New records of feather mites (Acariformes: Astigmata) from non-passerine birds (Aves) in Brazil

Abstract

We present the results of our investigation of feather mites (Astigmata) associated with non-passerine birds in Brazil. The studied birds were obtained from roadkills, airport accidents, and from capitivity. Most ectoparasites were collected from bird specimens by washing. A total of 51 non-passerine species from 20 families and 15 orders were examined. Of them, 24 species were assessed for feather mites for the first time. In addition, 10 host associations are recorded for the first time in Brazil. A total of 101 feather mite species were recorded, with 26 of them identified to the species level and 75 likely representing undescribed species; among the latter samples, five probably represent new genera. These records allowed the first inference about the host and mite association of many species, as well as the first discussion about the geographical distribution of some feather mite taxa along the host distribution.