Psoroptes (genus)
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Psoroptes Gervais, 1841
This is the most important genus of the family Psoroptidae. Like the other genera in this family, the species are skin parasites of mammals. They cause skin irritations and hair loss by scraping the skin of their host, resulting in a disease called psoroptic mange. The mites spent their whole life cycle on one host. They spread to a new host during contacts between the animals or when these brush contaminated structures like posts and walls.
The correct names for the species in this genus has been and still is subject to extensive discussions and different opinions among taxonomists. Especially whether the names Psoroptes ovis and Psoroptes equi refer to one or two species and if both names are synonyms which one should have priority. Some also concluded that the genus contains only one single species.
Currently, the following species have been entered into the system:
