Oribatid Mites (Oribatei) in Bird Feathers: Passeriformes

Abstract
The authors establish the fact of distribution of oribatid mites by birds earlier unknown from the literature. More than 1,222 individuals of 150 species of birds of different ecological groups were surveyed. 146 species of live oribatid mites were collected in bird feathers. Some oribatid mite species constantly live in bird feathers. The authors assume, that they eat not particles of bird skin, but fungi, which live on bird feathers and skin, as all oribates are micophagous.

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