwide. Many non-feather-associated lineages exhibit a specialized dispersal stage, the heteromorphic deutonymph (hypopus), adapted for phoretic transport on arthropods. The suborder shows remarkable morphological and ecological diversification, with life cycles ranging from entirely host-bound to complex multi-habitat strategies.
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.