Dermanyssidae

Mesostigmata • Arachnida (parasites/med.) • veterinary/medical pests • pests-diseases-weeds

Dermanyssus gallinae (click on image to enlarge it)
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Dermanyssidae

The family of Dermanyssidae contains around 50 species of mites which are ectoparasites of vertebrates like birds or mammals, including humans. The mites can cause dermatitis and transmit diseases. The family includes several important pests like the chicken mite, Dermanyssus gallinae. The family is characterized by the structure of the chelicerae which are elongated and have reduced chelae. This structure is apparently an adaptation to their blood-feeding activity.

The following genera and species are currently entered under this family:

• Dermanyssus (genus)