Checklist of the parasitic nasal mites of birds in Brazil

Abstract

The diversity of avian nasal mites has been incompletely studied in South America and most reports have been made on the fauna of Brazil, especially from the 1940s to 1970s. Recently, the development of new research has contributed records of species not previously reported in the country. As a result, a compilation of records of nasal mites (Astigmata: Cytoditidae, Turbinoptidae; Prostigmata: Ereynetidae; Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae) of birds in Brazil is presented. One hundred and twenty-four species of nasal mites were recorded parasitizing 168 bird species. The Rhinonyssidae was the family with the highest number of mites reported (108 species). Most nasal mite hosts in Brazil are native birds, however, mites have also been reported parasitizing captive exotic birds, as well as introduced species and domesticated birds.