Host-Parasite Relationships of Quill Mites (Syringophilidae) and Parrots (Psittaciformes)

The family Syringophilidae (Acari: Prostigmata) includes obligatory ectoparasites, which occupy feather quills from various parts of avian plumage, where they feed and reproduce. Our study was concerned with the global fauna syringophilid mites associated Psittaciformes, as well host-parasite specificity evolution. We assumed that system composed quill parrots represents a model group can be used in broader relationships between parasites hosts. In total, we examined 1524 host individuals belonging to 195 species, 73 genera, 4 families (which constitute ca. 50% parrot fauna) all zoogeographical regions Psittaciformes occur. Among them, 89 representing 81 species have been infested by 45 8 genera. prevalence infestations varied 2.8% 100% (95% confidence interval (CI Sterne method) = 0.1–100). applied bipartite analysis determine parasite-host interaction, network indices, at whole levels. Syringophilidae-Psittaciformes 24 mite 47 species. characterized high level specialization H2′ 0.98, connectance C 0.89, modularity Q 0.90, 23 modules, but low nestedness N 0.0333. Moreover, reconstructed phylogeny on generic level, this shows two distinct clades: Psittaciphilus (Peristerophila + Terratosyringophilus) (among Syringophilinae subfamily) Lawrencipicobia (Pipicobia Rafapicobia) Picobiinae). Finally, distributions are discussed.