Feather mites

A general term for mites of the superfamilies Analgoidea and Freyanoidea (Pterolichoidea and Freyanoidea), order Acarina, class Arthropoda, order Acarina. They are parasites of birds, and live lifelong attached mainly to feathers. There are mites adapted to the different shapes and functions of feathers on each part of the bird's body, and many of them have unusual forms. In addition, there are many specific types of mites that parasitize different bird species and genera, so this group of mites serves as indicators of the phylogenetic relationship of their hosts. Although they are parasites, they do not suck body fluids, but feed on feathers and skin debris, so they do little harm to their hosts. They have little impact on humans, but dead mites may remain in finished feathers, which can cause anxiety if touched directly by the eye, and can also become food for other harmful arthropods.

[Kimito Uchikawa]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

節足動物門クモ形綱ダニ目ウモウダニ上科Analgoideaほか2上科（Pterolichoidea、Freyanoidea）のダニ類の総称。鳥類の寄生虫で、主として羽毛に終生付着して生活する。鳥体各部の形状と機能を異にする羽毛のそれぞれに適応したダニがあり、その形態には珍奇なものが少なくない。また、鳥類の種や属によって寄生するダニ類も特異的な種類が多いため、この群のダニ類は宿主の系統関係を示す指標生物となる。寄生虫でありながら体液は吸わず、羽や皮膚の落ちくずを食べるため、宿主をほとんど加害しない。ヒトへの影響も少ないが、製品となった羽毛にダニの死骸(しがい)が残っていて、直接目に触れて不安感を与えたり、ほかの有害な節足動物の餌(えさ)となることがある。

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