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Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are the economically and ecologically most important blood-sucking arthropod vectors that can transmit disease agents under temperate climate. In this group, the highest number of species (currently nearing 270) belongs to the genus Ixodes. For this review, more than 400 papers related to this genus in the context of Russia were checked for data on the host records, locations of collection, as well as ecology of assigned tick species. This monograph compensates for the lack of a similarly comprehensive English-language overview of Ixodes species in the region of Russia for nearly half century, and also makes a large set of data easily available for international readers, which is especially important if the original source is difficult to access from outside this country. In addition, the data from a significant number of papers on this topic available only in the Russian language are made accessible through this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study provides detailed information on six previously described species of syringophilines associated with starlings and records new host and locality data. Additionally, three new species are described: Aulonastus indonesianus sp. n., Aulonastus anais sp. n., and Syringophiloidus poeopterus sp. n., from various starling hosts across Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Tanzania. The study reveals that species from the genera Syringophiloidus and Syringophilopsis exhibit a broad host range among passerine birds, suggesting a long-established symbiotic relationship before the global dispersal of starlings. In Europe, the Eurasian Starling hosts Krantziaulonastus, while in Africa, related niches are occupied by Picobiinae mites. The research highlights the intricate coevolutionary dynamics between quill mites and their avian hosts. Quill mites of the family Syringophilidae are widely distributed parasites of birds inhabiting the interior of feather quills. In this paper, we provide detailed information on the host spectrum and distribution for six previously described species of syringophilines associated with starlings with new host and locality records. Additionally, we describe three new species: Aulonastus indonesianus Marcisova, Skoracki, and Patan sp. n. from the Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa Linnaeus in Indonesia (Java) and the White-necked Myna Streptocitta albicollis (Vieillot) in Indonesia (Celebes); Aulonastus anais Skoracki and Patan sp. n. from the Golden Myna Mino anais (Lesson) in Papua New Guinea; and Syringophiloidus poeopterus Skoracki and Patan sp. n. from the Abbott's Starling Poeoptera femoralis (Richmond) in Tanzania. Finally, we explore the host–parasite interactions within the system comprising starlings and syringophiline mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The geographic distribution of Rhipicephalus linnaei is much wider than previously known. • Rhipicephalus linnaei was recorded on a dingo. • The record of R. linnaei on a dingo suggest that dingoes might aid the spread of Ehrlichia canis in Australia. • We discuss possible incursion routes and how E. canis has apparently spread rapidly in Australia. The tropical brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus linnaei , is a tick of much medical, veterinary, and zoonotic importance. This tick has a nearly world-wide distribution due to its ability to survive and propagate in kennels and houses. Rhipicephalus linnaei is the vector of Ehrlichia canis , the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, an often debilitating disease of canids and, occasionally, humans. To prevent incursion of E. canis into Australia, dogs entering Australia have been required to have a negative immunofluorescence antibody test for E. canis. In May 2020 however, E. canis was detected in Western Australia. The detection of E. canis in Australia prompted disease investigation and concerted surveillance for R. linnaei and E. canis in regions across Australia. These investigations revealed that R. linnaei was established far beyond the previously recognised geographic range limits of this tick. In the present paper, using records from various collections, published data, and data from our network of veterinarian collaborators and colleagues, we update the current geographic range of R. linnaei in Australia. Our analyses revealed that the geographic range of R. linnaei in Australia is much wider than was previously supposed, particularly in Western Australia, and in South Australia. We also map, for the first time, where E. canis has been detected in Australia. Last, we discuss the possible routes of incursion and subsequently the factors which may have aided the spread of E. canis in Australia which led to the establishment of this pathogen in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction paper provides a brief response and critique Khan et al.'s (2023) proposal categorisation about dividing four subgenera of the genus Raphignathus Dugès. The present work contains following nomenclatural recommendation in Raphignathus: (1) Raphignathus bengalensisModak, 1991 and R. sayedi Gomaa and Hassan, 1986 are considered here as nomina nuda due to no formally publishing. (2) Raphignathus curtipilus Berlese, 1888 is transferred to the genus Eustigmaeus Berlese. (3) Raphignathus striatus Trägardh, 1904 is moved to the genus Prostigmaeus? Kuznetsov in Stigmaeidae based on their original descriptions and illustrations. This paper also presents a current species list for the family Raphignathidae Kramer, with a new country (Türkiye) recorded species and a case of numerical variation in its external suranal setae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiggers are a group of ectoparasites and they are the vector of scrub typhus. Although the Ryukyu mouse (Mus caroli) is a common species of rodent in some outdoor habitats, few studies are about the mouse itself and its ectoparasites. To date, there has been no specific report on chiggers of M. caroli. Based on the field investigation in southwest China from 2001 to 2019, this paper reported the infestation and distribution of chiggers on M. caroli for the first time. Among the 91 sites investigated, 263 Ryukyu mice were captured at 18 sites, and 678 chiggers were collected from the mice. The collected chiggers were identified to be one family, two subfamilies, six genera, and 16 species with relatively low species diversity. The overall infestation prevalence (PM), mean abundance (MA), and mean intensity (MI) were PM = 27.38%, MA = 2.58 chiggers/per mouse, and MI = 9.42 chiggers/per mouse respectively. The dominant chigger species are Walchia ewingi and W. micropelta with a total constituent ratio of Cr = 94.10% (638/678), and they were of aggregated distribution among different individuals of the host M. caroli. The distribution of two dominant chigger species seemed to be mutually independent with the association coefficient V ≈ 0 (p < 0.001). The infestation (PM, MA, and MI) of M. caroli with chiggers greatly fluctuated in different geographical landscapes, altitudes, and latitudes with an obvious environmental heterogeneity. The male and adult M. caroli harbored much more chigger mites with significantly higher infestations (PM, MA and MI) than the female and juvenile mice. The theoretical curve of species abundance distribution of the chigger mite community on M. caroli was fitted by Preston lognormal distribution model with fitting goodness R2 = 0.77. Based on the iChao1 formula, the expected total number of chigger species on the mice was estimated to be 24 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Cryptofavognathus is represented with only two species: Cryptofavognathus anatolicus Doğan & Dönel and C. afyonensis (Koç & Akyol). The third species, Cryptofavognathus bellussp. nov., was detected during a faunistic study on raphignathoid mites of Sansa Gorge (Türkiye) and described here. This paper also presents a current species list for the family Cryptognathidae Oudemans, with the following taxonomic recommendation in the genus Favognathus Luxton: Favognathus aegyptiaca (Fawzy, Khalil & Yassin) and Favognathus rosetta (Fawzy, Khalil & Yassin) described from Egypt should be considered species inquirendae due to their inadequate diagnostic characteristics and poor descriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a group of ectoparasites, chiggers (larvae of chigger mites) are the exclusive vector of scrub typhus (tsutsugamushi disease). Rodents are the most important hosts of chiggers. The Anderson's niviventer rat, Niviventer andersoni, is an endemic species of rodent in China. However, few studies have involved this endemic rodent species and its ectoparasites including chiggers. According to the field investigation in five provincial regions of southwest China between 2001 and 2019, this paper retrospectively analysed the infestation and distribution of chiggers on the body surface of N. andersoni in southwest China for the first time. From 77 Anderson's niviventer rats captured, a total of 527 chiggers were collected and they were identified as 39 species and nine genera in two subfamilies of family Trombiculidae. Of 39 chigger species identified, Leptotrombidium deliense and L. scutellare are the most important vectors of scrub typhus in China. The overall infestation indexes were PM = 29.87%, MA = 6.84 and MI = 22.91, and the indexes of chigger mite community were Mf = 39, H' = 2.60, E = 0.71 and D = 0.12. The dominant chigger species are L. wenense, L. xiaguanense and L. fujianense with a total Cr = 51.04%, among which L. wenense is one of the six main vectors of scrub typhus in China. The dominant chigger species are of aggregated distribution among different individuals of the rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We report on the occurrence of parasitic quill mites of the family Syringophilidae on the well-known avian group birds-of-paradise. Our investigation resulted in the discovery of two new species of mites belonging to the subfamily Picobiinae, which has never before been recorded on birds-of-paradise. We hypothesise that the interspecific sexual behaviour of paradisaeids, which involves copulation with non-closely related host species, may have facilitated the spread of syringophilid mites between different and unrelated host species. These findings highlight the potential role of sexual behaviour in the distribution and transmission of parasitic quill mites among avian hosts. While birds-of-paradise (Passeriformes: Paradisaeidae) are a well-known group of birds, our understanding of their parasites is still limited. This study reports on parasitic quill mites of the subfamily Picobiinae (Acariformes: Syringophilidae), which have never before been recorded on this group of birds. The mite specimens presented in this paper were collected from birds-of-paradise that had been captured in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia in the years 1910–1911 and are now deposited in the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology, Munich, Germany. Two syringophilid species are described as new to science: (i) Picobia frankei sp. n. from the magnificent riflebird Lophorina magnifica, the glossy-mantled manucode Manucodia ater, and the crinkle-collared manucode Manucodia chalybatus, and (ii) Gunabopicobia garylarsoni sp. n. from the twelve-wired bird-of-paradise Seleucidis melanoleucus and the lesser bird-of-paradise Paradisaea minor. We hypothesise that the presence of both picobiine species on phylogenetically unrelated paradisaeids may be caused by the sexual behaviour of these birds, where interspecific copulations may play a role in the switching of parasites between non-closely related host species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The iolinid mite Coccalicus clavatus Willmann, 1952 was collected during a survey from the soil of Gilanegharb, Kermanshah, Iran in 2022. This species was first described in the family Alycidae by Willmann in 1952 and then André and Uusitalo transferred it to the family Iolinidae in 2006, accompanied by transferring species from the genus Paratydaeolus to the genus Coccalicus. Some challenges about species characters of this mite are discussed in this paper and the synonymy of C. lukoschusi and C. clavatus is proposed. The genus consists of 12 species with clavate trichobothria, and is related to various habitats like soil, stored products, under barks, on leaves of different plants, and on birds. They have been reported from Europe, Antarctica and North America and this is the first record of the Coccalicus mites from Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species Trigonuropoda (Latipilitrigon) foliata sp. n. was recorded in material collected from soil and leaf-litter in Bidoup Nui Ba National Park in Vietnam. This paper presents an illustrated description of the female and male of this species along with comparisons with closely related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes two new species of predatory mites belonging to the genus Paragigagnathus Amitai & Grinberg (Acari: Mesostigmata: Phytoseiisae), namely Paragigagnathus neodesertorum sp. nov. from Acacia raddiana L. (Fabaceae), and, P. jazanensis sp. nov. from Tamarix sp. (Tamaricaceae). Also, P. amantis (Chaudhri, Akbar & Rasool, 1979) is a new species record for Saudi Arabia, reported from Tamarix sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten Opilioacaridae species from the genera Caribeacarus and Neocarus are found in subterranean habitats in Brazil, and several new species are waiting to be described. As part of our studies on cave opilioacarid species, two new species from Peruaçu Caves National Park, Minas Gerais state, are described in the present paper. The two new species present six or more d type setae on the palp, with a stout and rounded lobe: Neocarus chimerasp.nov. with 6 to 9 setae and Neocarus peruassusp.nov. presents 6 or 7 foliate setae (d1). The combination of these characters is a transitional state observed between Neocarus (4 to 9 foliate d type setae on palp, with a stout and rounded lobe) and Caribeacarus (8 to 12 foliate d type setae on palp, with a fine and pointed lobe). The systematic position of the new species is briefly discussed. Additionally, the habitat description and some ecological notes are provided for both new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teneriffiidae (Prostigmata: Anystoidea) is a poorly studied family of predatory mites that are recognized among its superfamily by thick raptorial palps, weakly marked naso, and rosette-like bothridial organs on prodorsum. In the present paper, a new species – Teneriffia aethiopica sp. nov. – is described from the soil material collected in Ethiopia. It is a relatively large species (about 1 mm); almost all coxal fields (I–III) have at least five epimeral setae; prodorsal shield and palpal oncophysis are present; ventral opisthosoma does not exhibit neotrichy, i.e. there are only six to seven pairs of aggenital setae ag present; pseudanal setal series is represented by four pairs of setae ps; claws on tarsi I–II are strongly bipectinate without empodia, and claws on tarsi III–IV are slightly serrate with smooth, hook-like empodia (almost the half of the size of each claw). Although representing unique characters, the rest of its morphological features suggest that it may form a group with members of the two currently defined genera Heteroteneriffia Hirst, 1925 and Teneriffia Thor, 1911 of which further study and re-examination have recently been proposed; hence, the present paper contributes some new knowledge that may be helpful in a future revision of this intriguing family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In addition to causing dermatitis, some gamasid mites are also the vector or potential vector of some zoonotic diseases. Located in the northwest Yunnan Province of southwest China, the Three Parallel Rivers Area of China is one of the hotspots of biodiversity research in the world. Based on the previous field survey in the Three Parallel Rivers Area from 2001 to 2015, this paper reports the species diversity and basic community characteristics of gamasid mites on small mammals in this unique geographical area for the first time. From the body surface of 3830 small mammal hosts, 26,048 gamasid mites were collected and identified as 10 families, 21 genera and 82 species (excluding 847 unidentified specimens) with high species diversity. The species diversity of the gamasid mite community fluctuated greatly in different elevation gradients. The highest peaks of species richness and β diversity appeared at altitudes of 3000–3500 m (S = 42) and 1500–2000 m (β = 17.5), respectively. The species abundance distribution of the mites was successfully fitted by Preston's lognormal model, and the total number of gamasid mite species in the Three Parallel Rivers Area was estimated to be 153 species. (1) Background: Gamasid mites are a large group of arthropods, and some of them are of medical importance. Besides directly biting humans and causing dermatitis, some gamasid mites are the vector of rickettsialpox and potential vector of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). The Three Parallel Rivers Area of China is one of the hotspots of biodiversity research in the world, with complicated topographic landforms, different types of vegetation, special elevation gradients and high biodiversity. (2) Methods: Species richness (S): the Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H), Simpson dominance index (D) and Pielou evenness index (E) were used to analyze the basic community structure. The β diversity (Cody index) was used to reflect the diversity difference between any two adjacent elevation gradients. The method based on Preston's lognormal model for species abundance distribution was used to estimate the total number of gamasid mite species. (3) Results: A total of 3830 small mammal hosts captured from the nine survey sites were identified as 44 species, 27 genera and nine families in five orders. Apodemus chevrieri, Eothenomys miletus and A. draco were the dominant host species with a total constituent ratio Cr = 52.037%. From the body surface of the hosts, 26,048 gamasid mites were collected and identified as 10 families, 21 genera and 82 species (excluding 847 unidentified specimens) with high species richness (S = 82) and diversity (H = 2.33). The three dominant mite species were Dipolaelaps anourosorecis, Laelaps nuttalli and L. echidninus, with a total Cr = 64.46% (16,791/26,048). There are significant differences in the species composition, species diversity and dominant species of gamasid mites on different hosts. The species diversity of the mite community fluctuated greatly in different elevation gradients. The highest peaks of species richness and β diversity appeared at altitudes of 3000–3500 m (S = 42) and 1500–2000 m (β = 17.5), respectively. The species abundance distribution of the mites was successfully fitted by Preston's lognormal model with S ^ (R) = 19 e − [ 0.22 (R − 0) ] 2 (α = 0.22, R2 = 0.9879). Based on fitting the theoretical curve by Preston's model, the total number of gamasid mite species was estimated to be 153 species. (4) Conclusions: Gamasid mites on small mammals are abundant with complex community structures and high species diversity in the Three Parallel Rivers Area of China. There is an apparent community heterogeneity of the mites on different hosts and in different environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Natural enemies of cheatgrass, an invasive plant in the western USA that is associated with recent increases in destructive wildfires, were sought as part of a classical biological control program targeting that plant. A population of mites was discovered infesting cheatgrass plants in central Bulgaria and determined to be a new species using morphological, morphometric analysis (i.e., measurement of specific body parts) and DNA barcoding (i.e., comparison of DNA sequences in genes shared by all mite species). Without these modern analytical tools, this mite would probably have been considered as the same species as another mite that infests other plants. This new mite species will now be tested to determine if it is suitable for importation and release in the USA as a biological control agent of cheatgrass. A new species of eriophyoid mite, Aculodes marcellisp. nov., was discovered on cheatgrass, Anisantha tectorum (L.) Nevski (syn. Bromus tectorum L.), an annual grass that is native to Eurasia and Northern Africa. This grass was introduced to North America near the end of the 19th century and now is widespread and associated with the observed increases in the size, frequency, and intensity of wildfires in western N. America. In this paper, A. marcellisp. nov., is morphologically described and illustrated. Compared with other Aculodes spp., it differs based on morphology and the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene, subunit I (MT-CO1). Results of morphometric analysis showed clear differentiation between A. marcellisp. nov., and the most similar congener, A. altamurgiensis from Taeniatherum caput-medusae. Analysis of MT-CO1 sequence divergence revealed significant levels of genetic variation (17.7%) and supported the results from the morphometric analysis; therefore, it is determined that they are two different species. Aculodes marcellisp. nov., is a new candidate agent for classical biological control of A. tectorum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with three species, of which one is new to science, Torrenticola (Megapalpis) yii Gu & Guo sp. nov., and two are newly recorded species for the Chinese fanua, Torrenticola (Torrenticola) neoungeri Pešić, Asadi & Smit, 2019 and Neoatractides (Allotorrenticola) malayensis (Wiles, 1991). Torrenticola (Megapalpis) yii Gu & Guo sp. nov. is the second species of Megapalpis in China, and the 21st in the world. Meanwhile, Neoatractides (Allotorrenticola) malayensis (Wiles, 1991) represents a newly recorded subgenus Allotorrenticola from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sennertia is a diverse and widely distributed genus of mites within the family Chaetodactylidae, and the most successful group of mites in establishing phoretic relationships with bees. Although 77 valid species of Sennertia are known in the world, only two species, Sennertia (Sennertia) gargantua Zachvatkin and Sennertia (S.) zhelochovtsevi Zachvatkin have been recorded from Turkey. But, these two bee-associated species have not been noticed and not listed in the studies on mite fauna of Turkey. OConnor & Klimov in 2003 and Klimov & OConnor in 2008 stated that the distribution information of Sennertia (S.) gargantua in Turkey was probably an error. This paper reports the presence of Sennertia (S.) gargantua on a Carpenter bee in Turkey with an additional new record of the genus from Turkey, viz. Sennertia (S.) cerambycina (Scopoli). In the present work, a key to the known species for Turkey is also provided. It is noticed that genital setae are duplicated on the right side of an examined specimen of Sennertia (S.) gargantua. In the genus, some variations and local anomalies have been previously recorded; however, no abnormalities of the genital setae in Sennertia have been reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides being an important pest in agriculture and forestry, the Himalayan field rat (Rattus nitidus) can be the reservoir host of many zoonoses. Some ectoparasitic gamasid mites on rodents (rats, mice and voles, etc.) are associated with some zoonoses. A field investigation was made in 39 counties in Yunnan Province of southwestern China between 1990 and 2015, and a total of 928 R. nitidus were collected. Based on some strategies of "data mining", the present paper analyzed the infestation and distribution of gamasid mites on the body surface of R. nitidus in Yunnan for the first time. There were 19,585 individuals of gamasid mites collected, and 18.971 of them were identified as 54 species and 19 genera under seven families. The results indicated that R. nitidus has a high potential to harbor abundant gamasid mites of diverse species. The two dominant mite species, Laelaps nuttalli and Laelaps echidninus, had an aggregated distribution among different individuals of R. nitidus. The identified 54 species of gamasid mites showed a high species diversity on a single rat species (R. nitidus), and the diversity index at the family level was higher than that at the genus level. The infestation of R. nitidus with gamasid mites in the different habitats and altitude gradients was uneven and heterogenic, which reflects the infestation bias in different environments. Most gamasid mites tended to infest male and adult rats rather than female and juvenile ones, which reflects the infestation bias on different sexes and ages. Based on Chao1's formula, the total number of gamasid mite species on R. nitidus was estimated to be 66. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objetive. Identify ectoparasites in the primary feathers of adult ostriches in a hatchery of Department from Cauca, Colombia. Materials and methods. A total of fifteen adult animals (over 7 years old) with an average weight of 120 kg (10 were females and 5 males) were selected for the study. From each specimen, three primary feathers were extracted in the wing, being deposited in plastic bags and sent to the Basis science laboratory at Universidad Antonio Nariño. A counter sample of mites fixed in alcohol at 70% was sent to laboratory of the Universidad Nacional, then, the parasites were mounted o slides and under the microscope. This study was descriptive and convenient. Results. The feathers had disorganized barbs and a brown powder on the rachis. Microscopically was identified approximately1000 specimens of a feather mite per sample of order Astigmata, family Pterolichidae and genus Struthiopterolichus sp., being able to differentiate male, female, nymphs and larvae. This is the first report of the mite Struthiopterolichus sp. in ostriches from Colombia Conclusions. In the ostriches inspected were collected feathers that contained the mite Struthiopterolichus sp. The evidence of this mite can generate alerts of control and health surveillance inside of the hatchery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sperchon is a common water mite genus in running waters in the Palaearctic. The present study is based on material collected in July 2013 during a collecting trip of the authors to Kyrgyzstan. Seven species new to science of the genus Sperchon Kramer, 1877 are described in this paper, i.e. Sperchon grigorievkasp. nov., S. tuzovskijisp. nov., S. tienshanensissp. nov., S. karakalisp. nov., S. kyrgyzicussp. nov., S. nasutipalpissp. nov., and S. ampliscutatussp. nov.). The hitherto unknown male of Sperchon asiaticus is described. Additionally, the first records for Kyrgyzstan are given for Sperchon cf. noshaqensis and S. cf. orbipatella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The revised higher classification of Acari. Satoshi SHIMANO (Science Research Center, Hosei University 2-17-1, Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8160 Japan) Several of the recent higher classification systems of “Acari” were reviewed. The taxon group as “Acari” finally disappeared in recent systems. A correspondence table between the recent higher systems reached a consensus based on phylogenetic papers and the old system with 7 suborders (general in Japanese text books) were provided with some Japanese name of taxon groups appropriately modified in the present paper. Japanese name of Poecilophysidea (Acariformes + Solifugae) was also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Norway rat, Ratttus norvegicus, is a common agricultural pest and an important reservoir host of many zoonoses. A long-term field investigation on gamasid mites was made in 39 counties of Yunnan province, southwest China from 1990 to 2015. A total of 1448 Norway rats were captured, and 10,034 individuals of gamasid mites were collected from the body surface of the rats, which were identified as 42 species and 16 genera under 6 families. Based on some strategies of "data mining", the present paper took advantage of the long-term accumulated original data and made an ecological analysis of gamasid mites on the Norway rat. The results showed that the infestation of gamasid mites on 1448 Norway rats was common with an overall prevalence (48.55%), mean abundance (6.93) and mean intensity (14.27). Of 42 species of gamasid mites, Laelaps nuttalli, Laelaps echidninus and Ornithonyssus bacoti were three dominant species, and they showed an aggregated distribution among different individuals of their rat host, R. norvegicus. There were much more species (39 species) of gamasid mites on the outdoor rats with a higher prevalence (65.12%), mean abundance (10.24) and mean intensity (15.72) than on the indoor rats (p < 0.001). The Norway rats in the lower altitude gradients showed a higher infestation prevalence and intensity of the mites, but lower species diversity. The adult rats had higher infestations (prevalence, mean abundance and mean intensity) of the mites than the juvenile rats. Most gamasid mites showed a predominantly male-biased sex ratio on Norway rats. The association coefficient was used to analyze the interspecific relationship between any two dominant mite species, and a positive association was found between L. nuttalli and L. echidninus. The curve tendency of species-sample relationship showed that the numbers of mite species still kept increasing without an eventual "platform" stage when the sampled rats reached 1200 individuals, and this implies a great heterogeneity of the mite community on the rat. Preston's lognormal distribution model successfully fitted the theoretical curve of species abundance distribution of gamasid mites on R. norvegicus, which illustrated the distribution of the dominant, common and rare species of the mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water mites of the genus Corticacarus Lundblad, 1936 (Acari: Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae) are among the most widespread and abundant riverine genera in the Neotropics. In this paper we reported 12 species of the genus Corticacarus from streams and rivers from Argentina, Chile and Costa Rica. Two species from Chile (Corticacarus cooki.sp. nov.) and Costa Rica (C. habeebisp. nov.), respectively, are described as new for science. The number of species of this genus now tallies 71 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typically, females of eriophyoid mites of the large conifer-associated genus TrisetacusKeifer 1952 have long spermathecal tubes, which are at least twice as long as the spermathecae. In this paper, we report on four Trisetacus species collected in the USA from Cupressaceae that possess atypical short spermathecal tubes and demonstrate a distinct reduction trend in leg chaetotaxy when setae l′ and/or bv II may be absent, and setae ft′ II are very short. They are: 1) Trisetacus virginianusn. sp. and 2) T. thujae (Garman 1883, = T. thujivagransSmith 1977asyn. nov.) from indigenous North American conifers Juniperus virginianus and Thuja occidentalis, respectively, and 3) Trisetacus maculatusn. sp. and 4) T. morgantownensisn. sp. from Japanese endemics, Chamaecyparis pisifera and C. obtusa, respectively, introduced to the USA. In these four Trisetacus species, the spermathecal apparatus consists of two drop-shaped segments, each about 2.5–3 µm long and about 2–2.5 µm wide, and resembles that of Boczekella, a nalepellid genus restricted to pinacean genera Larix and Pseudolarix. A new subgenus, Brevithecusn. subgen., is erected within the genus Trisetacus to accommodate the four Trisetacus species from Cupressaceae. Future molecular phylogenetic studies are needed to test whether Brevithecus is nested within Trisetacus or represents a separate genus, which may be a sister to either Trisetacus or Boczekella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The walnut leaf gall mite (Aceria tristriatus) is one of the major pests of walnut in western Iran. Therefore, a study to determine the predatory mites associated with this pest in Hamedan and Lorestan provinces was carried out during 2014-2017. In this survey, totally 10 species belong to six genera and three different families including Phytoseiidae: Kuzinellus kuzini Wainstein, Typhlodromus bagdasarjani Wainstein & Arutunjan, Typhlodromus khosrovensis Arutunjan, Euseius finlandicus Oudemans; Iolinidae: Neopronematus iranensis Ahmad-Hosseini et al., Neopronematus solani Ripka et al., Pronematus rykei Meyer & Rodrigues; Tydeidae: Tydeus caryae Khanjani & Ueckermann, Tydeus goetzi Schruft, and Tydeus electus Kuznetzov were collected and identified. Kuzinellus kuzini Wainstein had the highest frequency and distribution in this survey. Among the collected species, Typhlodromus khosrovensis, Typhlodromus bagdasarjani, E. finlandicus, N. solani, Tydeus caryae, Tydeus goetzi and Tydeus electus are re-described in the present paper. Tydeus goetzi and Neopronematus solani are reported for the first time for Hamedan and Lorestan provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on obligatory, ectoparasitic mites of the family Syringophilidae associated with birds in Germany were scarce and scattered over the time. This paper summarizes current knowledge of German syringophilid fauna. We present new host and locality records and describe two new species: Niglarobia lapponicasp. nov. and Charadriineopicobia ristowisp. nov. from the quill feathers of bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica (Linnaeus) (Scolopacidae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trombiculid mites (or chigger mites) are a large group of arthropods, and some of these species are vectors of Orientia tsutsugamushi, the causative agent of tsutsugamushi disease (scrub typhus). Yunnan Province is situated in the southwest of China, and its complicated topography, special altitude gradients, and high biodiversity have aroused the interest of many scientists to study the fauna and species diversity of plants and animals. To replenish our former faunal study, this paper listed all the scientific names of trombiculid mites in Yunnan Province, together with their hosts and collection sites (geographical distribution). A total of 120,138 individuals of trombiculid mites were collected from the body surface of 13,760 small mammal hosts (89.06 % of them are rodents) in 29 collection sites (counties) of Yunnan Province from 2001 to 2013. The 120,138 mites were identified as comprising 2 families (Trombiculidae and Leeuwenhoekiidae), 26 genera, and 274 species. The genus Leptotrombidium had the most abundant species (109 species) of 26 genera. Of the six main vectors of scrub typhus in China, five of them were found in Yunnan. Of the 274 chigger mite species, 23 were determined as the newly recorded species (new records), which were found in Yunnan Province for the first time. The identified 274 species of trombiculid mites in the present paper are much more than those from other provinces in China and even largely exceeded the species of trombiculid mites recorded from some other regions and countries in the world. Based on the formula of Chao 1, the total number of chigger mite species in Yunnan was approximately estimated to be 346 species, and about 72 species might have been missed in our sampling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventy species of ticks are known from Australia: 14 soft ticks (family Argasidae) and 56 hard ticks (family Ixodidae). Sixteen of the 70 ticks in Australia may feed on humans and domestic animals (Barker and Walker 2014). The other 54 species of ticks in Australia feed only on wild mammals, reptiles and birds. At least 12 of the species of ticks in Australian also occur in Papua New Guinea. We use an image-matching system much like the image-matching systems of field guides to birds and flowers to identify Ixodes holocyclus (paralysis tick), Ixodes cornuatus (southern paralysis tick) and Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus ) australis (Australian cattle tick). Our species accounts have reviews of the literature on I. holocyclus (paralysis tick) from the first paper on the biology of an Australian tick by Bancroft (1884), on paralysis of dogs by I. holocyclus , to papers published recently, and of I. cornuatus (southern paralysis tick) and Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus ) australis (Australian cattle tick). We comment on four controversial questions in the evolutionary biology of ticks: (i) were labyrinthodont amphibians in Australia in the Devonian the first hosts of soft, hard and nuttalliellid ticks?; (ii) are the nuttalliellid ticks the sister-group to the hard ticks or the soft ticks?; (iii) is Nuttalliella namaqua the missing link between the soft and hard ticks?; and (iv) the evidence for a lineage of large bodied parasitiform mites (ticks plus the holothyrid mites plus the opiliocarid mites). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the first results of a study on the Scaptognathus (Acari: Halacaridae) mites from the Mediterranean Sea coast of Turkey. Two species, S. hallezi Trouessart, 1894 and S. sabularius André, 1961, are newly recorded from Turkey. They are briefly described with drawings, habitats, and worldwide distributions. Additionally, a checklist is provided for the marine halacarid species of Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lasioerythraeus saboorii Khanjani, Raisi & Izadi was described and illustrated based on larvae ectoparasitic on Aphis punicae (Passerini) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from Boshrouyeh, Ferdows city, South Khorasan Province, Iran. In this paper, additional specimens were collected on unknown species of Chloropidae (Diptera) as host from Mahvelat City, Khorasan Razavi Province and additional metric data are provided. A revised key to world larval species of Lasioerythraeus is presented. Chloropidae is reported as a new host for the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Mites of the family Syringophilidae (Acariformes: Cheyletoidea)—also called quill mites—are permanent and highly specialized ectoparasites of birds living inside the calamus of the various types of the feathers. In the present paper, we conducted a study focused on prevalence, host specificity, networks, and phylogeny of the syringophilid mites parasitizing on pigeon and doves (Columbiformes). We postulate that the Syringophilidae mites and Columbiformes bird system represent a model which can be used in a broader study of the relationship between hosts and parasites. The quill mites belonging to the family Syringophilidae (Acari: Prostigmata: Cheyletoidea) are obligate ectoparasites of birds. They inhabit different types of the quills, where they spend their whole life cycle. In this paper, we conducted a global study of syringophilid mites associated with columbiform birds. We examined 772 pigeon and dove individuals belonging to 112 species (35% world fauna) from all zoogeographical regions (except Madagascan) where Columbiformes occur. We measured the prevalence (IP) and the confidence interval (CI) for all infested host species. IP ranges between 4.2 and 66.7 (CI 0.2–100). We applied a bipartite analysis to determine host–parasite interaction, network indices, and host specificity on species and whole network levels. The Syringophilidae–Columbiformes network was composed of 25 mite species and 65 host species. The bipartite network was characterized by a high network level specialization H2′ = 0.93, high nestedness N = 0.908, connectance C = 0.90, and high modularity Q = 0.83, with 20 modules. Moreover, we reconstructed the phylogeny of the quill mites associated with columbiform birds on the generic level. Analysis shows two distinct clades: Meitingsunes + Psittaciphilus, and Peristerophila + Terratosyringophilus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we describe two new species belonging to the family Lohmanniidae: Mixacarus turialbaiensis sp. n. and Paulianacarus costaricensis sp. n. from Costa Rica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The common waxbill, Estrilda astrild (L., 1758) (Passeriformes: Estrildidae) is a small passerine bird native to Sub-Saharan Africa that has been introduced into several regions of the world. Results: In the present paper, eight mite species (Acariformes) are reported from this host from Brazil, including three species new to science: Montesauria caravela n. sp., M. conquistador n. sp. (Proctophyllodidae), Trouessartia transatlantica n. sp., T. minuscula Gaud & Mouchet, 1958, T. estrildae Gaud & Mouchet, 1958 (Trouessartiidae), Onychalges pachyspathus Gaud, 1968 (Pyroglyphidae), Paddacoptes paddae (Fain, 1964) (Dermationidae) and Neocheyletiella megaphallos (Lawrence, 1959) (Cheyletidae). Comparative material from Africa was also studied. Conclusions: These mites represent at least three morpho-ecological groups regarding their microhabitats occupied on the bird: (i) vane mites (Montesauria and Trouessartia on the large wing and tail feathers); (ii) down mites (Onychalges); and (iii) skin mites (Paddacoptes and Neocheyletiella). On one bird individual we found representatives of all eight mite species. Although the common waxbill was introduced to the Neotropical region almost two centuries ago, we demonstrate that it still retains its Old World acarofauna and has not yet acquired any representatives of typical Neotropical mite taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper constitutes the first ectoparasite faunal survey of bats for Marinduque Island, Philippines. From 1-12 June 2010, 150 bats belonging to 11 species were captured in 11 caves on the island. Each bat was sampled for ectoparasitic arthropods, and a total of 587 individuals representing 21 species, belonging to five families (Acari: Argasidae and Spinturnicidae; Diptera: Nycteribiidae and Streblidae; and Siphonaptera: Ischnopsyllidae) were collected. New host records (new host record) in the Philippines for Brachytarsina cucullata Jobling 1934, B. proxima Jobling 1951, B. werneri Jobling 1951, Raymondia pseudopagodarum Jobling 1951, Eucampsipoda philippinensis Ferris 1924, Nycteribia allotopa Speiser 1901, Nycteribia allotopoides Theodor 1963, Nycteribia parvuloides Theodor 1963, Ancystropus taprobanius (Turk 1950), and Carios batuensis Hirst 1929 were documented. A checklist of the ectoparasitic species known from the Philippines, their distribution, and bat host species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studied the species diversity and fauna distribution of chigger mites on small mammals in Yunnan province, southwest Yunnan. In total, 120,138 individuals of chigger mites were collected from 13,760 individual small mammals, and these mites were identified as comprising two families, 26 genera, and 274 species. Of the five zoogeographical subregions, the mite species diversity in subregions I and II was higher than that in subregions III, IV, and V. Four mite species ( Leptotrombidium scutellare, Leptotrombidium sinicum, Leptotrombidium deliense, and Helenicula simena) were the most dominant species in the whole province. Several vector species of chigger mites co-existed in Yunnan, and L. deliense (a main vector of scrub typhus in China) was mainly distributed in subregions IV and V with lower latitude and average altitude whereas L. scutellare (also a main vector in China) was mainly distributed in subregions I, II, and III with higher latitude and average altitude. Some geographically widely distributed mite species were also the mites with wide host ranges and low host specificity. The dominant mite species and their clustering tendency in the dendrogram of hierarchical clustering analysis were highly in accordance with the zoogeographical divisions. The species diversity of chigger mites showed a parabolic tendency from the low altitude (<500 m) to the high altitude (>3,500 m) along the vertical gradients and reached the highest value in the middle altitude regions in 2,000-2,500 m. The highest species diversity of the mites and their small mammal hosts happened in the regions around the Hengduan Mountains, which is a hotspot of biodiversity in Asia continent. The host and its sample size, geographical scope, landscape, topography, and some other factors comprehensively influence the species diversity and faunal distribution of chigger mites. A systematic field investigation with a wide geographical scope and large host sample is strongly recommended in the fauna study of chigger mites and other ectoparasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new plant-feeding mite species, Tetranychus solanacearum Çobanoğlu & Ueckermann sp. nov. (Acari: Tetranychidae), is described and illustrated. The samples were collected from various solanaceous plants (Solanaceae) [black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.), bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), spiny nightshade (Solanum rostratum Dunal), jimsonweed or datura (Datura stramonium L.), and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)] in Ankara Province, Turkey. A key to all species of the genus Tetranychus Dufour known to occur in Turkey is presented in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, four new species of the Eriophyidae are described and illustrated, namely Tetra banqiaoensis sp. nov. from Populus sp. (Salicaceae), Tetra virga sp. nov. from Rhododendron irroratum Franch. (Ericaceae), Tetra ampelopsis sp. nov. from Ampelopsis sp. (Vitaceae), Tetraspinus lucida sp. nov. from Ligustrum lucidum Ait. (Oleaceae). All are vagrants causing no apparent damage to their host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, one of a series on the oribatid mite fauna of Hòn Chông limestone hills, Vietnam, we describe two new species:Papillacarus whittenisp. nov. andBasilobelba maidililaesp. nov. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:22D621CC-84A6-4A8E-B95A-996B533FCEEB [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new species of the genus Tetra Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae: Phyllocoptinae) from China are described and illustrated. They are Tetra qingyuanensis sp. nov. on Lespedeza sp. (Fabaceae), Tetra phragmitesus sp. nov. on Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. (Poaceae), Tetra prunusis sp. nov. on Prunus sp. (Rosaceae), Tetra sojae sp. nov. on Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc. (Leguminosae) and Tetra vitexus sp. nov. on Vitex negundo var. cannabifolia (Sieb. et Zucc.) Hand.-Mazz . (Verbenaceae). All the new species described in this paper are vagrants on the lower surface of host plant leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haematophagous mites were collected from the vent region and plumage of chickens in six hobby flocks of ornamental breeds in Sweden, one of which included turkeys. Soiled vent skin and feathers, dermatitis, hyperkeratosis, skin necroses and ulcers were observed in 12 necropsied birds from two of the flocks. The mites were identified as the northern fowl mite Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae). This was supported by sequence analysis of a 642-bp region in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 ( COI) gene ( COI) in mites collected from five flocks, which showed 97-99% sequence similarity to O. sylviarum by blast analysis. Pairwise sequence comparisons revealed nucleotide variations in the range of 0-2.8%, whereas amino acid sequences were highly conserved. This paper represents one of very few records of O. sylviarum in European poultry, and is the first to report COI sequence data for O. sylviarum from poultry in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the presence of a malformation in an adult female specimen of Storchia robusta (Berlese) collected from Sansa Gorge, Turkey. In the species, local anomalies such as the number of aggenital, genital, and body setae have been previously reported; however, this is the first time atrophy in S. robusta has been recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Gamasid mites are a large group of arthropods and some of them are ectoparasites on the body surface of rodents and some other small mammals. Some species of ectoparasitic gamasid mites are associated with the transmission of some zoonotic diseases such as rickettsialpox and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Based on a 12-month consecutive investigation at Jingha village in southern Yunnan of China from April 2016 to March 2017, the present paper studied the infestation and seasonal fluctuation of gamasid mites on the Indochinese forest rat, Rattus andamanensis, the most dominant species of rodent at the investigated site. The temperature and rainfall are two key factors that influence the seasonal fluctuation of the mites. A 12-month consecutive investigation was made at Jingha village in southern Yunnan of southwest China from April 2016 to March 2017. A total of 2053 Indochinese forest rats (Rattus andamanensis Blyth, 1860) were captured and examined, which account for 84.69% (2053/2424) of all the animal hosts (rodents and other small mammals) at the investigation site. And 39.82% (13,531/33,980) of gamasid mites were identified from the body surface of R. andamanensis and they belong to 41 species, 10 genera, 3 subfamilies and 2 families. Of the 41 species of gamasid mites identified from R. andamanensis, Laelaps nuttalli Hirst, 1915 and Laelaps echidninus Berlese, 1887 were the most dominant with 70.63% and 20.67% of constituent ratios respectively. In monthly fluctuations of all the gamasid mites on R. andamanensis, the constituent ratio (Cr) and overall infestation mean abundance (MA) of the mites in 12 months showed two obvious peaks in January (winter season) and June (summer season). However, the two dominant mite species, L. nuttalli and L. echidninus, showed different patterns of seasonal fluctuations. Laelaps nuttalli occurred throughout the year, and its Cr and MA showed two prominent peaks in winter season (December and January) and summer season (June), which belongs to the summer-winter type of seasonal fluctuation. Laelaps echidninus also occurred on R. andamanensis throughout the year, but its Cr and MA showed only one peak in winter season (December and January), which belongs to the winter type of seasonal fluctuation. A negative correlation existed between two climatic factors (temperature and rainfall) and the infestations (Cr, prevalence PM and MA) of two dominant mite species (L. nuttalli and L. echidninus) on R. andamanensis (p < 0.05). Temperature and rainfall are considered to be two key factors that influence the seasonal fluctuations of the mites on the studied rat species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Several fungal species are well suited to control arthropods, being able to cause epizootic infection among them and most of them infect their host by direct penetration through the arthropod's tegument. Most of organisms are related to the biological control of crop pests, but, more recently, have been applied to combat some livestock ectoparasites. Among the entomopathogenic bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis, innocuous for humans, animals, and plants and isolated from different environments, showed the most relevant activity against arthropods. Its entomopathogenic property is related to the production of highly biodegradable proteins. Entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria are usually employed against agricultural pests, and some studies have focused on their use to control animal arthropods. However, risks of infections in animals and humans are possible; thus, further studies about their activity are necessary. The present study aimed to review the papers dealing with the biological activity of fungi and bacteria against some mites and ticks of veterinary interest. In particular, the attention was turned to the research regarding acarid species, Dermanyssus gallinae and Psoroptes sp., which are the cause of severe threat in farm animals and, regarding ticks, also pets. Their impact on animal and human health has been stressed, examining the weaknesses and strengths of conventional treatments. Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are the most widely employed agents. Their activities have been reviewed, considering the feasibility of an in-field application and the effectiveness of the administration alone or combined with conventional and alternative drugs is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was made in 2013 - 2014, in Trascău Mountains, situated in the south-eastern part of the Apuseni Mountains (Western Carpathians), in their southern limit, represented by the Ampoi valley. In order to determine the mite diversity, 300 soil samples were investigated from twelve grassland ecosystems, taking into account the pollution level source (an old chimney plant, which provided heavy metals pollutants: As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Mn, Ni). The altitude of grasslands varied from 464 m to 958 m, and the distance from pollution source from 975 m to 3200 m. In total, 4447 individuals were counted, belonging to the following mite orders: Trombidiformes (5.42 %), Sarcoptiformes (72.65 %) and Mesostigmata (21.92 %). In order to assess the diversity aspects of edaphically mites, a comparative analyse was made between the natural and anthropogenic ecosystems. The highest mite diversity was recorded in natural area (grassland G12 - on 3146.52 m distance from pollution source), with 639 individuals, belonging to the 14 mite families and Shannon_H index by 1.412. On the opposite is grassland G9 (on 1311.65 m distance from pollution source), with 253 individuals from 8 families and Shannon_H index by 0.573. Dominant mites were oribatids, decomposers of the organic matter, followed by the mesostigmatids (mostly represented by Ascidae, Laelapidae and Rhodacaridae families, which are predators). The similarity of mite presence and composition was assessed using Jaccard and respectively Bray-Curtis dendrograms. Evidence from Shannon evenness, Shannon-Weaver diversity and Simpson dominance indexes indicate that in the areas with a low taxa diversity, there is a dominance of few species with individuals unequally distributed between plots. Each investigated grassland ecosystems were characterized by characteristically mite diversity. This study represents a valuable argument for using the soil mite fauna as bioindicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]