Knemidokoptes Explained

Knemidokoptes is a genus of parasitic mites in the family Epidermoptidae that infect the skin or feather follicles of birds, especially gallinaceous birds (chickens, pheasants, and relatives) as well as parakeets and canaries.^{[1] [2]} Infection commonly causes scaly lesions to form at the face or feet, which is known as knemidocoptiasis.

It was formerly placed in the family Knemidokoptidae, which is now treated as a subfamily with 15 species grouped in six genera.^[3]

Species

• Knemidokoptes mutans - also known as the scaly leg mite
• Knemidokoptes pilae - scaly face mite

Notes and References

1. Book: Mullen. Gary. Durden. Lance. Medical and veterinary entomology. 2002. Academic Press/Elsevier. San Diego, Calif.. 9780080536071. 485–486.
2. Book: Bowman. Dwight D.. Georgis' parasitology for veterinarians.. 2009. Saunders/Elsevier. St. Louis, Mo.. 978-1416044123. 67. 9th.
3. Dabert . J . Mihalca . AD . Sándor . AD . The first report of Knemidocoptes intermedius Fain et Macfarlane, 1967 (Acari: Astigmata) in naturally infected European birds . Parasitol. Res. . 2011 . 109 . 237–240 . 237–240 . 10.1007/s00436-011-2390-8 . 21503637 . 20928414 .