Bird parasitology and diseasesStudy of Mite SpeciesParasite Biology and Host Interactions

I. Constantinescu, G. Chișamera, R. Motoc, D. Gustafsson, Fasheng Zou, Zhengzhen Wang, A. Grossi, Wenyi Zhou, C. Adam

2026.6.12ACAROLOGIA

DOI: 10.24349/o3um-ba5t

Abstract

Two new species of feather mites are described from passerine birds in southern China: Dolichodectes foliaceus sp. n. (Proctophyllodidae: Pterodectinae) from the Mountain Bulbul, Ixos mcclellandii (Horsfield, 1940) (Pycnonotidae), and Trouessartia durascutata sp. n. (Trouessartiidae) the latter from the Red-tailed Laughingthrush, Trochalopteron milnei David, 1874 (Leiothrichidae). The new Dolichodectes species represents the first member of this genus described from a host in the family Pycnonotidae. Males of Dolichodectes foliaceus sp. n. possess a distinct morphological character that clearly differentiates it from most of known species of the genus: the pseudanal setae ps3 are positioned laterally to the adanal suckers resulting in the arrangement of setae g and ps3 in a tall trapezoid, rather than a rectangle. The unique features of males of Dolichodectes foliaceus sp. n. readily distinguishing it from other species are the shape of the opisthosomal lobes having concave posterior margins and the shape of terminal setae h3 resembling linden leaves. Trouessartia durascutata sp. n. has dorsal shields with heavily sclerotized margins in both sexes and morphologically is most similar to T. asiatica Constantinescu, 2023 described from the Rusty-capped Fulvetta, Schoeniparus dubius (Pellorneidae). Males of T. durascutata sp. n. are distinguished from T. asiatica in having setae g filiform and situated on the postgenital plaque, the adanal apodemes with apophyses, the terminal lamellae with lateral and posterior margins denticulate, and legs IV with ambulacral discs extending beyond the apices of terminal lamellae. Females of the new species are characterized by very short external copulatory tube and the collar spermatheca with a fringe of denticles.

Citation format

CONSTANTINESCU, I., et al. Two new species of feather mites (acarina: Analgoidea) from passerines (passeriformes) in southern China. ACAROLOGIA, 2026, 66(2): 552–578.