Host-parasite relationships of acariform mites (Acariformes), permanent parasites of mammals

This chapter concerns acariform mites permanently parasitizing mammals. This large ecological group, including several phylogenetically distant lines, consists of about 2000 species belonging to more than 250 genera of 20 families. Among them 16 families are represented by exclusively permanent parasites of mammals. The general external morphology of parasitic acariform mites permanently associated with mammals is described. The use of various parasitological terms and definitions in this context is briefly discussed. The morpho-ecological types of these mites in relation to their localization on the host body (skin mites, skin burrowing mites, fur-mites, intradermal mites, respiratory and interstitial mites) are characterized. Reconstructions of the origin and the evolution of “parasitic” morphoecotypes and different ways of colonization of various microbiotopes on the host body are proposed. Distribution of parasitic acariform mites among mammalian orders is considered and coevolutionary relationships of most their families with the respective hosts are analyzed. Several phenomena associated with permanent parasitism of acariform mites are discussed: synhospitality, host specificity, and male precopulatory guarding behavior. A separate subchapter concerns acariform mites of a great medical and veterinary importance.