A review of Prostigmata (Acariformes: Trombidiformes) permanently associated with birds

Abstract

Prostigmatan mites (Acariformes: Prostigmata) permanently parasitizing birds are reviewed at the familial level. Keys to all genera and lists of included species along with verified host records are provided. This ecological group includes about 500 species in 5 families: Cheyletidae (Cheletosomatini, Ornithocheyletiini, and Metacheyletiini), Syringophilidae, Harpirhynchidae (Harpirhynchinae and Harpypalpinae), Cloacaridae (Pneumophaginae), and Ereynetidae (Speleognathinae). The original and reference data on the external morphology, phylogeny, systematics and the host-parasite relationships of these mites are summarized.