Almanac of Alberta Acari Part II, Version 3.0

Abstract

This is a compendium of the mites (Arthropoda: Arachnida: Acari) known from the Province of Alberta in August 2021, except for the Oribatida >300 μm in length which are documented in Part I. Our primary goals are to provide a record of Alberta’s mite fauna and to provide identification tools (images, keys, diagnoses) to facilitate the identification of these mites by students and researchers. Please contact Lisa Lumley if you find errors or missing information, or if you have suggestions to make this document more user friendly.

Full text

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Part II – the other Alberta Acari
Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 9
Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................. 10
Key to Superorders & Orders of Mites in Alberta ............................................................ 11
Superorder Acariformes Zachvatkin, 1952 ........................................................................ 13
Order Sarcoptiformes Reuter, 1909 ..................................................................................... 13
Suborder Oribatida van der Hammen, 1968 ...................................................................... 13
Infraorder Palaeosomata Grandjean, 1969 ........................................................................ 13
Superfamily Ctenacaroidea Grandjean, 1954 ................................................................ 13
Aphelacaridae Grandjean, 1954 .................................................................................... 13
Superfamily Palaeacaroidea Grandjean, 1932 .............................................................. 13
Palaeacaridae Grandjean, 1932 .................................................................................... 13
Key species of Palaeacarus in North America ........................................................................... 13
Infraorder Enarthronota Grandjean, 1947 .......................................................................... 14
Superfamily Atopochthonioidea Grandjean, 1949 ....................................................... 14
Atopochthoniidae Grandjean, 1949 ............................................................................. 14
Pterochthoniidae Grandjean, 1950............................................................................... 15
Superfamily Protoplophoroidea Ewing, 1917 ............................................................... 16
Haplochthoniidae van der Hammen, 1959 ................................................................. 16
Sphaerochthoniidae Grandjean, 1947 ......................................................................... 16
Superfamily Brachychthonioidea Thor, 1934 ................................................................ 17
Brachychthoniidae Thor, 1934 ...................................................................................... 17
Infraorder Desmonomata Woolley, 1973 ............................................................................ 26
Superfamily Ameroidea Bulanova-Zachvatkina, 1957 ................................................ 26
Caleremaeidae Grandjean, 1965 ................................................................................... 26
Damaeolidae Grandjean, 1965 ...................................................................................... 27
Superfamily Oppioidea Sellnick, 1937 ............................................................................ 28
Key to the subfamilies and genera of Oppiidae of North America ......................................... 28
Oppiidae Sellnick, 1937 ................................................................................................... 31
Quadroppiidae Balogh, 1983 ......................................................................................... 40
Suctobelbidae Jacot, 1938 ............................................................................................. 41
Superfamily Plateremaeoidea Trägårdh, 1926 .............................................................. 49
Licnodamaeidae Grandjean, 1954 ................................................................................ 49
Hyporder Astigmata (Astigmatina) Canestrini, 1891....................................................... 50
Acaridia ................................................................................................................................... 50
Superfamily Acaroidea Latreille, 1802 ............................................................................ 50
Acaridae Latreille, 1802 ................................................................................................... 50
Lardoglyphidae Oudemans, 1927................................................................................. 53
Suidasiidae Hughes, 1948 .............................................................................................. 53
Superfamily Glycyphagoidea Berlese, 1897 .................................................................. 53
Glycyphagidae Berlese, 1897 ........................................................................................ 53
Superfamily Hemisarcoptoidea Oudemans, 1904 ........................................................ 55
Algophagidae Fain, 1974 ................................................................................................ 55
Carpoglyphidae Fain, 1974............................................................................................. 55
Chaetodactylidae Zachvatkin, 1941 ............................................................................. 55
Hemisarcoptidae Oudemans, 1908 .............................................................................. 55

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Winterschmidtiidae Oudemans, 1923 ......................................................................... 56
Superfamily Histiostomatoidea Berlese, 1897 .............................................................. 57
Histiostomatidae Berlese, 1897 .................................................................................... 57
Psoroptidia ............................................................................................................................. 58
Superfamily Analgoidea Trouessart & Mégnin, 1884 .................................................. 58
Alloptidae Gaud, 1957 ..................................................................................................... 58
Analgidae Trouessart & Mégnin, 1884 ........................................................................ 59
Avenzoariidae Oudemans, 1905 ................................................................................... 61
Dermationidae Fain, 1965 ............................................................................................... 62
Dermoglyphidae Mégnin & Trouessart, 1884 ............................................................ 63
Epidermoptidae Trouessart, 1892 ................................................................................ 63
Proctophyllodidae Mégnin & Trouessart, 1884 ........................................................ 64
Pteronyssidae Oudemans, 1941 ................................................................................... 66
Psoroptoididae Gaud, 1983 ............................................................................................ 67
Trouessartiidae Gaud, 1957 ........................................................................................... 67
Pyroglyphidae Cunliffe, 1958......................................................................................... 67
Turbinoptidae Fain, 1957 ................................................................................................ 68
Xolalgidae Dubinin, 1953 ................................................................................................ 68
Superfamily Pterolichoidea Trouessart & Mégnin, 1884 ............................................ 69
Freyanidae Dubinin, 1953 ............................................................................................... 69
Gabuciniidae Gaud & Atyeo, 1975 ............................................................................... 70
Kramerellidae Gaud & Mouchet, 1961 ......................................................................... 70
Pterolichidae Trouessart & Mégnin, 1884 .................................................................. 70
Ptiloxenidae Gaud, 1982 ................................................................................................. 71
Superfamily Sarcoptoidea Murray, 1877 ........................................................................ 72
Myocoptidae Gunther, 1942 ........................................................................................... 72
Psoroptidae G. Canestrini, 1892 ................................................................................... 72
Sarcoptidae Murray, 1877 ............................................................................................... 72
Suborder Endeostigmata ........................................................................................................ 73
Unplaced families ................................................................................................................. 73
Alicorhagiidae Grandjean, 1939 .................................................................................... 73
Alycidae G. Canestrini & Fanzago, 1877 .................................................................... 73
Nanorchestidae Grandjean, 1937 ................................................................................. 74
Oehserchestidae Kethley, 1977 .................................................................................... 75
Terpnacaridae Grandjean, 1939 .................................................................................... 75
Superfamily Eriophyoidea .................................................................................................. 75
Eriophyidae Nalepa, 1898 ............................................................................................... 75
Phytoptidae Murray, 1877 ............................................................................................... 78
Order Trombidiformes ............................................................................................................. 79
Suborder Sphaerolichida ........................................................................................................ 79
Superfamily Lordalycoidea Grandjean, 1939 ................................................................ 79
Lordalycidae Grandjean, 1939 ...................................................................................... 79
Suborder Prostigmata ............................................................................................................. 79
Infraorder Eupodina ................................................................................................................. 79
Superfamily Bdelloidea Dugès, 1834............................................................................... 79
Bdellidae Dugès, 1834 ..................................................................................................... 79

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Cunaxidae Thor, 1902 ...................................................................................................... 80
Key to the genera of cunaxid mites in Alberta (adults)............................................................ 80
Key to the species of Bonzia in Alberta (adults) ....................................................................... 84
Superfamily Halacaroidea .................................................................................................. 85
Halacaridae Murray, 1877 ............................................................................................... 85
Superfamily Eupodoidea .................................................................................................... 86
Eupodidae CL Koch, 1842 .............................................................................................. 86
Penthaleidae Oudemans, 1931 ...................................................................................... 86
Penthalodidae Thor, 1932 ............................................................................................... 87
Rhagidiidae Oudemans, 1922 ........................................................................................ 87
Strandtmanniidae Zacharda, 1979 ............................................................................... 89
Superfamily Tydeoidea ....................................................................................................... 89
Ereynetidae Oudemans, 1931 ........................................................................................ 89
Triophtydeidae André, 1979 ........................................................................................... 89
Tydeidae Kramer, 1877 .................................................................................................... 90
Infraorder Anystina .................................................................................................................. 91
Superfamily Anystoidea Oudemans, 1902 ..................................................................... 91
Anystidae Oudemans, 1936 ........................................................................................... 91
Erythracaridae Oudemans, 1936 .................................................................................. 91
Superfamily Caeculoidea Berlese, 1883 ......................................................................... 91
Caeculidae Berlese, 1883 ............................................................................................... 91
Superfamily Paratydeoidea Baker, 1949 ........................................................................ 92
Paratydeidae Baker, 1949 ............................................................................................... 92
Hyporder Parasitengona (Parasitengonina) ...................................................................... 92
Parvorder Erythraeina ............................................................................................................. 92
Superfamily Calyptostomatoidea ..................................................................................... 92
Calyptostomatidae Oudemans, 1923........................................................................... 92
Superfamily Erythraeoidea ................................................................................................ 92
Erythraeidae Robineau-Desvoidy, 1828 ..................................................................... 92
Parvorder Trombidiina ............................................................................................................ 93
Superfamily Trombiculoidea ............................................................................................. 93
Johnstonianidae Thor, 1935 .......................................................................................... 93
Trombiculidae Ewing, 1929 ............................................................................................ 93
Superfamily Trombidioidea ................................................................................................ 94
Microtrombidiidae Thor, 1935 ....................................................................................... 94
Parvorder Stygothrombiina ................................................................................................... 95
Superfamily Stygothrombioidea ....................................................................................... 95
Stygothrombiidae Thor, 1935 ........................................................................................ 95
Parvorder Hydrachnidia (Hydracarina, Hydrachnidiae) – Water Mites ...................... 95
Superfamily Arrenuroidea .................................................................................................. 95
Acalyptonotidae Walter, 1911 ........................................................................................ 95
Arrenuridae Thor, 1900 ................................................................................................... 95
Athienemanniidae Viets, 1922 ....................................................................................... 97
Chappuisididae Motas & Tanasachi, 1946 ................................................................. 97
Krendowskiidae Viets, 1926 ........................................................................................... 97
Laversiidae Cook, 1955 ................................................................................................... 97

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Mideidae Thor, 1911 ......................................................................................................... 97
Mideopsidae Koenike, 1910 ........................................................................................... 97
Momoniidae Viets, 1926 .................................................................................................. 97
Nudomideopsidae............................................................................................................. 97
Superfamily Eylaoidea......................................................................................................... 98
Eylaidae Leach, 1815 ....................................................................................................... 98
Limnocharidae ................................................................................................................... 98
Superfamily Hydrovolzioidea ............................................................................................ 98
Hydrovolziidae Thor, 1905 .............................................................................................. 98
Superfamily Hydrachnoidea .............................................................................................. 98
Hydrachnidae Leach, 1815 ............................................................................................. 98
Superfamily Hydryphantoidea ........................................................................................... 99
Hydryphantidae Piersig, 1896 ....................................................................................... 99
Hydrodromidae Viets, 1936 ............................................................................................ 99
Superfamily Hygrobatoidea ............................................................................................. 100
Aturidae Thor, 1930 ........................................................................................................ 100
Feltriidae Viets, 1926 ...................................................................................................... 100
Hygrobatidae CL Koch, 1842 ....................................................................................... 100
Limnesiidae Thor, 1930 ................................................................................................. 101
Pionidae Thor, 1930 ....................................................................................................... 101
Unionicolidae Oudemans, 1909 .................................................................................. 102
Wettinidae Cook, 1956 ................................................................................................... 103
Superfamily Lebertioidea ................................................................................................. 103
Anisitsiellidae Koenike, 1910....................................................................................... 103
Lebertiidae Thor, 1900 ................................................................................................... 103
Oxidae Viets, 1926 .......................................................................................................... 103
Sperchontidae Thor, 1900 ............................................................................................ 103
Teutoniidae Koenike, 1910 (= Teutonidae) .............................................................. 103
Torrenticolidae Piersig, 1902 ....................................................................................... 103
Infraorder Eleutherengona ................................................................................................... 104
Hyporder Raphignathina....................................................................................................... 104
Superfamily Cheyletoidea ................................................................................................ 104
Cheyletidae Leach, 1815 ............................................................................................... 104
Demodecidae Nicolet, 1855 .......................................................................................... 105
Harpirhynchidae Dubinin, 1957................................................................................... 105
Psorergatidae Dubinin, 1955 ....................................................................................... 105
Syringophilidae Lavoipierre, 1953 ............................................................................. 105
Superfamily Myobioidea ................................................................................................... 106
Myobiidae Mégnin, 1877 ............................................................................................... 106
Superfamily Raphignathoidea ......................................................................................... 106
Key to Albertan Raphignathoidea ...................................................................................... 106
Raphignathidae Kramer, 1877 ..................................................................................... 107
Barbutiidae Robaux, 1975 ............................................................................................ 107
Camerobiidae Southcott, 1957 .................................................................................... 107
Caligonellidae Grandjean, 1944 .................................................................................. 107
Cryptognathidae Oudemans, 1902............................................................................. 108

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Dasythyreidae Walter & Gerson, 1998 ...................................................................... 108
Eupalopsellidae Willmann, 1952 ................................................................................. 108
Homocaligidae Wood, 1969 ......................................................................................... 108
Stigmaeidae Oudemans, 1931 ..................................................................................... 109
Superfamily Tetranychoidea ............................................................................................ 110
Linotetranidae Baker & Pritchard, 1953 .................................................................... 110
Tenuipalpidae Berlese, 1913 ........................................................................................ 110
Tetranychidae Donnadieu, 1876 ................................................................................. 111
Tuckerellidae Baker & Pritchard, 1953 ...................................................................... 112
Hyporder Heterostigmata (Heterostigmatina) ................................................................. 113
Superfamily Pyemotoidea ................................................................................................ 113
Acarophenacidae Cross, 1965 .................................................................................... 113
Pyemotidae Oudemans, 1937 ...................................................................................... 113
Superfamily Pygmephoroidea ......................................................................................... 113
Key to Pygmephoroidea (+Scutacaroidea) in or near Alberta based on adult
females ...................................................................................................................................... 114
Pygmephoridae Cross, 1965 (sensu Khaustov & Ermilov 2011) ....................... 115
Microdispidae Cross, 1965 ........................................................................................... 116
Neopygmephoridae Cross, 1965 (sensu Khaustov & Ermilov 2011) ................ 116
Scutacaridae Oudemans, 1916 ................................................................................... 117
Key to Genera of Scutacaroidea in or near Alberta based on adult females ......... 118
Superfamily Trochometridioidea .................................................................................... 119
Trochometridiidae .......................................................................................................... 119
Superfamily Tarsonemoidea ............................................................................................ 119
Podapolipidae Ewing, 1922 .......................................................................................... 119
Tarsonemidae Kramer, 1877 ........................................................................................ 119
Superorder Parasitiformes ................................................................................................... 121
Order Ixodida Leach, 1815 ................................................................................................... 121
Superfamily Ixodoidea ....................................................................................................... 121
Key to Tick Families in Alberta ........................................................................................... 121
Key to Adults of Genera of Hard Ticks (Ixodidae) in Alberta ...................................... 122
Ixodidae Dugès, 1834..................................................................................................... 124
Key to Species of Dermacentor in or near Alberta ........................................................ 124
Key to Species of Haemaphysalis in Alberta .................................................................. 127
Key to Sexes of Ixodes in Alberta ...................................................................................... 127
Argasidae CL Koch, 1844 ............................................................................................. 128
Order Mesostigmata G. Canestrini, 1891 ......................................................................... 129
Suborder Sejida ....................................................................................................................... 129
Superfamily Sejoidea ......................................................................................................... 129
Sejidae Berlese, 1913 .................................................................................................... 129
Suborder Trigynaspida ......................................................................................................... 130
Cohort Antennophorina ........................................................................................................ 130
Superfamily Antennophoroidea ...................................................................................... 130
Antennophoridae Berlese, 1892 ................................................................................. 130
Suborder Monogynaspida .................................................................................................... 130
Infraorder Uropodina ............................................................................................................. 130

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Superfamily Microgynioidea ............................................................................................ 130
Microgyniidae Trägårdh, 1942 ..................................................................................... 130
Superfamily Uropodoidea ................................................................................................. 131
Trachytidae Trägårdh, 1943 ......................................................................................... 131
Dinychidae Vitzthum, 1931 ........................................................................................... 131
Oplitidae Johnston, 1968 .............................................................................................. 132
Trachyuropodidae Berlese, 1917 ................................................................................ 132
Trematuridae Berlese, 1917 ......................................................................................... 132
Urodinychidae Berlese, 1917 ....................................................................................... 133
Uropodidae Berlese, 1917 ............................................................................................ 133
Infraorder Gamasina .............................................................................................................. 133
Hyporder Arctacarina ............................................................................................................ 133
Superfamily Arctacaroidea............................................................................................... 133
Arctacaridae Evans, 1955 ............................................................................................. 133
Hyporder Epicriina ................................................................................................................. 134
Superfamily Zerconoidea ................................................................................................. 134
Zerconidae Berlese, 1892 ............................................................................................. 134
Hyporder Parasitina ............................................................................................................... 135
Superfamily Parasitoidea ................................................................................................. 135
Parasitidae Oudemans, 1901 ....................................................................................... 135
Hyporder Dermanyssina ....................................................................................................... 137
Superfamily Veigaioidea ................................................................................................... 137
Veigaiidae Oudemans, 1939......................................................................................... 137
Superfamily Rhodacaroidea ............................................................................................ 137
Digamasellidae Evans, 1957 ........................................................................................ 137
Halolaelapidae Karg, 1965 ............................................................................................ 138
Ologamasidae Ryke, 1962 ............................................................................................ 139
Rhodacaridae Oudemans, 1902 .................................................................................. 139
Superfamily Ascoidea ....................................................................................................... 139
Ameroseiidae Evans, 1961 ........................................................................................... 139
Ascidae Voigts & Oudemans, 1905 ............................................................................ 140
Melicharidae Hirschmann, 1962 .................................................................................. 143
Superfamily Phytoseioidea .............................................................................................. 144
Blattisociidae Garman, 1948 ........................................................................................ 144
Phytoseiidae Berlese, 1916 .......................................................................................... 145
Superfamily Eviphidoidea ................................................................................................ 147
Eviphididae Berlese, 1913 ............................................................................................ 147
Macrochelidae Vitzthum, 1930 .................................................................................... 148
Pachylaelapidae Berlese, 1913 ................................................................................... 149
Superfamily Dermanyssoidea ......................................................................................... 149
Dermanyssidae Kolenati, 1859 .................................................................................... 149
Halarachnidae Oudemans, 1906 ................................................................................. 150
Laelapidae Berlese, 1892 .............................................................................................. 150
Macronyssidae Oudemans, 1936................................................................................ 152
Rhinonyssidae Trouessart, 1895 ................................................................................ 152
Spinturnicidae Oudemans, 1902................................................................................. 154

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Varroidae Delfinado & Baker, 1974 ............................................................................ 154
Glossary of Acarological Terms ......................................................................................... 155
References ................................................................................................................................ 183

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Introduction
This is the second volume in the ongoing Almanac Series on the Acari of Alberta. Part I is
devoted to the oribatid mites (species over 0.3 mm in length) used as bioindicators by the Alberta
Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI). This volume, Part II, is devoted to the rest of the Acari
known from Alberta. Included are the rest of the Superorder Acariformes: the smaller Oribatida
(< 0.3 mm in length) and Astigmatina (Astigmata); members of the sarcoptiform suborder
Endeostigmata and the trombidiform suborders Sphaerolichida and Prostigmata. Finally, the
members of the Superorder Parasitiformes (Orders Ixodida, Mesostigmata) are listed. In total in
both Almanacs there are records for about 1375 species, although many are unidentified species
or spp. Also to be found here is a Glossary of Acarological Terms and references appropriate to
both parts of the Almanac.
The smaller oribatid mites in Part II are listed in a format similar to Part I, but abbreviated,
and in phylogenetic sequence (see Krantz & Walter 2009) by Infraorder through family, but
alphabetically for genus and species under family. Keys will be added as they are developed.
DOC distribution information is from the Diversity of Oribatida in Canada website and the
Checklist of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) of Canada and Alaska (Behan-Pelletier &
Lindo 2019). The remainder of the Acari are presented in various summary formats, often simply
as lists of species with collection data under a family, and when possible a paragraph about the
ecology of the mites and one about diagnostic features. Species level data is not always available,
and so some records are at other taxonomic levels including genus, family or superfamily.
Naming protocols of unidentified species follow those in Part I (i.e. sp. 1-x, A-Z followed by
the initials of the identifier; cf for questionable identifications; s.l. for probable species
complexes) and may include additional qualifiers such as ‘sp. nr.’ (species near) or ‘n. sp.’ (new
species). ? in front of the species name means possible occurrence in Alberta is given in the
literature but with no specimen record. Most often, these identifications were based on plant
symptoms, such as gall type, rather than identification of the mite responsible for these
symptoms. Further explanation is given with each species. If an identification is not credited to
another or supported by a literature citation, then the identification is by David Walter (DEW).
Since we are trying to provide a list of all Alberta Acari, but cannot be considered specialists on
all groups, the reader should use their own judgement if an identification seems doubtful. Please
feel free to request images or specimens if you are revising a group (David Walter:
dwalter@usc.edu.au or Lisa Lumley: llumley@ualberta.ca). If you are aware of any publications
or records that have been missed, or of new publications with Alberta records that could be added
to the next version, please contact llumley@ualberta.ca. Additionally, the reader should
remember that taxonomic concepts can vary among specialists and are subject to change.
Version 3.0
This version is updated to include numerous new records, collection information, and
ecological data from the following publications: Berg & Pawluk 1984; McLean & Parkinson
1998; Smith & Cook 1998; Kontschán et al. 2010; Bartsch 2011; Knee et al. 2012a,b; Byers &
Proctor 2013; Cameron et al. 2013; Newton 2013; Newton & Proctor 2013; Beaulieu & Knee
2014; Galloway et al. 2014; Sikora 2014; Lindquist et al. 2016; Fisher et al. 2017; Knee 2017;
Meehan & Turnbull 2017; Ondrejicka et al. 2017; Goater et al. 2018; Knee & Proctor, 2018;
Meehan 2018; Meehan et al. 2018; Meehan et al. 2019; Young et al. 2019; Bernard et al. 2020;

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Lysyk et al. 2021 as well as new unpublished aquatic mite records from Professor Heather
Proctor. A key to the genera of Cunaxidae has been added. DOC distribution information has
been updated to include records in Behan-Pelletier & Lindo 2019. Classification changes were
made to follow Beaulieu et al. 2019 and Behan-Pelleter & Lindo 2019.
Version 2.1
This version of Part II includes significant additions to the known acarine fauna of Alberta
and several new keys including illustrated keys to the families and genera of Alberta ticks and to
species of Dermacentor (Rocky Mountain Wood Tick, Winter Tick, American Dog tick) and
Haemaphysalis.
Acknowledgements
The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI), Friends of the Royal Alberta Museum
(FRAMS), and Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) have supported our work on mite diversity and
taxonomy for which we are grateful. Given the caveats above, and accepting responsibility for
any errors, we would like to thank Sarah Latonas for the line drawings within the Ixodida and
Cunaxidae sections, and the following contributors of specimens, identifications or records of
Alberta mites. At the University of Alberta, Professor Heather Proctor (HCP) provided the data
on feather mites, water mites, and most of the terrestrial Parasitengonina identifications;
Professors Felix Sperling (FAHS) and Bill Samuel and their student Winnie Lam provided much
of the information on ticks; Professor Maya Evenden and her student Boyd Mori provided mites
associated with Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae). At the University of Calgary,
Professor Mary Reid and her student Haydeé Peralta-Vázquez provided specimens of mites
associated with the Pine Engraver (Ips pini). At the Canadian National Collection of Insects &
Arachnids, Dr Evert Lindquist (EEL) provided identifications and records; Dr Frederic Beaulieu
generously shared his database, Dr Valerie Behan-Pelletier (VB-P) provided identifications and
records; and Dr Ian Smith contributed records of water mites and cooperated with HCP on
preparing the final list. Dr Kevin Floate and Derrick K. Kanashiro (DKK) of Agriculture Canada,
Lethbridge, provided records of mites associated with dung beetles and soil mites, respectively.
Associate Professor Zoë Lindo (ZL) of Western University provided soil mite identifications and
specimens. Dr Matthias Buck of the Royal Alberta Museum provided collections of mites
phoretic on Hymenoptera. Dr Bruce Halliday at CSIRO, Black Mountain, provided helpful
comments and corrections on earlier drafts as did Professor Barry OConnor and Dr Pavel Klimov
at the University of Michigan on the section on Astigmatina (Astigmata). Finally, there are all of
those who have submitted mites for identification at the RAM or UA and our acarological
colleagues around the world who we have pestered for papers or other resources. To one and all,
thank you. This section of the Almanac would not have been possible without this help.

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Key to Superorders & Orders of Mites in Alberta
As time permits, we will write a series of keys to help readers identify the mites known from
Alberta. Unless noted in the title, these keys will only apply to those mites that we know occur in
Alberta. This considerably simplifies both writing and using a key, but limits its application in
other regions of the world.
Identification of a mite usually requires having the correct stage (usually the adult, but
sometimes the deutonymph or larva) and often the correct sex (usually the adult female, but in
some taxa the male). Also, in the vast majority of cases, the mite will need to be cleared (i.e. the
internal tissues need to be dissolved so that only the cuticle remains) and mounted on a
microscope slide – and identification will usually need a good compound microscope. See the
Manual of Acarology 3rd Edition (Krantz & Walter, editors, 2009) for detailed instructions.
Key to the superorders & orders of mites in Alberta (adults)
1. Stigmatal openings above or behind the leg bases in mid-body region, usually associated with
a papillate groove (peritreme), plastron-like band, or sieve plate (behind leg IV); leg coxae
distinct and usually movable, not insensibly fused to body; gnathosoma with ring-like band of
cuticle surrounding cheliceral bases and on which the free segments (usually 5, rarely 3 or 4)
of the palps articulate; venter of gnathosoma (subcapitulum) with median groove usually with
several rows of small teeth (denticles) or produced anteriorly into a hypostome with dense
field of retrorse spines; ocelli usually absent (one pair present on dorsal scutum in some ticks)
................................................................................................... Superorder Parasitiformes (2)
- Stigmatal openings absent or on anterior of the body (between cheliceral bases or on anterior
plate), never above or behind the legs in mid-body region; short peritremes sometimes present
on anterior plate or variously elaborated on cheliceral bases; leg coxae fused to body as
distinct plates, epimeral fields, or reduced to folds or internal apodemes (NB - trochanter is
first free leg segment and may resemble a coxa); gnathosoma with cheliceral bases exposed
dorsally, fused into a stylophore (separate from subcapitulum), or integrated with
subcapitulum into a head-like capsule; palps well developed (5 free segments) or variously
reduced or apparently absent; venter of gnathosoma entire or with articulations, but never
with a median denticulate groove or with dense field of retrorse spines; 1-2 pairs of ocelli
may be present, but many taxa are blind ....................................... Superorder Acariformes (3)
2. Stigmatal openings above legs and usually associated with a distinct peritrematal groove
(rarely absent) extending anteriorly or plastron like band; chelicerae usually chelate-dentate,
but produced as elongate stylets in some parasites; anterior margin of subcapitulum
(hypostome) usually with a pair of horn-like or bidentate corniculi (rarely membranous),
never with field of retrorse spines; base of subcapitulum with a median groove with rows of
1-many denticles; stalk-like tritosternum with 2-3 processes present at base of median groove
................................................................................................................... Order Mesostigmata
- Stigmatal openings above coxae III-IV on small plates (Argasidae – soft ticks) or on sieve-plate
behind base of legs IV (Ixodidae – hard ticks); gnathosoma visible dorsally and articulated
with sclerotized scutum (Ixodidae) or mostly hidden under leathery body without sclerotized
dorsal plate (Argasidae); chelicerae with parallel bases and complex distal array of teeth and
membranes and supported by hypostome with ventral field of retrorse spines (reduced in

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some male hard ticks and non-feeding adult soft ticks); median deutosternal groove and
tritosternum absent ................................................................................... Order Ixodida (ticks)
3. Functional chelicerae present (often highly modified), palps present, but may be reduced to
small nubs, and ventral sucker plate absent ............................................................................... 4
- Chelicerae absent, palps reduced to a pair of whip-like structures, and ventral sucker plate
present ............................................. Astigmatina (heteromorphic deutonymph or hypopus)
4. Chelicerae usually chelate-dentate, sometimes attenuate distally or modified into whip- or
rake-like structures; internal gut bolus often visible; stigmatal openings and peritremes
absent; prodorsal plate usually present (may be very lightly sclerotized) and often bearing a
pair of trichobothria (absent in Astigmatina, 2 pairs present in some Endeostigmata); toothed
or chisel-like rutella often present on hypostome; empodium of pretarsus usually claw-like
and often associated with a pair of lateral claws (one claw absent in some Oribatida);
opisthosoma usually with a pair of lateral gland openings and well developed internal vesicles
(absent in Endeostigmata and some Oribatida); genital opening longitudinal and usually with
vestibule with 2-3 pairs of genital papillae; legs III-IV present ............. Order Sarcoptiformes
- Chelicerae usually with needle- or stylet-like digit, rarely chelate dentate; internal gut bolus
never present; stigmatal openings may be present at base of chelicerae or on anterior dorsal
shield; peritremes absent, linear, or elaborated on cheliceral bases; prodorsal plate present or
absent, with or without 1-2 pairs of trichobothria; rutella absent; empodium of pretarsus often
pad-like or covered with processes or produced as tenent hairs, rarely claw-like; lateral claws
usually present at least on legs II-III (leg I pretarsus may be claw-like or absent; leg IV
pretarsus sometimes absent); opisthosomal glands absent; genital opening longitudinal,
transverse, or absent; genital papillae present or absent; legs III-IV present or absent ..............
.............................................................................................................. Order Trombidiformes

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Superorder Acariformes Zachvatkin, 1952
Order Sarcoptiformes Reuter, 1909
Suborder Oribatida van der Hammen, 1968
(adults under 0.3 mm long)
Infraorder Palaeosomata Grandjean, 1969
Superfamily Ctenacaroidea Grandjean, 1954
Aphelacaridae Grandjean, 1954
Aphelacarus Grandjean, 1932
Type species: Parhypochthonius acarinus Berlese, 1910
Also Known As:
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Aphelacarus acarinus (Berlese, 1910)
Aphelacarus acarinus (Berlese, 1910)
Also Known As: Parhypochthonius acarinus Berlese, 1910
ABMI code: APHEACA
Diagnostic characters: 440 long; pale, sack-like body, long setae
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: BC, AB; [Roy Berg Kinsella Research Ranch;
Cosmopolitan]
Collections: none on hand
Superfamily Palaeacaroidea Grandjean, 1932
Palaeacaridae Grandjean, 1932
Palaeacarus Trägårdh, 1932
Type species: Palaeacarus hystricinus Trägårdh, 1932
Also Known As:
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Palaeacarus hystricinus Trägårdh, 1932,
Palaeacarus sp.
Key species of Palaeacarus in North America
1. Famulus short, straight, not on tubercle; h1 and ps1 spine-like; c1 (=f1) much shorter and d3
(=h2) much longer ........................................................... Palaeacarus appalachicus Jacot, 1938
- Famulus large (as long as ωp’’), sickle-shaped on tubercle; h1, ps1 inflated, flame-shaped. .......
.................................................................................... Palaeacarus hystricinus Trägårdh, 1932

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Palaeacarus hystricinus Trägårdh, 1932
Also Known As:
ABMI code:
Diagnostic characters: 330 long;
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: YT, NT, BC, ON, QC, NF; [AK, AB, Holarctic]
Collections: Upper Kananaskis Lake, 1739m, south slope covered with Subalpine Fir, Douglas
Fir, Lodgepole Pine and mosses, June 2013
Infraorder Enarthronota Grandjean, 1947
Unidentified superfamily – at least 4 morphotypes identified as ‘Enarthronota sp.’ at Roy Berg
Kinsella Research Ranch (Newton 2013; Newton & Proctor 2013)
Superfamily Atopochthonioidea Grandjean, 1949
Atopochthoniidae Grandjean, 1949
Atopochthonius Grandjean, 1949
Type species: Atopochthonius artiodactylus Grandjean, 1949
Also Known As:
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Atopochthonius artiodactylus Grandjean, 1949
Atopochthonius artiodactylus Grandjean, 1949
Also Known As:
ABMI code: ATOPART
Diagnostic characters: length 200; dorsal setae leaf-like, foveolate, posterior setae elongate
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: ON, QC, NB, NS; [AB, Holarctic]
Collections: none on hand
Comments: The record for AB is listed in the online DOC (version 2004) but is not listed within
the 2019 checklist and therefore was moved to [+other].

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Pterochthoniidae Grandjean, 1950
Pterochthonius Berlese, 1913
Type species: Cosmochthonius angelus Berlese, 1910
Also Known As:
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Pterochthonius angelus (Berlese, 1910)
Pterochthonius angelus (Berlese, 1910)
Also Known As: Cosmochthonius angelus Berlese, 1910
ABMI code: PTERANG
Diagnostic characters: length 200; dorsal setae leaf-like, foveolate
Collections: Moose Pasture Research Site (DEW) 8 km W Chipman, AB (53.656667, -
112.759444); EMEND (Lindo & Visser 2004)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: BC, AB, QC; [Holarctic]
Overview: This minute, ornate mite is common in aspen forest litter. No males are known and
the mite probably reproduces by parthenogenesis.
Pterochthonius angelus (Berlese, 1910)

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Superfamily Protoplophoroidea Ewing, 1917
Haplochthoniidae van der Hammen, 1959
Haplochthonius Willmann, 1930
Type species: Cosmochthonius (Haplochthonius) simplex Willmann, 1930
Also Known As: Tetrochthonius Hammer, 1958
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Haplochthonius sp.
Haplochthonius sp. 1 DKK
Also Known As:
ABMI code: HAPLSP1
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;.
Sphaerochthoniidae Grandjean, 1947
Sphaerochthonius Berlese, 1910
Type species: Hypochthonius splendidus Berlese, 1904
Also Known As:
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Sphaerochthonius cf splendidus (Berlese, 1904),
Sphaerochthonius sp.
Sphaerochthonius cf splendidus (Berlese, 1904)
Also Known As: Hypochthonius splendidus Berlese, 1904
ABMI code: SPHASPL
Diagnostic characters: ~ 0.3 mm in length, brownish, light-bulb shape. Notogaster reticulate,
each reticulum lined with globules of cerotegument and with numerous small internal
tubercles, and with one scissure; dorsal notogastral setae mostly asymmetrically T-shaped
(posterior branch ~3x anterior branch in mid-dorsal rows, less asymmetrical on margin and
venter) on short bases, each branch plumose and covered in papillate cerotegument, but d-
setae minute within scissure. Prodorsum and its setae similarly ornamented, setae in, le, ro
T-shaped; exs branched; exi minute, not branched; bo not branched. 4 pairs T-shaped adanal
setae, 4 pairs simple anal setae; 7 pairs simple genital setae; heterotridactyl.
Collections: Dinosaur Provincial Park (DEW)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB; [New Mexico, Neotropics, Palearctic, Australia].

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Sphaerochthonius sp. 1 DKK
Also Known As:
ABMI code: SPHASP1
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;.
Superfamily Brachychthonioidea Thor, 1934
Brachychthoniidae Thor, 1934
Comments: Brachychthoniid mites are among the smallest of the Oribatida and no species in
Alberta reach the 0.3 mm length limit. Unlike many soil microarthropods, brachychthoniids
are able to tolerate the disturbance of cropping and maintain a high diversity and abundance
in some systems (Osler et al. 2008).
Unidentified genus sp. – at least 5 family-level morphotypes at Roy Berg Kinsella Research
Ranch near Kinsella, Alberta (Newton 2013)
Brachychthonius Berlese, 1910
Type species: Brachychthonius berlesei Willmann, 1928 (=Brachychthonius brevis Michael
sensu Berlese, 1910)
Also Known As: Brachychochthonius Jacot, 1938
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Brachychthonius berlesei Willmann, 1928,
Brachychthonius nr. berlesei Willmann, 1928, Brachychthonius berlesei erosus (Jacot,
1938), Brachychthonius bimaculatus Willmann, 1936, Brachychthonius impressus
Moritz, 1976, Brachychthonius jugatus (Jacot, 1938), Brachychthonius nr jugatus (Jacot,
1938), Brachychthonius pius Moritz, 1976, Brachychthonius sp.
Brachychthonius berlesei Willmann, 1928
Brachychthonius nr. berlesei Willmann, 1928
Also Known As: Brachychochthonius berlesei (Willmann, 1928); Brachychthonius brevis
Berlese, 1910
ABMI code: BRACBER
Diagnostic characters: 196-212 long
Collections: EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (nr berlesei; Lindo & Visser, 2004); Lethbridge (49.8 N, -
112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)

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DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: NU, AB; [Holarctic].
Overview: Specimens have been found in the feathers of birds in Russia, a possible means of
long distance dispersal (see Krivolutsky & Lebedeva 2004).
Brachychthonius bimaculatus Willmann, 1936
Also Known As: Brachychochthonius bimaculatus (Willmann, 1936)
ABMI code: BRACBIM
Diagnostic characters: prodorsal and notogastral setae ciliated; Na with a pair of eye-like spots;
sensillus strongly clavate and with two rows of cilia.
Overview: a very similar mite with smooth setae on the pygidial shield occurs in Canola fields
near Lethbridge (49.684619°, -112.749009°).
Collections: Kananskis Valley (McLean & Parkinson 1998); Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W)
(Osler et al. 2008); canola fields near Lethbridge (49.684619 N, -112.749009 W) (DEW)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: BC, AB, QC; [Holarctic];
Brachychthonius nr jugatus Jacot, 1938
Also Known As: Sellnickochthonius nr jugatus (Jacot, 1938)
ABMI code: BRACJUG
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: NU, AB, QC; [Nearctic]
Brachychthonius pius Moritz, 1976
Also Known As: Brachychochthonius berlesei erosus sensu Hammer, 1952
ABMI code: BRACPIU
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al, 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: NU, NT, AB; [Holarctic]
Brachychthonius sp. 1 DKK
Also Known As:
ABMI code: LIOCSP1
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)

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DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution; AB;
Brachychthonius sp. 2 DKK
Also Known As:
ABMI code: LIOCSP1
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;
Liochthonius van der Hammen, 1959
Type species: Hypochthonius brevis Michael, 1888
Also Known As: see Brachychthonius
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Liochthonius brevis (Michael, 1888),
Liochthonius nr. brevis (Michael, 1888), Liochthonius nr. clavatus (Forsslund, 1942),
Liochthonius forsslundi (Hammer, 1952), Liochthonius hystricinus (Forsslund, 1942),
Liochthonius lapponicus (Trägårdh, 1910), Liochthonius nr. lapponicus (Trägårdh,
1910), Liochthonius leptaleus Moritz, 1976, Liochthonius muscorum Forsslund, 1964,
Liochthonius nr. muscorum Forsslund, 1964, Liochthonius sellnicki (Thor, 1930),
Liochthonius simplex (Forsslund, 1942), Liochthonius nr. simplex (Forsslund, 1942),
Liochthonius tuxeni Forsslund, 1957, Liochthonius sp. ? altimonticola (Hammer, 1958),
Liochthonius sp. ? latus (Jacot, 1936), Liochthonius spp.
Liochthonius nr. brevis (Michael, 1888)
Also Known As: Brachychthonius perpusillus Berlese, 1910; Liochthonius perpusillus (Berlese,
1910)
ABMI code: LIOCBRE
Diagnostic characters: length 160-223
Collections: EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004);
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: BC, AB, QC;
Liochthonius nr. clavatus (Forsslund, 1942)
Also Known As:
ABMI code: LIOCCLA
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004)

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DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;
Liochthonius lapponicus (Trägårdh, 1910)
Liochthonius nr lapponicus (Trägårdh, 1910)
Also Known As: Hypochthonius brevis lapponica Trägårdh, 1910; Brachychthonius lapponica
(Trägårdh, 1910); Liochthonius perpusillus sensu Pérez-Inigo, 1968
ABMI code: LIOCLAP
Diagnostic characters: length 175-200
Collections: Banff, Mount Robson P.P., Jasper (Hammer 1952); Kananaskis Valley (nr
lapponicus; McLean & Parkinson 1998); Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008);
Dinosaur P.P. (DEW)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, MB, ON, QC, NL; [AK; Holarctic]
Liochthonius leptaleus Moritz, 1976
Also Known As:
ABMI code: LIOCLEP
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB; [Holarctic]
Liochthonius nr. muscorum Forsslund, 1964
Also Known As:
ABMI code: LIOCMUS
Diagnostic characters: length 200-228
Collections: EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: BC, AB; [Holarctic].
Liochthonius sellnicki (Thor, 1930)
Also Known As: Brachychthonius sellnicki Thor, 1930; Brachychthonius scalaris Forsslund,
1942 in Hammer 1952; Liochthonius scalaris (Forsslund, 1942); Brachychthonius nodosus
Willmann, 1952; Brachychthonius brevis sensu Hammer, 1944
ABMI code: LIOCSEL
Diagnostic characters: length 200-237
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, MB, QC; [AK; Holarctic]

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Collections: EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004)
Overview: A suspected parthenogen. Specimens have been found in the feathers of birds in
Russia, a possible means of long distance dispersal (see Krivolutsky & Lebedeva 2004).
Liochthonius nr. simplex (Forsslund, 1942)
Also Known As:
ABMI code: LIOCSIM
Diagnostic characters: length 150-175
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;
Collections: EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004)
Liochthonius sp. 1 DKK
Also Known As:
ABMI code: LIOCSP1
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;
Liochthonius sp. 2 DKK
Also Known As:
ABMI code: LIOCSP1
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;
Liochthonius sp. 3 DKK
Also Known As:
ABMI code: LIOCSP1
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;

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Liochthonius sp.
Also Known As:
ABMI code:
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Kananaskis Valley lodgepole pine forest (McLean & Parkinson 1998)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;
Mixochthonius Niedbala, 1972
Type species: Brachychthonius pilososetosus Forsslund, 1942
Also Known As: see Brachychthonius
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Mixochthonius nr. concavus (Chinone, 1974),
Mixochthonius pilososetosus (Forsslund, 1942)
Mixochthonius nr. concavus (Chinone, 1974)
Also Known As:
ABMI code: MIXOCON
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;
Neoliochthonius Lee, 1982
Type species: Hypochthonius brevis Michael, 1888
Also Known As: Paraliochthonius Moritz, 1976 (pre-occupied)
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Neoliochthonius occultus (Niedbala, 1971),
Neoliochthonius nr. occultus (Niedbala, 1971), Neoliochthonius piluliferus (Forsslund,
1942) , Neoliochthonius sp.
Neoliochthonius nr. occultus (Niedbala, 1971)
Also Known As: Paraliochthonius nr. occultus (Niedbala, 1971) (Lindo & Visser 2004)
ABMI code: NEOLOCC
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;

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Neoliochthonius piluliferus (Forsslund, 1942)
Also Known As: Brachychthonius piluliferus Forsslund, 1942
ABMI code: NEIOPIL
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;
Neoliochthonius sp.
Also Known As:
ABMI code:
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Kananaskis Valley lodgepole pine forest (McLean & Parkinson 1998)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;
Paraliochthonius nr. occultus (Niedbala, 1971) (Lindo & Visser 2004) – see Neoliochthonius
Poecilochthonius Balogh, 1943
Type species: Brachychthonius brevis italicus Berlese, 1910
Also Known As: see Brachychthonius
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Poecilochthonius spiciger (Berlese, 1910),
Poecilochthonius nr. spiciger (Berlese, 1910)
Poecilochthonius nr. spiciger (Berlese, 1910)
Also Known As:
ABMI code: POECSPI
Diagnostic characters: length 175-208
Collections: EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB; NB: Poecilochthonius spiciger (Berlese, 1910) ON,
QC; [Holarctic]

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Sellnickochthonius Krivolutsky, 1964
Diagnostic characters: 3 suprapleural plates; hypertrophied an2-3
Type species: Brachychthonius zelawaiensis Sellnick, 1928
Also Known As: see Brachychthonius, Poecilochthonius
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Sellnickochthonius furcatus (Weis-Fogh, 1948),
Sellnickochthonius immaculatus (Forsslund, 1942), Sellnickochthonius nr. immaculatus
(Forsslund, 1942), Sellnickochthonius lydiae (Jacot, 1938), Sellnickochthonius rostratus
(Jacot, 1936), Sellnickochthonius suecicus (Forsslund, 1942), Sellnickochthonius nr
suecicus (Forsslund, 1942), Sellnickochthonius zelawaiensis (Sellnick, 1928),
Sellnickochthonius nr. zelawaiensis (Sellnick, 1928), Sellnickochthonius sp.
Sellnickochthonius furcatus (Weis-Fogh, 1948)
Also Known As:
ABMI code: SELLFUR
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB; [Holarctic]
Sellnickochthonius immaculatus (Forsslund, 1942)
Also Known As: Brachychochthonius immaculatus Forsslund 1942; Brachychthonius
immaculatus (Forsslund, 1942); Brachychochthonius arcticus Hammer, 1952; Liochthonius
arcticus (Hammer, 1952); Brachychthonius obscurus Krivolutsky, 1966
ABMI code: SELLIMM
Diagnostic characters: length 170-195
Collections:Mount Robson P.P. (Hammer 1952)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, QC; [AK; Holarctic]
Sellnickochthonius rostratus (Jacot, 1936)
Also Known As: Brachychthonius rostratus Jacot, 1936; Brachychochthonius rostratus (Jacot,
1936)
ABMI code: SELLROS
Diagnostic characters: length 175-205
Collections:
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: YT, NT, AB, QC; [Holarctic];

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Sellnickochthonius suecicus (Forsslund, 1942)
Sellnickochthonius nr suecicus (Forsslund, 1942)
Also Known As: Brachychthonius suecica (Forsslund, 1942); Brachychthonius jugatus suecica
(Forsslund, 1942); Brachychochthonius jugatus suecicus Forsslund, 1942; );
Brachychochthonius suecica (Forsslund, 1942)
ABMI code: SELLSUE
Diagnostic characters: length 150-170
Collections: EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004); Kananaskis Valley (McLean &
Parkinson 1998); Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (nr suecicus; Osler et al. 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution:YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, ON, QC; [Holarctic];
Sellnickochthonius sp. 1 DKK (Osler et al. 2008)
Also Known As:
ABMI code: SELLSP1
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;
Synchthonius van der Hammen, 1952
Type species: Brachychochthonius crenulatus Jacot, 1938 (=Synchthonius boschmai van der
Hammen, 1952)
Also Known As: see Brachychthonius
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Synchthonius crenulatus (Jacot, 1938),
Synchthonius elegans Forsslund, 1957, Synchthonius sp.
Synchthonius crenulatus (Jacot, 1938)
Also Known As: Brachychochthonius crenulatus Jacot, 1938; Synchthonius boschmai van der
Hammen, 1952
ABMI code: SYNCCRE
Diagnostic characters: seta d2 not on margin of anterior plate (Na), inserted more medially; seta
ad2 broad, blade-like; one pair of suprapleural plates; dorsal depressions with foveolate
margins; setae relatively short; SEM (Meanook)
Similar species: Synchthonius elegans Forsslund, 1957 has much longer setae (c1 passing
insertion of d1)
Collections: Lethbridge; Meanook; Moose Pasture Research Site (DEW) 8 km W Chipman, AB
(53.656667, -112.759444)

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DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: BC, AB, QC, NL; [Holarctic]
Verachthonius Moritz, 1976
Type species: Brachychthonius laticeps Strenzke, 1951
Also Known As: see Brachychthonius
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Verachthonius montanus (Hammer, 1952),
Verachthonius sp.
Verachthonius montanus (Hammer, 1952)
Also Known As: Eobrachychthonius montanus Hammer, 1952
ABMI code: VERAMON
Diagnostic characters: length 240
Collections: Jasper (Hammer 1952); Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008); Moose
Pasture Research Site (DEW) 8 km W Chipman, AB (53.656667, -112.759444); Rocky
Mountains near Jasper
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB, ON; [Holarctic]
Back to Table of Contents
Infraorder Desmonomata Woolley, 1973
Cohort Brachypylina Hull, 1918
Superfamily Ameroidea Bulanova-Zachvatkina, 1957
Caleremaeidae Grandjean, 1965
Veloppia Hammer, 1955
Diagnostic characters: small oppioid-like mites with fluffy, granular cerotegument; genital and
anal plates large, but separate.
Also Known As:
Type species: Veloppia pulchra Hammer, 1955
World species:
Comments:
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Veloppia kananaskis Norton, 1978; V. pulchra
Hammer, 1955 YT QC

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Veloppia kananaskis Norton, 1978
Also Known As:
ABMI code: VELOKAN
Diagnostic characters: length 275; prodorsum foveolate, costular ridges running from tubercle
A to le (37), in (~32), ex (~20) , ro (~35) curve mediad, bo smoothly spindle-shaped (~45),
bothridium with posterior tubercle that fits between paired sejugal tubercles; notogastral
carinae run from outer tubercle laterad 7 pairs long (65-80) dorsal setae, lm set mediad
others, 3 pairs ps setae lateroposterial; donut-like cavity cng between c-la; 6 pairs long
genital setae, 1-4 aligned near anterior median margin of plate; epimere with a variety of
tubercles.
Overview: most specimens probably pass through the 300 μm grid
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by DEW.
Similar taxa: Veloppia pulchra Hammer, 1955 (YT, NF); Veloppia sp. (YT, NF); Veloppia
nortoni Chen & Wang, 2002 (China)
Collections: ABMI Site 1133 (year 2007); Kananaskis Valley (51°02’N, 105°01’W) (Norton
1978)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: BC, AB [Canada]
Images:
Ecology: organic soil in forests dominated by aspen and Balsam poplar
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Norton (1978)
Damaeolidae Grandjean, 1965
Fosseremus Grandjean, 1954
Diagnostic characters: small oppioid-like mites with fluffy, granular cerotegument; genital and
anal plates large but separate
Also Known As:
Type species: Damaeosoma laciniatum Berlese, 1905
World species: 1-3
Comments:
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Fosseremus laciniatus Berlese, 1905
Fosseremus laciniatus Berlese, 1905
Also Known As: Damaeosoma laciniatum Berlese, 1905; Fosseremus quadripertitus Grandjean,
1965; Fosseremus laciniatus (Berlese, 1905); Fosseremus laciniatum Berlese, 1905
ABMI code: FOSSLAC

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Diagnostic characters:
Overview: Often misspelled as ‘Fosseremaeus’ and the like.
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by DEW.
Similar taxa: Fosseremus americanus (Jacot, 1938)?
Collections Onoway (53.77N, 114.06W):
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: [Semicosmopolitan]
Images:
Ecology: Suspected parthenogen. Specimens (as “Fosseremaeus laciniatus”) have been found in
the feathers of birds in Russia, a possible means of long distance dispersal (see Krivolutsky
& Lebedeva 2004).
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987)
Back to Table of Contents
Superfamily Oppioidea Sellnick, 1937
Key to the subfamilies and genera of Oppiidae of North America
1. Crista present or seta c2 subequal to other notogastral setae (except Dissorrhina); 4-6 pairs
genital setae; lyrifissure iad parallel to anal shield (paranal) ..................................................... 2
- Crista absent or weakly developed and c2 either absent, or shorter than other notogastral setae;
4-5 pairs of genital setae; lyrifissure iad paranal or apoanal (tangential) ................................. 3
2. Costulae absent (lamellar lines maybe present) .... MEDIOPPIINAE Subías & Minguez 1985
- Costulae present ...................................................................... OPPIELLINAE Seniczak 1975
3. Anterior notogaster with one pair of small humeral processes or spines present, or
interbothridial region with or without costulae, if without, then faint lamellar and
translamellar shelves present. Lyrifissure iad paranal or apoanal ............................................. 4
- Anterior of notogaster without humeral spines or processes; costulae absent; lamellar and
translamellar lines present or absent. Lyrifissure iad usually paranal ...................................... 5
4. Interbothridial costulae present. Translamellar crest usually more developed than lamellar
ones. Anterior of notogaster without humeral spine or process. Lyrifissure iad paranal.
Notogaster with 9 pairs of setae; seta c2 absent ................. MYSTROPPIINAE Balogh 1983
(One genus in North America Striatoppia Balogh 1958)

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- Interbothridial costulae absent. Lamellar crests usually more developed than translamellar
one. Anterior of notogaster with humeral spine or process well or weakly developed.
Lyrifissure iad paranal or apoanal ............................................. OXYOPPIINAE Subías 1989
(One genus in North America Subiasella (Lalmoppia) Subías & Rodriguez 1986)
5. Lamellar and translamellar lines absent and bothridial sensillus lanceolate or fusiform,
never pectinate, radiate or ciliate ...................................................... OPPIINAE Sellnick 1937
- Lamellar and/or translamellar lines present, or if absent, bothridial sensillus either radiate,
pectinate or ciliate ................................................................. MULTIOPPIINAE Balogh 1983
MEDIOPPIINAE
1. Crista absent. Without lines or sclerotized apophyses running from dorsosejugal scissure to
basal part of prodorsum .......................... Discoppia (Cylindroppia) Subías & Rodriguez 1986
- Crista present, or sclerotized apophyses running from dorsosejugal scissure to basal part of
prodorsum present ..................................................................................................................... 2
2. Bothridial seta pectinate or fusiform and ciliate. Genital plates usually with 6 pairs of setae
............................................................................................................ Medioppia Balogh, 1983
- Bothridial seta lanceolate to globular, usually aciculate. Genital plates usually with 4 pairs of
setae ..................................................................................................... Microppia Balogh 1983
OPPIELLINAE
1. Dorsosejugal scissure straight or slightly arched, anterior part of notogaster never penetrating
into basal part of prodorsum. Bothridial seta usually fusiform, ciliate ..................................... 2
- Dorsosejugal scissure strongly convex, parabolic or semicircular, penetrating deeply into basal
part of prodorsum. Bothridial setae various .............................................................................. 3
2. Crista with 1-2 tubercles forming enantiophysis with bothridial tubercle; ostrum without teeth .
.................................................................................................. Oppiella (Oppiella) Jacot 1937
- Crista not formed, notogastral tectum without strong tubercles; complex enantiophysis formed
from broad interlamellar processes and median bifurcate tubercle; rostrum with strong
median and weaker lateral teeth ...................................... Lauroppia Subías & Mínguez, 1986
3 Seta c2 shorter than other notogastral setae. Rostral setae inserted on medial protuberance on
rostrum. Bothridial seta setiform or lanceolate, either smooth, ciliate, or ciliate-pectinate.
Genital plates with 5 pairs of setae ........................................................ Dissorrhina Hull 1916
- Seta c2 subequal in length to other notogastral setae. Rostral setae not inserted on medial
protuberance of rostrum. Bothridial seta fusiform or globular, ciliate or radiate. Genital plates
with 4 or 5 pairs of setae ............................................................................................................ 4

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4 (3) Genital plates with 5 pairs of setae. Anterior of notogaster partially fused to prodorsum
medially. Bothridial seta either fusiform and ciliate or globular ...... Hypogeoppia Subías 1981
- Genital plates with 4 pairs of setae. Notogaster not fused prodorsum medially. Bothridial seta
either radiate or globular and aciculate ........................................................................................
....................................... Moritzoppia Subías & Rodriguez 1988 (= Moritziella Balogh 1983)
OPPIINAE
1. Bothridial seta setiform, long, bifurcate ................... Sphagnoppia J. Balogh & P. Balogh 1986
- Bothridial seta not bifurcate ......................................................................................................... 2
2. Bothridial seta globular or clavate ........................................................ Aeroppia Hammer 1961
- Bothridial seta setiform, lanceolate, or elongate fusiform .......................................................... 3
3. Bothridial seta setiform or lanceolate. Notogastral heterotrichy present, with 5 or 6 pairs of
long notogastral setae ............................................................................. Lasiobelba Aoki 1959
- Bothridial seta elongate fusiform or lanceolate. Notogastral heterotrichy (other than p series
setae) absent ......................................................................................... Oppia C. L. Koch 1836
MULTIOPPIINAE
1. Notogaster with 10-12 pairs of setae ........................................................................................... 2
- Notogaster with 9 pairs of setae .................................................................................................. 3
2. Five pairs of genital setae; 10-12 pairs of notogastral setae ..........................................................
................................................................................... Multioppia (Multioppia) Hammer 1961
- Four pairs of genital setae; 10 pairs of notogastral setae including small c2 (ta) .........................
.................................................................... Graptoppia (Stenoppia) cf italica (Bernini, 1973)
3. Interlamellar setae absent .......................................................... Pseudoamerioppia Subías 1989
- Interlamellar setae present ........................................................................................................... 4
4. Rostral setae straight, divergent distally ............................ Ramusella (Rectoppia) Subías 1980
- Rostral setae slightly arched or geniculate, converging distally .................................................. 5

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5. Rostral setae geniculate, distance between their insertions about 0.25 length of setae .................
..................................................................................... Ramusella (Ramusella) Hammer 1962
- Rostral setae more or less arched, distance between their insertions about 0.5 length of setae
................................................................................. Ramusella (Insculptoppia) Subías 1980
Oppiidae Sellnick, 1937
Discoppia Balogh, 1983
Diagnostic characters:
Also Known As:
Type species: Oppia limae Balogh & Mahunka, 1974
World species:
Comments: There are two subgenera: Discoppia (Discoppia) Balogh 1983, type species
Discoppia (D.) limae (Balogh & Mahunka, 1974) and Discoppia (Cylindroppia) Subías &
Rodriquez, 1986, type species Oppia minus cylindrica Pérez-Íñigo, 1965. Current Canadian
records have been identified to genus level (Lindo & Clayton 2011; Newton 2013).
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Discoppia sp.
Discoppia sp.
Also Known As:
ABMI code:
Diagnostic characters:
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by Jeffrey Newton (Newton 2013)
Similar taxa:
Collections: Roy Berg Kinsella Research Ranch (Newton 2013).
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: BC, AB;
Images:
Ecology: Native fescue grassland within the Parkland Natural Region of Alberta (Newton 2013).
Literature: Balogh (1983); Subías & Rodriquez (1986)
Graptoppia (Stenoppia) Balogh, 1983
Diagnostic characters:
Also Known As:
Type species: Graptoppia (Stenoppia) italica (Bernini, 1973)

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World species:
Comments:
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Graptoppia (Stenoppia) italica (Bernini, 1973),
Graptoppia sp.
Graptoppia (Stenoppia) italica (Bernini, 1973)
Also Known As: Oppia italica Bernini, 1973; =Oppia heterotricha Bernini, 1969 (preoccupied)
ABMI code: GRAITA
Diagnostic characters: 0.205-0.210 mm long; crista absent; 10 pairs mostly lightly barbed
notogastral setae, but c2 very short (~3 µm) and smooth; prodorsum with strong
translamellar shelf bearing barbed lamellar setae; short basal costular lines, evanescent
posteriorly with 3 sigillae laterad; in short, intercostular area with two pairs of sigillae; bo
with club ciliate on outer margin; 4 pairs genital setae; iad parallel to anal shield; ad1
posterior to anal shield.
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by DEW based on Subías & Arillo (2001).
Similar taxa:
Collections: Edmonton (ex Pandinus imperator terrarium organic matter)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB; [Holarctic]
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Balogh (1983); Subías & Arillo (2001); Minor et al. (2004)
Lauroppia Subías & Mínguez 1986
Diagnostic characters:
Also Known As:
Type species: Damaeosona fallax Paoli, 1908
World species:
Comments:
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Lauroppia maritima (Willmann, 1929) YT NT NU
QC; Lauroppia sp. BC AB [species listed in Part I]
Lauroppia sp. 2 DEW (cf maritima)
Also Known As:

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ABMI code:
Diagnostic characters: 0.260-280 mm long
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by DEW based on Balogh & Balogh (2002).
Similar taxa:
Collections:
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: [Moose Pasture Research Site 8 km W Chipman, AB]
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975)
Microppia Balogh, 1983
Diagnostic characters:
Also Known As:
Type species: Damaeosona minus Paoli, 1908
World species:
Comments:
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Microppia minus (Paoli, 1908); Microppia nr.
minus (Paoli, 1908); M. simplissimus (Jacot, 1938)
Microppia minus (Paoli, 1908)
Also Known As: Damaeosona minus Paoli, 1908
ABMI code: MICRMIN
Diagnostic characters: 0.200 mm long; short crista, short basal costular line; short, clubbed bo
Overview: most specimens probably pass through the 300 μm grid
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by DEW based on Balogh & Balogh (2002).
Similar taxa:
Collections: ABMI 1150 residuals.
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: NT, AB, MB, ON, QC; [AK, Holarctic]
Images:
Ecology: Suspected parthenogen, only females known.

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Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975)
Microppia simplissimus (Jacot, 1938)
Also Known As: Oppia minus simplissimus Jacot, 1938
ABMI code: MICRSIM
Diagnostic characters:
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by DKK.
Similar taxa:
Collections: Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: BC, AB, QC; [Nearctic]
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987);
Moritzoppia Subías & Rodríguez, 1988
Diagnostic characters: 4 pairs genital setae; cristae absent
Also Known As: Moritziella Balogh, 1983
Type species: Oppia keilbachi Moritz, 1969
World species: ~32
Comments: see also Part I.
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Moritzoppia clavigera (Hammer, 1952);
Moritzoppia sp. BC AB [species listed in Part I] NL
Moritzoppia clavigera (Hammer, 1952)
Also Known As: Moritzoppia unicarinata (Paoli, 1908) sensu Subías (2004)
ABMI code: MORICLA
Diagnostic characters: 235-280 long; prodorsum punctate, ro (25) barbed, le (15) simple at tip
of costulae, in (25-30) in basal costular pocket; bo (30-33) with swollen (spoon) head
covered in minute barbs; notogastral setae long, fine, c2 (40), others subequal, lm, la (30); 4
pairs genital setae; iad paranal
Overview: most specimens probably pass through the 300 μm grid
Barcodes:

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ID Check: Determination by DEW based on Colloff & Syed (1991).
Similar taxa:
Collections: ABMI (residuals) 216, 1133; EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, MB; [AK, Holarctic]
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975); Hammer
(1952); Colloff & Syed (1991); Lindo & Visser (2004)
Multioppia Balogh, 1965 (Hammer, 1961)
Diagnostic characters: costulae and cristae absent
Also Known As: Oppia CL Koch, 1836
Type species: Multioppia radiata Hammer, 1961
World species: 43
Comments:
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Multioppia carolinae (Jacot, 1938) ON QC;
Multioppia sp. BC AB QC
Multioppia sp. 2 DEW
Also Known As:
ABMI code: MULTSP2
Diagnostic characters: 240 long; costulae and cristae absent; bo (35) with oval, ciliated club,
bothridial simple; in (7) simple; le (~12) barbed; ro (~19) strongly barbed, curve mediad;
rostrum entire. Notogaster with 12 pairs of setae, mostly subequal (~15) and simple, but ti
with a few distal barbs and c2 minute (~4); inserted mediad short ridge on anterior margin
of notogaster; 4 pairs of genital setae.
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by DEW based on Balogh & Balogh (2002).
Similar taxa:
Collections: Lethbridge (canola) (49.68N, 112.75W)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: Multioppia sp. reported from BC, AB, QC;
Images:
Ecology:

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Literature: Marshall et al. (1987);
Oppiella Jacot, 1937
Diagnostic characters: 5 pairs genital setae; costulae and cristae present
Also Known As:
Type species: Eremaeus novus Oudemans, 1902
World species: 6 or more described species depending on generic definitions. Marshall et al.
(1987) report
Comments:
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Oppiella nova (Oudemans, 1902); Oppiella
(Moritzoppia) translamellata (Willmann, 1923); Oppiella (Moritzoppia) nr. translamellata
(Willmann, 1923); O. washburni (Hammer, 1952) (see Part I); Oppiella cf. washburni
(Hammer, 1952) (see Part I); Oppiella sp.? unicarinata (Paoli, 1908); Oppiella sp.
Key to adults of species of Oppiella > 300 long in Alberta
1. Sensillus fusiform to spindle-shaped with acuminate tip; crista with strong lateral spur meeting
posterior tubercle on bothridium and with posterior ridge running towards la; costula median,
without ridges encompassing in ................................................................................................ 2
- Sensillus ciliate, with rounded tip; crista without lateral spur, posterior ridge short, running
only to base of c2; costula with broad ridges encompassing in; rostrum with shallow notch;
ventral length 315 ...................................................................................... Oppiella sp. B DEW
2. Sensillus spindle-shaped with long barbs along one margin; costulae with median patch of
tubercles; ventral length >300 ................................................................................................... 3
- Sensillus fusiform and with short, sparse barbs; costulae without median patch of tubercles;
ventral length ~300 .................................................................................... Oppiella sp. 2 DEW
3. Female ventral length <365; barbs on sensillus longer (~4) .........................................................
................................................................................... Oppiella cf washburni (Hammer, 1952)
- Female ventral length >375; barbs on sensillus short (~2) .......................... Oppiella sp. 3 DEW
Oppiella nova (Oudemans, 1902)
Also Known As:
ABMI code: OPPINOV
Diagnostic characters: 220-280 long, yellow brown; prodorsum smooth; costulae (30-40) end
about midway, fork around le (15-20) and in (10), with backward-pointing tubercle at
posterior end; ex (20); bothridium with posterior tubercle that meets crista, bo (45-63)
spindle-shaped, usually with 4-6 distal marginal hairs (+ smaller hairs at base of club) +
distal filament; cristae doubled, encompass c2 (~20, curved posteriorly), end about half way

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to la (25-30); lm (15-20); lp (~15); 5 pairs genital setae, anterior pair (~10) longer than
others.
Overview: most specimens probably pass through the 300 μm grid
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by DEW.
Similar taxa:
Collections: ABMI (residuals) 216, 217, 218, 248, 277, 650, 855, 857, 1133, BOG7; nr. Breton
(Berg & Pawluk 1984); EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004); Kananaskis
(McLean & Parkinson 1998); Lethbridge (49.8 N, -112.9 W) (Osler et al. 2008)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, MB, ON, QC, NB; [AK;
Cosmopolitan]
Images:
Ecology: A cosmopolitan parthenogenetic (thelytokous) species known from many habitats.
Specimens have been found in the feathers of birds in Russia, a possible means of long
distance dispersal (see Krivolutsky & Lebedeva 2004).
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975); Lindo &
Visser (2004)
Oppiella sp. 2 DEW
Also Known As:
ABMI code: OPPISP2
Diagnostic characters: 240-280 long, yellow brown; prodorsum smooth; ro (27), ex (30) very
long; costulae (47) end about midway, le (~20) inserted subdistally on costula; in (30) in
pocket, with backward-pointing tubercle at posterior end; bothridium with posterior
microtuberculate tubercle that meets crista, bo (60) with fusiform head with microciliate
margins; cristae doubled, encompass c2 (28), outer ridge runs about to la (35), lm (22); 5
pairs genital setae
Overview: most specimens probably pass through the 300 μm grid.
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by DEW based on Balogh & Balogh (2002).
Similar taxa: Oppiella nova
Collections: ABMI (residuals) 248, 857
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975); Osler et
al. (2008)

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Oppiella sp. 4 DEW
Also Known As:
ABMI code: OPPISP4
Diagnostic characters: 235-270 long, yellow brown; prodorsum smooth, with a half dozen cells
above pedotectum I and microtuberculate along leg bases, rostrum with shallow, convex
median process; ro (21-22) barbed, ex (21-25) smooth; costulae (~30), about 1/3rd length of
prodorsum, with patch of microtubercles, le (~17-18) inserted subdistally in Y; in (25-26) in
pocket, with backward-pointing tubercle at posterior end; bothridium with posterior
microtuberculate and large tubercle that meets crista, bo (31-35) with subglobose, ciliated
head occupying about half length; notogastral margin straight, cristae doubled, encompass
c2 (25-30), outer ridge runs 3/4ths distance to la (30), lm (~20); 5 pairs genital setae;
epimeral region III-IV with a half dozen cells on either side of the midline and 4 setae (2 on
posterior margin); iad paranal.
Overview: most specimens probably pass through the 300 μm grid
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by DEW based on Balogh & Balogh (2002).
Similar taxa: Oppiella nova
Collections: Moose Pasture Research Site (DEW) 8 km W Chipman, AB (53.656667, -
112.759444
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB
Images:
Ecology:
Literature:
Oppiella sp. 5 DEW
Also Known As:
ABMI code: OPPISP5
Diagnostic characters: 275 long, yellow brown; prodorsum rather short and broad, with a half
dozen cells above pedotectum I and microtuberculate along leg bases, rostrum bluntly
acuminate; ro (25) barbed, ex (~30) barbed?; costulae (~40), <1/2 length of prodorsum,
without patch of microtubercles, le (~15) inserted subdistally in Y; in (15) in pocket,
interbothridial tubercle bifurcate; bothridium with posterior microtuberculate, inner margin
of bothridium and tubercle with parallel ridges, bo (40) with spoon-like head with short
barbs; notogastral margin straight, cristae very faint, c2 (~25) on notogastral margin and
directed laterally; la (22) directed laterally, lm (~20); 5 pairs genital setae; epimeral region
III-IV with a half dozen cells on either side of the midline and 4 setae (2 on posterior
margin), posterior margin crenulate; iad paranal.

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Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by DEW based on Balogh & Balogh (2002).
Similar taxa:
Collections: Moose Pasture Research Site (DEW) 8 km W Chipman, AB (53.656667, -
112.759444
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975)
Subiasella (Lalmoppia) Subías & Rodriguez 1986
Diagnostic characters: Oxyoppiinae: 5 pairs genital setae; small humeral process and
translamellar ridge present; 10 pairs of setae (c2 small); sensillus club-shaped and ciliated;
iad apoanal.
Also Known As: Cassioppia Poltavskaja, 1994, Pararectoppia Mahunka, 1987
Type species: Subiasella Balogh, 1983 (Oppia exiguus Hammer, 1971); Lalmoppia Subías &
Rodriguez 1986 (Oppia ventronodosa Hammer, 1962) = Oppia maculata Hammer, 1952;
but listed as Ramusella (Insculptoppia) maculata (Hammer, 1952)
World species:
Comments:
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Subiasella (Lalmoppia) maculata (Hammer, 1952)
YT NT MB QC; Subiasella sp. ON QC NS NL; Subiasella (Lalmoppia) sp.
Subiasella (Lalmoppia) sp. 1 DEW
Also Known As:
ABMI code: SUBISP1
Diagnostic characters: 250-300 long, prodorsum with faint translamellar ridge and lamellar
setae (sinuate, ~12) on short apophysis; sensillus with long stalk and suboval head with
short-ciliate margin; bothridium with posterior tubercle; interlamellar setae short (~7),
slender; rostral seta (~30) barbed; ex short (10), acicular. Notogaster with 10 pairs of setae,
setae c2 small (~10-12) minute, inserted between small tubercles on anterior margin of
notogaster; other setae (15-20) curved, barbed, tapering; 5 pairs genital setae, g1 directed
anteriad; iad apoanal near posterior corner of anal shield; ad1 postanal.
Overview:
Barcodes:

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ID Check: Determination by DEW based on Balogh & Balogh (2002).
Similar taxa:
Collections: ABMI 1223 (residuals); Dinosaur Provincial Park (DEW); Moose Pasture Research
Site (DEW) 8 km W Chipman, AB
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Norton & Kethley (1989)
Quadroppiidae Balogh, 1983
Quadroppia Jacot, 1939
Diagnostic characters:
Also Known As:
Type species: Notaspis quadricarinata Michael, 1885
World species:
Comments: Nearctic Quadroppia (Quadroppia) hammerae, illinoisensis, quadricarinata;
Quadroppia (Coronoquadroppia) monstruosa, pseudocircumita
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Quadroppia ferrumequina (Jacot, 1938) BC;
Quadroppia quadricarinata (Michael, 1885); Quadroppia sp. ? circumita Hammer, 1961
QC; Quadroppia nr. skookumchucki Jacot, 1939 QC; Quadroppia sp. BC AB ON NS NL
Quadroppia quadricarinata (Michael, 1885)
Also Known As:
ABMI code: QCADQUA
Diagnostic characters: 225 long; bo (30-35) with long, oval, barbed club, bothridium with
posterior tubercle; costulae long, translamella recurved; cristae large, tubercles with squared
corners, carinae run most length of oval notogaster
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by DEW. SEM from Meanook.
Similar taxa: Quadroppia ferrumequina (Jacot, 1938), Quadroppia illnoisensis (Jacot, 1938),
Quadroppia skookumchucki Jacot, 1939. Quadroppia sp. reported by Osler et al. (2008).
Collections: ABMI (residuals) 484, 1101, BOG5, UPL7; EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo &
Visser 2004); Kananaskis (McLean & Parkinson 1998); Meanook; Moose Pasture Research
Site (DEW) 8 km W Chipman, AB.

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DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, MB, QC; [AK; Semicosmopolitan]
Images:
Ecology: Parthenogenetic (thelytokous).
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Lindo & Visser (2004)
Quadroppia sp.
Also Known As:
ABMI code:
Diagnostic characters:
Collections: ~5 km S of Wolf Lake (54.600 N, -110.983) (Cameron et al. 2013)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;
Suctobelbidae Jacot, 1938
Suctobelba Paoli, 1908
Diagnostic characters:
Also Known As:
Type species: Notaspis trigona Michael, 1888
World species: ~19
Comments: Schneider (2005) placed members of this family in the carnivore-scavenger-
omnivore feeding guild (i.e. feeding on living and dead animals and on fungi)
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Suctobelba sp.
Suctobelba sp. 1 ZL
Also Known As:
ABMI code: SUCBSP1
Diagnostic characters:
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check:
Similar taxa:
Collections: EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB, QC, NS
Images:

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Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975);
Suctobelba sp.
Also Known As:
ABMI code:
Diagnostic characters:
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check:
Similar taxa:
Collections: Kananaskis Valley, Lodgepole pine litter (Powell & Skaley 1975)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB;
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975);
Suctobelbella Jacot, 1937
Diagnostic characters: suctobelbid mouthparts; anterior margin of notogaster with 1-2 pairs
tubercles or cristae; generally <400 and mostly <250 long.
Also Known As: Suctobelba Paoli, 1908
Type species: Suctobelbella serratirostrum Jacot, 1937
World species: ~185
Comments: Members of this genus are thought to be thelytokous. They are very diverse in
Alberta, but most species are minute. See also Part I for larger species.
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Suctobelbella acutidens (Forsslund, 1941);
Suctobelbella nr. acutidens (Forsslund, 1941); Suctobelbella arcana Moritz, 1970;
Suctobelbella frothinghami Jacot, 1937; Suctobelbella hammerae (Krivolutsky, 1965);
Suctobelbella hurshi Jacot, 1937; Suctobelbella laxtoni Jacot, 1937; Suctobelbella
longicuspis Jacot, 1937; Suctobelbella nr. longicuspis Jacot, 1937; Suctobelbella nr.
longirostris (Forsslund, 1941); Suctobelbella palustris (Forsslund, 1953); Suctobelbella nr.
palustris (Forsslund, 1953); Suctobelbella punctata (Hammer, 1955) [see Part I];
Suctobelbella sarekensis (Forsslund, 1941); Suctobelbella nr. sarekensis (Forsslund, 1941);
Suctobelbella setosoclavata (Hammer, 1952); Suctobelbella nr. subcornigera (Forsslund,
1941); Suctobelbella sp. [see Part I for additional species]

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Key to Suctobelbella (<0.3 mm) in Alberta
(return to Suctobelbidae > 0.3 mm)
1. 5 pairs (3+2) of genital setae ....................................................................................................... 4
- 6-7 pairs (4-5+2) of genital setae ................................................................................................. 2
2. Rostral margin with 4-5 teeth; sensillus strongly barbed ............................................................ 3
- Rostral margin with a single large tooth; sensillus spatulate and lightly barbed ............................
........................................................................................................... Suctobelbella sp. B DEW
3. Head of sensillus distinctly swollen, not tapering; interlamellar tubercle tuberculate
.......................................................................................................... Suctobelbella sp. C DEW
- Head of sensillus slender, tapering to acuminate tip and barbed along margin; interlamellar
tubercle smooth ................................................................................. Suctobelbella sp. A DEW
4. Rostral margin with strong foveolate-reticulate ornamentation between legs I and rostral teeth .
.................................................................................................. Suctobelbella sp. 1192R DEW
- Rostral margin smooth or with granular ornamentation ............................................................... 5
5. Rostral margin smooth between legs I and rostral teeth ...... Suctobelbella arcana Moritz, 1970
- Rostral margin and tectopedal fields granular ............ Suctobelbella acutidens (Forsslund 1941)
Suctobelbella nr. acutidens (Forsslund, 1941)
Also Known As:
ABMI code: SUCTACU
Diagnostic characters: length 195-220; rostrum and tectopedal fields granular; sensillus with
smooth, elongate club; rostrum notched, bracketed by broad, notched tooth and 2 teeth; le
on single tubercle; 5 pairs genital setae.
Overview: most specimens probably pass through the 300 μm grid
Barcodes:
ID Check:
Similar taxa: S. arcana Moritz, 1970; S. acutidens lobata (Strenzke, 1951); S. sarekensis
(Forsslund, 1941)
Collections: EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: BC, AB. S. acutidens reported from YT, NT, NU, BC, QC;
[AK, Holarctic, Neotropical]
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975); Lindo &
Visser (2004)

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Suctobelbella arcana Moritz, 1970
Also Known As:
ABMI code: SUCTARC
Diagnostic characters: 180-210 long; 3+2 genital setae; 8 pairs relatively long (20-30), simple
notogastral setae; crista with both tubercles well developed; bo short ~(40), stout, with
strong, subfusiform head (~23), acuminate and strongly barbed on outer face, rim of
bothridium weakly tuberculate and distinctly notched posterolaterally; interlamellar setae
(~12) fine, interlamellar tubercle weakly tuberculate posteriorly, smooth dorsally; lamellar
setae (~10) simple, tubercle smooth, with antero-median tooth; ex (~11) simple; tectopedal
fields obteardrop shaped, separated by a few large tubercles, with coarsely toothed, gear-
like margin and extending antero-ventrally to rim; lateral fields mostly smooth, with a few
tubercles; ro geniculate with barbed joint and simple (~15) process; rostrum weakly
tuberculate and with subreticulate areas posteriorly and marginally, with 3 marginal teeth:
lateral cusp replaced by rounded to emarginate lobe and followed by 1 large tooth and 2
smaller teeth; chelicerae (~80) relatively stout.
Length 180-225; prodorsum microtuberculate with median and lateral fields with larger
tubercles surrounding smooth tectopedal fields with crenulate margins, smooth cuticle
reaches rostral teeth; rostrum concave, flanked by rectangular tooth-slit-large tooth-narrow
pocket-tooth, with reticulate-foveolate posterior margin; bo directed dorso-medially with
elongate club with short bristles on outer margin; le short (~in), directed anteriad on single
tubercle with anterior point; in short, at base of small tubercles; notogastral margin with
pair of pointed tubercles separated by concave channel, outer carina reaches to level of c2;
notogastral setae short, smoothly acuminate, la longest, others not reaching insertion of next
seta.
Overview: most specimens probably pass through the 300 μm grid; SEM from Meanook
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by DEW based on Weigmann (2006).

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Similar taxa: S. acutidens (Forsslund, 1941); S. acutidens lobata (Strenzke, 1951); S. sarekensis
(Forsslund, 1941)
Collections: ABMI (residuals) 248, 277; Meanook
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB; [Holarctic]
Images: SEM
Ecology:
Literature: Weigmann (2006)
Suctobelbella sp. A DEW
Also Known As:
ABMI code: SUCTSPA
Diagnostic characters: 200 long; 4+2 genital setae; 8 pairs relatively short (10-15), simple
notogastral setae; crista with 2 well developed tubercles; bo long (60) with slender (38)
tapering head with strong barbs (~20) on one margin, rim of bothridium weakly tuberculate;
interlamellar setae (~10) fine, interlamellar tubercle well developed and smooth posteriorly;
lamellar setae (~8) simple, tubercle with anterior and posterior tooth; ex (~12) simple;
tectopedal fields large, with a pair of weak, faintly foveolate posterior depressions and
sparse, rounded teeth on margin; lateral fields weakly tuberculate; ro geniculate with barbed
joint and long (~22) process; rostrum evenly tuberculate with 4 teeth: a distinct lateral cusp
followed by 2 large and 1 small tooth; chelicerae (~68) relatively stout.
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check:
Similar taxa:
Collections: ABMI (residuals) 343 SE.
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975)
Suctobelbella sp. B DEW
Also Known As:
ABMI code: SUCTSPB
Diagnostic characters: 280 long; 5+2 genital setae; 8 pairs relatively long (33-45), simple
notogastral setae; crista with well developed, tuberculate lateral tubercle and weak median
tubercle; bo long (55), slender with weakly barbed, acuminate spatulate head (18), rim of

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bothridium tuberculate, weakly mitten-shaped; interlamellar setae (~10) fine, interlamellar
tubercle tuberculate, well developed posteriorly; lamellar setae (~20) simple, tubercle with
postero-median tooth; ex (~11) extremely fine; tectopedal fields elongate, merging at
midpoint, with a pair of weak, faintly foveolate posterior depressions and sparse, rounded
teeth on margin; lateral fields strongly tuberculate; ro geniculate with barbed joint and
simple (~20) process; rostrum evenly tuberculate, truncate laterally at palp setal portal,
without lateral cusps; with a single, large lateral tooth; chelicerae (~74) relatively stout.
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check:
Similar taxa:
Collections: ABMI (residuals) 1101 NE
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975)
Suctobelbella sp. C DEW
Also Known As:
ABMI code: SUCTSPC
Diagnostic characters: 270-290 long; 4(5)+2 genital setae; 8 pairs relatively long (30-40),
simple notogastral setae; crista with both tubercles well developed; bo long (60), stout, with
strong, subfusiform head (~30), acuminate and strongly barbed on outer face, rim of
bothridium tuberculate; interlamellar setae (~13) fine, interlamellar tubercle tuberculate,
well developed posteriorly; lamellar setae (~18) simple, tubercle with antero-median tooth;
ex (~20) simple; tectopedal fields subcircular, separated by a few large tubercles, with
rounded teeth on margin and extending antero-ventrally to rim; lateral fields with large and
small tubercles; ro geniculate with barbed joint and simple (~27) process; rostrum weakly
tuberculate and with subreticulate areas posteriorly and marginally, with 5 marginal teeth: a
lateral cusp followed by 2 large teeth and 2 small teeth; chelicerae (~80) relatively stout.
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check:
Similar taxa:
Collections: ABMI (residuals) 330, 388, 584, 793
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB
Images: SEM (388)

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Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975)
Suctobelbella sp. 1192R DEW
Also Known As:
ABMI code: SUCTSPS
Diagnostic characters: 5 pairs (3+2) of genital setae; rostral margin with strong foveolate-
reticulate ornamentation between legs I and rostral teeth.
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check:
Similar taxa:
Collections: ABMI (residuals) 1192
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975)
Suctobelbella sp. 1 ZL
Also Known As:
ABMI code: SUCTS1Z
Diagnostic characters:
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check:
Similar taxa:
Collections: EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975); Lindo &
Visser (2004)

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Suctobelbella sp. 2 ZL
Also Known As:
ABMI code: SUCTS2Z
Diagnostic characters:
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check:
Similar taxa:
Collections: EMEND (56.46, -118.22) (Lindo & Visser 2004)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975); Lindo &
Visser (2004)
Suctobelbella sp.
Also Known As:
ABMI code:
Diagnostic characters:
Overview:
Barcodes:
ID Check:
Similar taxa:
Collections: Kananaskis Valley, lodgepole pine forest (McLean & Parkinson 1998); ~5 km S of
Wolf Lake (54.600 N, -110.983) (Cameron et al. 2013)
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution: AB
Images:
Ecology:
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987); Weigmann (2006); Gilyarov & Krivolutsky (1975); Lindo &
Visser (2004)

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Superfamily Plateremaeoidea Trägårdh, 1926
Licnodamaeidae Grandjean, 1954
Licnodamaeus Grandjean, 1931
Diagnostic characters: small oribatid mites with a dense pustulate to reticulate cerotegument,
notogaster flattened and with 5 pairs of setae, but no scalp; 2 pairs anal setae; 5 pairs of
genital setae, sensillus expanded, spiculate-flabellate.
Also Known As:
Type species: Licneremaeus undulatus Paoli, 1908
World species:
Comments: An unidentified species in this genus has been reported from NS and CA, but we also
have seen collections from the Yukon and grassland soil in Alberta. Licnocepheus
reticulatus Woolley, 1969 was described from Louisiana.
Canadian species listed on DOC (bold = AB): Licneremaeus sp. NS
Licnodamaeus sp. 1 DEW
Also Known As:
ABMI code: LICNSP1
Diagnostic characters: 280 long; cerotegument of legs, prodorsum, notogaster, and ventral plate
composed of dense spherical pustules 1-2 µm in diameter, no reticulate pattern; bo
flabellate (30 long x 25 wide) and spiculate; movable digit of chelicera with 3 large teeth,
distal tooth larger than others; fixed digit with large basal tooth and 3 smaller distal teeth;
rutellum with cup-like median portion and lateral bidentate stalk; tridactyl.
Overview: most specimens probably pass through the 300 μm grid.
Barcodes:
ID Check: Determination by DEW based on Balogh & Balogh (2002). Previous versions of
Almanac Part II have listed this species as Licneremaeus sp. 1 DEW and physical
specimens may be labelled as such. Updated here to reflect records and classification in
Behan-Pelletier & Lindo 2019.
Similar taxa: Licnobelba (carries scalps, 6 pairs genital setae).
Collections: Roy Berg Kinsella Research Ranch.
DOC (9/2019): [+other] Distribution:
Images: Light-micrographs Roy Berg Kinsella Research Ranch, near Kinsella, Alberta
(53°01′27″ N, 111°33′17″ W)
Ecology: Gut contents include brown hyphae.
Literature: Marshall et al. (1987);
Back to Table of Contents

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Hyporder Astigmata (Astigmatina) Canestrini, 1891
Overview: The Astigmatina has traditionally been treated as its own order or suborder
(Astigmata, Acaridida), but recent work indications that it is likely a derived lineage from
within the Brachypylina. House dust mites, fur mites, feather mites, cheese mites, grain
mites, and the human itch mite are only some of the well known Astigmata.
Unidentified genus sp. – Roy Berg Kinsella Research Ranch (Newton 2013)
Acaridia
Superfamily Acaroidea Latreille, 1802
Acaridae Latreille, 1802
Overview: Acarid mites are generally microbivores or omnivores that take a variety of small,
soft-bodied arthropods, nematodes, and other small invertebrates as well as microphytes
such as algae and fungi. The deutonymphal dispersal stage (hypopus) does not feed and
attaches to insects and other arthropods using a sucker plate.
Acarus Linnaeus, 1758
Type species: Acarus siro Linnaeus, 1758
Acarus farris (Oudemans, 1905) – CNC record – Grain Mites, ex stored grains, other plant &
animal products
Acarus siro L. – ex granaries (Liscombe & Watters, 1962)
Acarus sp. 1 DEW – Moose Pasture Research Site (DEW) 8 km W Chipman, AB
Acarus sp. – ex Passer domesticus (house sparrow), Onefour (49o6’N, 110 o28’W) (Byers &
Proctor 2013)
Unidentified genus sp. – Calgary (Young et al. 2019)
Acotyledon Oudemans, 1903
Type species: Acotyledon paradoxa Oudemans 1903
Acotyledon paradoxa Oudemans 1903 – CNC record; red squirrel, Edmonton, February 2013
(HCP record).
Acotyledon spp. – CNC record – ex stored grains, vertebrate nests (Beaulieu & Knee 2014)
Cosmoglyphus Oudemans, 1932
Type species: Tyroglyphus kramerii Berlese, 1881
Cosmoglyphus sp. 1 DEW – deutonymph, Dinosaur Provincial Park (DEW)

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Histiogaster Berlese, 1883
Type species: Tyroglyphus carpio Kramer, 1882
Histiogaster arborsignum Woodring, 1963 – ex Comandra Blister Rust (Powell 1971); ex
Dendroctonus ponderosae (Mori et al. 2011).
Histiogaster sp. – ex Comandra Blister Rust (Powell 1971)
Kuzinia Zachvatkin, 1941
Type species: Hypopus laevis Dujardin, 1849
The European species, Kuzinia laevis (Dujardin, 1849), is known to feed on pollen in bumblebee
nests and the deutonymphs are phoretic on various species of Bombus. Two species based on
deutonymphs were described by Delfinado & Baker (1976): Kuzinia affinis from Bombus
perplexus and Psithyrus ‘laboriosus’ (= Bombus citrinus (Smith)) in New York and Psithyrus
‘laboriosus’ in New York and Bombus vagans and unidentified bumblebees from Colorado.
Unidentified species of Kuzinia have been reported from a variety of Carabidae in Ontario
(Olynyk & Freitag 1979).
Kuzinia sp. 1 DEW – ex Bombus rufocinctus thorax, Edmonton (Parkallen), 23 August 2010
Neoacotyledon Samšiňák, 1980
Type species: Eberhardia rhizoglyphoides Zachvatkin, 1937
Neoacotyledon rhizoglyphoides (Zachvatkin, 1937) – CNC record
Neoacotyledon spp. – CNC record – ex stored grains, vertebrate nests (Beaulieu & Knee 2014)
Pelzneria Scheuter, Stammer, 1957
Type species: Anoetus crenulatus Oudemans, 1909
Pelzneria crenulatus (Oudemans, 1909) – CNC record.
Rhizoglyphus Claparède, 1869
Type species: Rhizoglyphus robini Claparède, 1869
Rhizoglyphus echinopus complex (Fumouze & Robin, 1868) – near Breton (53.117 N, -114.467
W) (Berg & Pawluk 1984)
Rhizoglyphus robini Claparède, 1869 – CNC record – Bulb Mites, ex bulbs, onions, canola roots,
soil, litter (Beaulieu & Knee 2014)

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Sancassania Oudemans, 1916
Type species: Sancassania chelone Oudemans, 1916
Sancassania sp. 1 DEW (nidicola group) - Moose Pasture Research Site (DEW) 8 km W
Chipman, AB
Sancassania berlesei (Michael, 1903) – Edmonton ex soil under rhubarb
Sancassania michaeli (Oudemans, 1924) – CNC record
Schwiebea Oudemans, 1916
Type species: Schwiebea talpa Oudemans, 1916
Schwiebea sp. 1 DEW – Moose Pasture Research Site (DEW) 8 km W Chipman, AB
Schwiebea sp. 2 DEW – Moose Pasture Research Site (DEW) 8 km W Chipman, AB
Schwiebea eurynymphae (Oudemans, 1911) - ex Richardson’s Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus
richardsonii), Columbian Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus columbianus) (Hilton & Mahrt
1971)
Thyreophagus Rondani, 1874
Type species: Thyreophagus entomophagus (Laboulbéne & Robin, 1862)
Thyreophagus entomophagus (Laboulbéne & Robin, 1862) – ex stored products (Beaulieu &
Knee, 2014)
Tyrophagus Oudemans, 1924
Type species: Acarus putrescentiae Schrank, 1781
Tyrophagus longior (Gervais, 1844) – near Breton (53.117 N, -114.467 W) (Berg & Pawluk
1984)
Tyrophagus perniciosus Zachvatkin, 1941 – CNC record – ex stored grains, indoor plants, soil,
honey bee nest (Beaulieu & Knee, 2014)
Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank, 1781) – CNC record – Mould Mite, ex Comandra Blister
Rust (Powell 1971), stored products, diseased plants (Beaulieu & Knee, 2014)
Tyrophagus similis Volgin, 1949 – CNC record – ex pasture, stored barley (Beaulieu & Knee,
2014)
Tyrophagus sp. 1 DEW (similis group) - Moose Pasture Research Site (DEW) 8 km W Chipman,
AB (possibly Tyrophagus silvester Zachvatkin, 1941)
Tyrophagus sp. - Roy Berg Kinsella Research Ranch (Newton 2013; Newton & Proctor 2013)

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Lardoglyphidae Oudemans, 1927
Overview: Found on stored meat and fish, cadavers and carrion, and bird nests.
Lardoglyphus Oudemans, 1917
Type species: Lardoglyphus zacheri Oudemans, 1927
Overview: Feed on animal products including hides, sheep skins, sausage casings, offal, and
carrion and may be a pest in museum dermestid beetle colonies (Iverson et al. 1996).
Lardoglyphus zacheri Oudemans, 1927 - Medicine Hat, 14-IV-23, F.S. Carr, ex Dermestes
marmoratus (Iverson et al. 1996).
Suidasiidae Hughes, 1948
Overview: Found in stored food products, bird nests, bat roosts, deep soil, and in the nests of
Hymenoptera (Tortonia spp.).
Tortonia Oudemans, 1911
Type species: Trichotarsus intermedius Oudemans, 1901
Overview: Deutonymphs were collected on the solitary mason bee Osmia bucephala Cresson
which nests in holes in wood with chewed leaf material used for partitions (CD Michener
2000, Bees of the World p. 466).
Tortonia sp. 1 DEW - Busby, 16 km W, George Lake Field Stn., 4-11 May 1989, malaise, T.G.
Spanton, ex Osmia bucephala Cresson, female
Tortonia spp. – CNC record – ex cleptoparasites of leafcutter and mason bees, ex alfalfa foliage
(Beaulieu & Knee, 2014)
Superfamily Glycyphagoidea Berlese, 1897
Glycyphagidae Berlese, 1897
Overview: Found in nests of rodents, insectivores, marsupials, birds and in synanthropic habitats
such as granaries, house dust, mouldy furniture, etc.
Ctenoglyphus Berlese, 1884
Type species: Ctenoglyphus plumiger (CL Koch, 1835)
Ctenoglyphus plumiger (CL Koch, 1835) - ex granaries (Liscombe & Watters 1962), hay stacks
(Beaulieu & Knee, 2014)

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Dermacarus Haller, 1878
Type species: Homopus sciurinus CL Koch, 1842
Dermacarus tamiasciuri Rupes, Yunker & Wilson 1971 – red squirrel, Edmonton, February 2013
(HCP record).
Dermacarus spermophilus Fain & Whittaker, 1978 – CNC record
Glycyphagus Hering, 1838
Type species: Glycyphagus prunorum Hering, 1838
Glycyphagus domesticus (De Geer, 1778) – Edmonton
Glycyphagus hypudaei (CL Koch, 1841) – CNC record; also as Dermacarus hypudaei (CL Koch,
1842) ex Richardson’s Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus richardsonii), Columbian Ground
Squirrel (Urocitellus columbianus) (Hilton & Mahrt 1971); ex vole ex pitfall, Nordegg /
Lodgepole, 4 May 2001, HCP record; Southern red-backed vole (Myodes gapperi),
Strathcona County AB, May-July 2001.
Lepidoglyphus Zachvatkin, 1936
Type species: Acarus destructor Schrank, 1781
Lepidoglyphus destructor (Schrank, 1781) – Long-haired Mite, ex granaries (Liscombe &
Watters 1962) and in other food products (Beaulieu & Knee 2014)
Orycteroxenus Zachvatkin, 1974
Type species: Glycyphagus dispar Michael, 1886
Orycteroxenus soricis (Oudemans) - ex Masked Shrew (Sorex cinereus), pitfall trap, Nordegg-
Lodgepole area, 23 May 2001 (Cam Stevens) HCP record
Xenoryctes Zachvatkin, 1941
Type species: Glycyphagus krameri Michael, 1886
Xenoryctes latiporus Fain & Whitaker, 1973 – CNC record; possibly the same as Dermacarus
heptneri (Zachvatkin, 1941) ex Richardson’s Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus richardsonii)
(Hilton & Mahrt 1971)
Zibethacarus Rupes, Yunker & Wilson, 1971
Type species: Dermacarus ondatrae Rupel & Whitaker, 1968
Zibethacarus ondatrae (Rupes & Whitaker, 1968) - ex beaver from Edmonton area brought in by
Malcolm Abercrombie of Animal Damage Control washed 19 July 2011 HCP record

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Superfamily Hemisarcoptoidea Oudemans, 1904
Algophagidae Fain, 1974
Overview: Found in phytotelmata, rivers, lakes, sap flows on trees, and in association with
insects especially sap-beetles (Coleoptera, Nitidulidae) and Lepidoptera.
Hericia G. Canestrini, 1888
Type species: Glycyphagus hericius Robin, 1868
Hericia sp. nr. fermentationis Vitzthum – ex root weevil Hylobius warreni Wood (Cerezke 1973)
Carpoglyphidae Fain, 1974
Overview: The type species is associated with high sugar concentrations (e.g. dried fruit,
powdered milk) and infests honeybee hives. Other species are known from composite
flowers and nests.
Carpoglyphus Robin, 1869
Type species: Acarus lactis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Carpoglyphus lactis (Linnaeus, 1758) – CNC record - Dried Fruit Mite, ex honey bee hives and
other products with high sugar content (Beaulieu & Knee, 2014)
Chaetodactylidae Zachvatkin, 1941
Overview: Parasites in the nests of bees.
Chaetodactylus Rondani, 1866
Type species: Trichodactylus osmiae Dufour, 1839
Chaetodactylus cf micheneri Klimov & OConnor, 2008 form 1 - Bistcho Lake, Tapawingo
Lodge, 13-22 Jun 1987, malaise, A.T. Finnamore, ex Osmia sp.; ex Osmia subaustralis,
Banff, (pronotum, propodeum) 21 May 1915, F.W.L. Sladen (Klimov & OConnor
2008).
Hemisarcoptidae Oudemans, 1908
Overview: Adults are predators on scale insects; deutonymphs are phoretic and parasitic on
coccinellid beetles in the genus Chilocorus.

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Hemisarcoptes Lignieres, 1893
Type species: Hemisarcoptes coccophagus Meyer, 1962
Hemisarcoptes sp. – ex Chilocorus cf stigma, Slave Lake, Diane Haughland
Deutonymphs of Hemisarcoptes sp. in elytron of Chilocorus cf stigma, Slave Lake
Winterschmidtiidae Oudemans, 1923
Overview: Members of the subfamily Ensliniellinae are characterized by the loss of solenidion σ
from genu III in the adults which live in the nests of Hymenoptera (Megachilidae,
Sphecidae, Vespidae) and the reduction of ω-2 on tarsus I of the deutonymphs which are
phoretic on the same, especially the eumenine vespids. Genera include Kennethiella (on
Ancistrocerus – several AB species); Monobiacarus Baker & Cunliffe, 1960 (on Monobia,
M. quadridens (Linnaeus, 1763) is known from ON, but is probably too southern to show
up in AB); Vespacarus Baker & Cunliffe, 1960 (on Parancistrocerus – several AB
species); Ensliniella Vitzthum, 1925 (supposedly restricted to the European Allodynerus),
Crabrovidia Zachvatkin, 1941 (on Crabronidae, Sphecidae), Sphexicozela Mahunka, 1970
(on Polistes), and Vidia Oudemans, 1905 (on Megachilidae).
Kennethiella Cooreman, 1954
Type species: Kennethiella trisetosa Cooreman, 1942
Kennethiella trisetosa (Cooreman, 1942) - Edmonton (Parkallen) 53º29’N, 113º31’W ex
Ancistrocerus antilope, male, 9 August 2009 (also known As: Ensliniella trisetosa)

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Kennethiella sp. 1 DEW - Edmonton (Parkallen) 53º29’N, 113º31’W ex Ancistrocerus parietum,
female, 15 August 2009
Kennethiella sp. 3 DEW – Ukalta Dunes (53°58'29"N, 112°30'26"W), AB, ex Ancistrocerus
albophaleratus, female, 21 June 2010
Crabrovidia Zachvatkin, 1941
Type species: Vidia (Crabrovidia) gussakovskii Zachvatkin, 1941
Crabrovidia sp. 1 DEW – ex Cerceris crucis, AB: Newell Co., Dinosaur Prov. Pk., Sandhill
Creek Valley, 50°46’21”N, 111°31’9”W, 14 Jul 2010, M. Buck, pmae00114852
Procalvolia Fain, 1971
Type species: Procalvolia zacheri (Oudemans, 1929)
Procalvolia cf zacheri (Oudemans, 1929) – CNC record – ex stored grains (Beaulieu & Knee
2014)
Vidia Oudemans, 1905
Type species: Vidia undulata Oudemans, 1905
Vidia sp. 1 DEW - ex Megachile sp., AB, Thorhild Co., Opal Dunes, 645 m, 54°0'27"N,
113°16'5"W, 3-Jul-09, yellow pans, M. Buck
Superfamily Histiostomatoidea Berlese, 1897
Histiostomatidae Berlese, 1897
Overview: Mostly filter-feeders in water and wet habitats including phytotelmata, rotting
vegetation, bulbs, mushrooms, drosophila cultures, dung, and carrion. Two genera are
known from the ears of large mammals; one species, Histiostoma murchiei Hughes &
Jackson, is a predator of earthworms; and species of Anoetus are mutualists of halictid bees
that reduce microbial loads in nests (deutonymphs are often found in specialized areas
[acarinaria] on the adult bees. Some species of Histiostoma and Bonomoia are found under
bark or in dead wood and are often found phoretic on bark beetles (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae: Scolytinae) or other insects associated with these habitats.
Anoetus Dujardin, 1942
Type species: Hypopus alicola Dujardin, 1842
Anoetus sp. 1 DEW – ex Halictus rubicundus, Thorhild Co., 3 July 2009, M. Buck

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Bonomoia Oudemans, 1911
Type species: Bonomoia primitiva Oudemans, 1911
Bonomoia sp. 1 DEW – ex Chrysis coerulans, AB: Strathcona Co., NW of Bruderheim NA, W
Tract, 53°51’1”N, 113°1’41”W, 11 Jun 2010, sand, 1-yr. burn site, yellow pans, Buck
& Widen, pmae00113168
Histiostoma Kramer, 1876
Type species: Hypopus julorum CL Koch, 1843
Histiostoma sp. nr. gordius Vitzthum, 1923 – CNC record
Histiostoma piceae Scheucher, 1957 – CNC record
Histiostoma sapromyzarum Dufour, 1893 – CNC record
Histiostoma sp. 1 DEW - Moose Pasture Research Site (DEW) 8 km W Chipman, AB
Histiostoma spp. – near Breton (53.117 N, -114.467 W) (Berg & Pawluk 1984)
Myianoetus Oudemans, 1929
Type species: Acarus muscarum Linnaeus, 1758
Myianoetus sp. 1 DEW – EMEND (phoretic on Eutrichota sp. [Diptera, Anthomyiidae]) ex
Malaise trap, MS
Psoroptidia
Superfamily Analgoidea Trouessart & Mégnin, 1884
Overview: The Analgoidea is represented by at least 14 families of bird feather mites in Alberta
based on Heather Proctor’s research at the University of Alberta. Contact her for further
information.
Alloptidae Gaud, 1957
Overview: Alloptid feather mites are known from birds in the orders Anseriformes,
Charadriiformes, Gruiformes, and Suliformes in Alberta.
Alloptes G. Canestrini, 1879
Type species: Dermalichus crassipes G. Canestrini, 1878
Alloptes obtusolobus Dubinin, 1951 – ex Leucophaeus pipixcan (Franklin’s gull) (Galloway et al.
2014)
Alloptes oxylobus Dubinin, 1951– ex Larus delawarensis (ring-billed gull) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Alloptes spp. – ex Anas platyrhynchos (mallard) (Galloway et al. 2014)

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Dinalloptes Gaud and Mouchet, 1957
Type species: Dinalloptes anisopus Gaud and Mouchet, 1957
Dinalloptes chelionatus Atyeo, & Peterson, 1966 – ex Phalacrocorax auritus (double-crested
cormorant) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Dinalloptes sp. – ex Phalacrocorax auritus (double-crested cormorant), Lac la Biche (54.854 N,
-111.987 W) (Knee & Proctor 2018)
Plicatalloptes Dubinin, 1955
Type species: Plicatalloptes plegadis Dubinin, 1955
Plicatalloptes sp. – ex Phalacrocorax auritus (double-crested cormorant), Lac la Biche (54.854
N, -111.987 W) (Knee & Proctor 2018)
Psilobrephosceles Peterson & Atyeo, 1968
Type species: Dermalichus ortygometrae Canestrini, 1878
Psilobrephosceles ortygometrae (Canestrini, 1878) – ex Porzana carolina (sora rail) (Galloway
et al. 2014)
Analgidae Trouessart & Mégnin, 1884
Overview: Analgid feather mites are known from birds in the orders Anseriformes, Galliformes,
Gruiformes, and Passeriformes in Alberta.
Analges Nitsch, 1818
Type species: Acarus passerinus Linnaeus, 1758
Analges corvinus Mégnin, 1877 - ex Corvus brachyrhynchos (American crow) (Galloway et al.
2014)
Analges magellanicus Cooreman, 1953 – ex Turdus migratorius (American robin) (Galloway et
al. 2014)
Analges sp. 1 HCP – Moose Pasture Research Site (DEW) 8 km W Chipman, AB ex female
Northern Oriole (Icterus galbula)
Analges sp. – ex Eremophila alpestris, Bombycilla cedrorum, Bombycilla garrulus, Pheucticus
ludovicianus, Corvus brachyrhynchos, Plectrophenax nivalis, Spizella pallida, Spizella
passerina, Zonotrichia albicolllis, Carduelis flammea, Carduelis pinus, Carpodacus
purpureus, Coccothraustes vespertinus, Loxia leucoptera, Pinicola enucleator, Icterus
galbula, Molothrus ater, Poecile atricapillus, Poecile hudsonica, Dendroica petechia,
Seiurus aurocapillus, Vermivora peregrina, Sitta canadensis, Catharus ustulatus,
Turdus migratorius, Empidonax minimus(?), Vireo olivaceous (HCP records); Icterus
galbula (Baltimore oriole), Molothrus ater (brown-headed cowbird), Sitta canadensis

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(red-breasted nuthatch), Spizella pallida (clay-coloured sparrow), Vireo olivaceous (red-
eyed vireo) (Galloway et al. 2014); Edmonton (Young et al. 2019)
Anhemialges Gaud & Mouchet, 1959
Type species: Megninia longipes Trouessart, 1899
Anhemialges sp. – ex Tachycineta bicolor (tree swallow) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Megninia Berlese, 1883
Type species: Dermalichus cubitalis Mégnin, 1877
Megninia sp. – ex Perdix perdix (gray partridge), Phasianus colchicus (ring-neck pheasant) (HCP
record)
Megniniella Gaud & Mouchet, 1958
Type species: Megniniella gallinulae (Buchholz, 1869)
Megniniella fulicae Gaud, 1958 - ex Fulica americana (American coot) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Megniniella ratcliffi Mironov & Galloway, 2002 – ex Porzana carolina (sora rail) (Galloway et
al. 2014)
Metanalges Trouessart, 1919
Type species: longisetosus
Metanalges holderi Mironov & Galloway, 2002 – ex Porzana carolina (sora rail) (Galloway et
al. 2014)
Strelkoviacarus Dubinin, 1953a
Type species: Pteronyssus quadratus Haller, 1882
Strelkoviacarus spp. – ex Junco hyemalis (dark-eyed junco), Spizella passerina (chipping
sparrow), Zonotrichia leucophrys (white-crowned sparrow), Spinus tristis (American
goldfinch), Pinicola enucleator (pine grosbeak), Poecile atricapillus (black-capped
chickadee), Catharus guttatus (hermit thrush) Myadestes townsendi (Townsend's
solitaire) (HCP record); ex Poecile atricapillus (black-capped chickadee), Spinus tristis
(American goldfinch) (Galloway et al. 2014)

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Avenzoariidae Oudemans, 1905
Overview: These mites mostly live on aquatic birds and have been reported from the bird orders
Accipitriformes, Anseriformes, Charadriiformes, Gaviiformes, Pelecaniformes, and
Suliformes in Alberta.
Avenzoaria Oudemans, 1905
Type species: Dermalichus totani G. Canestrini, 1878
Avenozoaria sp. – ex Tringa flavipes (lesser yellowlegs) (HCP record)
Bdellorhynchus Mégnin & Trouessart, 1884
Type species: Bdellorhynchus polymorphus Mégnin & Trouessart, 1884
Bdellorhynchus oxyurae Dubinin, 1956 – ex Oxyura jamaicensis (ruddy duck) (Galloway et al.
2014)
Bdellorhynchus sp. – ex Anas discors (blue-winged teal) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Bregetovia Dubinin, 1951
Type species: Dermalichus limosae
Bregetovia sp. – ex Tringa melanoleuca? (greater yellowlegs), Accipiter striatus (sharp-shinned
hawk) (HCP record)
Bychovskiata Dubinin, 1951
Type species: Dermolichus charadrii Canestrini, 1878
Bychovskiata sp. – ex Pluvialis squatarolae (black-bellied plover) (HCP record)
Pandionacarus Balogh, 1937 (=Bonnetella Trouessart)
Type species: Analges fuscus Nitzsch, 1818
Pandoniacarus fuscus (Nitzsch, 1818) – ex Pandion haliaetus (osprey) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Pseudavenzoaria Dubinin, 1951
Type species: Avenzoaria ochropodis Hull, 1934
Pseudavenozoaria sp. – ex Tringa solitaria (solitary sandpiper) (HCP record)
Scutomegninia Dubinin, 1951
Type species: Megninia phalacrocoracis W. Dubinin & M. Dubinin, 1940

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Scutomegninia gaudi Mironov, 2000 – ex Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Gmelin (American white
pelican) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Scutomegninia microfalcifera Mironov, 1990 - ex Phalacrocorax auritus (double crested
cormorant) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Scutomegninia spp. – ex Gavia immer (common loon) (HCP record); ex Phalacrocorax auritus
(double crested cormorant), Lac la Biche (54.854 N, -111.987 W) (Knee & Proctor
2018).
Zachvatkinia Dubinin, 1949
Type species: Dermalichus puffini Buchholz, 1869
Zachvatkinia chlidoniae Mironov, 1989 – ex Chlidonias niger (black tern) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Zachvatkinia larica Mironov, 1989 – ex Larus delawarensis (ring-billed gull), Leucophaeus
pipixcan (Franklin's gull) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Zachvatkinia sternae (Canestrini & Fanzago, 1876) – ex Sterna hirundo (common tern)
(Galloway et al. 2014)
Zachvatkinia spp. – ex Larus californicus (California gull) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Dermationidae Fain, 1965
Overview: These mites live on the surface of the skin of their hosts, rather than on feathers.
Neodermation Fain, 1964
Type species: Neodermation anatum Fain, 1964
Neodermation sp. – ex Dryocopus pileatus (pileated woodpecker) (HCP records)
Passeroptes Fain, 1964
Type species: Epidermoptes dermicola Trouessart, 1886
Passeroptes dermicola (Trouessart, 1886) – ex Passer domesticus (house sparrow), Edmonton
(53o34’N, 113 o 31’W) (Byers & Proctor 2013)
Passeroptes spp. – ex Dryocopus pileatus (pileated woodpecker), Quiscalus quiscula (common
grackle), Dendroica petechia (yellow warbler), Passer domesticus (house sparrow),
Sturnus vulgaris (European starling), (HCP records); ex Archilochus colubris (ruby-
throated hummingbird), Chordeiles minor (common nighthawk), Picoides pubescens
(downy woodpecker), Tyrannus tyrannus (eastern kingbird) (Galloway et al. 2014)

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Pelecanoptes Fain & Atyeo, 1975
Type species: Pelecanoptes onocrotali Fain & Atyeo, 1975
Pelecanoptes onocrotali Fain & Atyeo, 1975 – ex Pelecanus erythrorhynchos (American white
pelican) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Dermoglyphidae Mégnin & Trouessart, 1884
Overview: These mites live within the quills of the feathers of their hosts, rather than on the
feather surface, and have been recorded from birds in the orders Charadriiformes,
Galliformes, Passeriformes, and Piciformes in Alberta.
Dermoglyphus Robin & Mégnin, 1877
Type species: Dermalichus elongatus Robin & Mégnin, 1877
Dermoglyphus spp. – ex Dryocopus pileatus (pileated woodpecker), Quiscalus quiscula
(common grackle) (HCP records)
Paralges Mégnin & Trouessart, 1884
Type species: Paralges pachycnemis Mégnin & Trouessart, 1884
Paralges spp. – ex Larus argentatus (herring gull), Zonotrichia albicollis (white-throated
sparrow) (HCP records); ex Turdus migratorius (American Robin), Tympanuchus
phasianellus (sharp-tailed grouse) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Epidermoptidae Trouessart, 1892
Overview: These mites are unusual in that they utilize parasitic flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) to
move from bird to bird and in some cases feed on the flies. In Alberta, they have been found
on birds in the orders Apodiformes, Passeriformes, and Piciformes.
Microlichus Trouessart & Neumann, 1888
Type species: Symbiotes avus Trouessart, 1887
Microlichus spp. – ex Spizella pallida (clay-coloured sparrow), (HCP records); ex Archilochus
colubris (ruby-throated hummingbird), Colaptes auratus (northern flicker), Turdus
migratorius (American robin) (Galloway et al. 2014)

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Myialges Trouessart, 1906
Type species: Myialges anchora Trouessart, 1906
Myialges cf borealis – ex Ornithomya anchineuria (hippoboscid fly) on migrating birds
(Zonotrichia leucophrys (white-crowned sparrow), Catharus fuscescens (veery), Vireo
gilvus (warbling vereo)), Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (49o39’49.30”N,
110o18’10.09”W) (Goater et al. 2018)
Promyialges Fain, 1964
Type species: Microlichus uncus Vitzthum, 1934
Promyialges sp. 1 DEW – ex wing base of Orinthomyia sp. (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) on Passer
domesticus (house sparrow), Edmonton, AB, 26 July 2010 (DEW)
Proctophyllodidae Mégnin & Trouessart, 1884
Overview: Proctophyllodid feather mites are known from birds in the orders Charadriiformes,
Passeriformes, and Piciformes in Alberta.
Amerodectes Valim & Hernandes 2010
Type species: Proctophyllodes (Pterodectes) gracilis Trouessart, 1885
Overview: Pterodectes Robin & Mégnin, 1877 (Type species: Proctophyllodes (Pterodectes)
rutilus Robin, 1877) is now restricted to P. rutilus from swallows. Currently known
feather mites in Alberta that would have been placed in this genus are now in
Amerodectes Valim & Hernandes, 2010. Other genera may be present such as
Berladectes Valim & Hernandes, 2009 [type species Dolichodectes neotropicus
Hernandes et Valim, 2006]; Tyrannidectes Mironov, 2008 [type species Tyrannidectes
berlai Mironov, 2008]. Additionally, the Metapterodectes muticus (Banks, 1909) has
been reported from a Vesper Sparrow in Canada and may be present in Alberta (Valim
& Hernandes 2010).
Amerodectes spp. – ex Carpodacus purpureus (purple finch), Geothlypis trichas (common
yellowthroat), Oporornis philadephia (mourning warbler), Setophaga ruticilla
(American redstart), Vermivora peregrina (Tennessee warbler), Catharus ustulatus
(Swainson's thrush), Picoides pubescens (downy woodpecker – possibly a contaminant)
(HCP records); – ex Tyrannus tyrannus (eastern kingbird), Dumetella carolinensis (gray
catbird), Icterus galbula (Baltimore oriole) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Nycteridocaulus Atyeo, 1966
Type species: Nycteridocaulus tyranni Atyeo, 1966
Nycteridocaulus lamellus Atyeo, 1966 – ex Tyrannus tyrannus (eastern kingbird) (Galloway et al.
2014)

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Proctophyllodes Robin, 1868
Type species: Proctophyllodes glandarinus (CL Koch, 1840)
Proctophyllodes canadensis Atyeo & Braasch, 1966 – ex Sitta canadensis (red-breasted
nuthatch) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Proctophyllodes corvorum Vitzthum, 1922 – ex Corvus corax (common raven) (Galloway et al.
2014)
Proctophyllodes egglestoni Spory, 1965 – ex Agelaius phoeniceus (red-winged blackbird),
Euphagus cyanocephalus (Brewer’s blackbird) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Proctophyllodes musicus Vitzthum, 1922 – ex Turdus migratorius (American robin) (Galloway
et al. 2014)
Proctophyllodes spini Atyeo & Braasch, 1966 – ex Spinus tristis (American goldfinch)
(Galloway et al. 2014)
Proctophyllodes spp. – ex Gallinago gallinago, Eremophila alpestris, Bombycilla cedrorum,
Bombycilla garrulus, Pheucticus ludovicianus, Certhia americana, Pica hudsonia,
Ammodramus lecontei, Junco hyemalis, Plectrophenax nivalis, Spizella pallida, Spizella
passerina, Zonotrichia albicolllis, Zonotrichia leucophrys, Carduelis flammea,
Carduelis hornemanni, Carduelis pinus, Carduelis tristis, Carpodacus purpureus,
Coccothraustes vespertinus, Loxia curvirostra, Loxia leucoptera, Pinicola enucleator,
Agelaius phoenicus, Euphagus cyanocephalus, Icterus galbula, Molothrus ater, Lanius
excubitor, Dumetella carolinensis, Poecile atricapillus, Dendroica petechia, Seiurus
aurocapillus, Seiurus noveboracensis, Setophaga ruticilla, Vermivora peregrina, Passer
domesticus, Regulus calendula, Sitta canadensis, Sitta carolinensis, Catharus guttatus,
Catharus ustulatus, Myadestes townsendi, Turdus migratorius (HCP records); ex Passer
domesticus (house sparrow), Edmonton (53o34’N, 113 o 31’W) (Byers & Proctor 2013);
ex Empidonax alnorum (alder flycatcher), Pica hudsonia (black-billed magpie),
Dumetella carolinensis (grey catbird), Bombycilla cedrorum (cedar waxwing),
Ammodramus leconteii (Le Conte's sparrow), Molothrus ater (brown-headed cowbird),
Icterus galbula (Baltimore oriole) (Galloway et al. 2014); Edmonton (Young et al.
2019)
Tyranniphyllodes Hernandes, Valim & Mironov, 2007
Type species: Tyranniphyllodes pitangi Hernandes, Valim & Mironov, 2007
Tyranniphyllodes sp. – ex Empidonax minimus (Least Flycatcher) (HCP record)

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Pteronyssidae Oudemans, 1941
Overview: Psoroptoidid feather mites are known from birds in the orders Passeriformes and
Piciformes in Alberta.
Neopteronyssus Mironov, 2002
Type species: Dermalichus picinus CL Koch, 1841
Neopteronyssus pici (Scopoli, 1763) – ex Picoides villosus (hairy woodpecker) (Galloway et al.
2014)
Neopteronyssus sp. – ex Picoides villosus (hairy woodpecker) (HCP records)
Pteronyssus Robin, 1877
Type species: Parapteronyssus robini Faccini & Atyeo, 1981
Pteronyssus picoides Cerný & Schumilo, 1973 – ex Picoides pubescens (downy woodpecker),
Picoides villosus (hairy woodpecker) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Pteronyssus sphyrapicinus Mironov & Galloway, 2006 – ex Sphyrapicus varius (yellow-bellied
sapsucker) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Scutulanyssus Mironov, 1985
Type species: Pteronyssus obscurus Berlese, 1884
Scutulanyssus prognei Mironov & Galloway, 2006 – ex Progne subis (purple martin) (Galloway
et al. 2014)
Scutulanyssus subis Mironov & Galloway, 2006 – ex Progne subis (purple martin) (Galloway et
al. 2014)
Scutulanyssus tyrrelli (Canestrini, 1899) – ex Tachycineta bicolor (tree swallow) (Galloway et al.
2014)
Stenopteronyssus Faccini & Atyeo, 1981
Type species: Pteronyssus spathuliger (Trouessart 1885)
Stenopteronyssus proctorae Mironov & Galloway, 2006 – ex Colaptes auratus (northern flicker)
(Galloway et al. 2014)
Sturnotrogus Mironov, 1989
Type species: Pteronyssus truncatus Trouessart, 1885
Sturnotrogus spp. – ex Sturnus vulgaris (European starling) (HCP records)

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Psoroptoididae Gaud, 1983
Overview: Psoroptoidid feather mites are known from the downy feathers of birds in the orders
Passeriformes and Piciformes in Alberta.
Mesalgoides Gaud & Atyeo, 1967
Type species: Dermalichus oscinum CL Koch, 1840
Mesalgoides spp. – ex Zonotrichia albicolllis (white-throated sparrow), Carduelis flammea
(common redpoll), Coccothraustes vespertinus (evening grosbeak), Pinicola enucleator
(pine grosbeak), Dendroica petechia (yellow warbler), Seiurus noveboracensis
(northern waterthrush), (HCP records); ex Colaptes auratus (northern flicker),
Dumetella carolinensis (gray catbird), Agelaius phoenicus (red-winged blackbird),
Euphagus cyanocephalus (Brewer's blackbird) (Galloway et al. 2014); Edmonton
(Young et al. 2019)
Trouessartiidae Gaud, 1957
Overview: Trouessartid feather mites live on the dorsal surface of the wing coverts or head
feathers and are known from birds in the order Passeriformes in Alberta.
Trouessartia Canestrini in G. Canestrini & Kramer 1899
Type species: Dermalichus corvinus CL Koch, 1840
Trouessartia ripariae Mironov, 1983 – ex Riparia riparia (bank swallow)
Trouessartia spp. – ex Sturnus vulgaris (European starling), Catharus ustulatus (Swainson's
thrush), (HCP records); Tyrannus tyrannus (eastern kingbird), Tachycineta bicolor (tree
swallow), Progne subis (purple martin), Setophaga petechia (yellow warbler)
(Galloway et al. 2014)
Pyroglyphidae Cunliffe, 1958
Overview: Pyroglyphid mites occur in nests, on birds, and in stored grains, flour, and house dust.
Dermatophagoides Bogdanoff (=Bogdanov), 1864
Type species: Dermatophagoides scheremetewskyi Bogdanoff, 1864
Dermatophagoides evansi Fain, 1967 – ex Passer domesticus (house sparrow), Edmonton
(53o34’N, 113 o 31’W) (Byers & Proctor 2013)
Dermatophagoides microceras Griffiths & Cunnington, 1971 – Edmonton, house dust (HCP)
Dermatophagoides sp. 1 HCP – ex Passer domesticus (house sparrow), Edmonton

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Turbinoptidae Fain, 1957
Overview: Nasal parasites living just within the nares of a variety of birds, but known only from
two species of gull in Alberta.
Turbinoptes Boyd, 1949
Type species: Turbinoptes strandtmanni Boyd, 1949
Turbinoptes strandtmanni Boyd, 1949 – ex Larus californicus, L. delawarensis (Knee et al.
2008)
Xolalgidae Dubinin, 1953
Overview: Xolalgids are found on the plumaceous feathers of birds in the orders Accipitriformes,
Anseriformes, Charadriiformes, Gruiformes, Passeriformes, Pelecaniformes, and
Podicipediformes in Alberta.
Analloptes Trouessart, 1885
Type species: Analloptes megnini Trouessart, 1885
Analloptes buettikeri Mironov, 1997 – ex Pandion haliaetus (osprey) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Analloptes sp. – ex Fulica americana (American coot) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Fainalges Gaud & Berla, 1964
Type species: Fainalges trichocheylus Gaud & Berla, 1964
Fainalges sp. – ex Accipiter cooperii (Cooper’s hawk) (HCP records)
Ingrassia Oudemans, 1905
Type species: Megninia veliger Oudemans, 1904
Ingrassia spp. – ex Anas americana (American widgeon), Anas clypeata (northern shoveler),
Mergus merganser (common merganser), Tringa flavipes (lesser yellowlegs), Podiceps
auritus (horned grebe) (HCP records); ex Anas americana (American widgeon), Anas
clypeata (northern shoveler), Leucophaeus pipixcan (Franklin's gull) (Galloway et al.
2014)
Gymnalloptes Gaud, 1968
Type species: Analloptes pallens Trouessart & Neumann, 1888
Gymnalloptes pallens (Trouessart & Neumann, 1888) – ex Porzana carolina (sora rail)
(Galloway et al. 2014)

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Metingrassia Gaud, 1974
Type species: Metingrassia minutidisca Gaud, 1974
Metingrassia minutidisca Gaud, 1973 – ex Phalacrocorax auritus (double-crested cormorant)
(Galloway et al. 2014)
Metingrassia sp. – ex Phalacrocorax auritus (double-crested cormorant), Lac la Biche (54.854
N, -111.987 W) (Knee & Proctor 2018).
Xolalgoides Trouessart, 1885
Type species: Xolalges scaurus Trouessart, 1885
Xolalgoides sp. – ex Tachycineta bicolor (tree swallow) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Superfamily Pterolichoidea Trouessart & Mégnin, 1884
Overview: The Pterolichoidea is represented by at least 5 families of bird feather mites in
Alberta based on Heather Proctor’s research at the University of Alberta. Contact her for
further information.
Freyanidae Dubinin, 1953
Overview: Freyanid feather mites occur on ducks, (probably geese), cormorants, and swans in
Alberta.
Freyana Haller, 1877
Type species: Dermalichus anatinus CL Koch, 1844
Freyana largifolia Mégnin & Trouessart, 1884 – ex Anas discors (blue-winged teal) (Galloway et
al. 2014)
Freyana spp. – ex Cygnus columbarius (tundra swan) (HCP records); Anas platyrhynchos
(mallard) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Michaelia Trouessart, 1884
Type species: Dermaleichus heteropus Michael, 1881
Michaelia neotropica Hernandes & Mironov, 2016 – symbiont of New World cormorants; ex
Phalacrocorax auritus (double-crested cormorant), Lac la Biche (54.854 N, -111.987
W) (Knee & Proctor 2018).
Michaelia n. sp. – ex Phalacrocorax auritus (double-crested cormorant) (Galloway et al. 2014);
note, we have not examined material to determine if this record is Michaelia neotropica,
which has same host record and was described after Galloway et al. 2014

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Gabuciniidae Gaud & Atyeo, 1975
Overview: On wing and tail feathers of birds in the orders Accipitriformes and Passeriformes in
Alberta.
Gabucinia Oudemans, 1905
Type species: Pterolichus delibatus Robin, 1877
Gabucinia delibata (Robin, 1877) – ex Corvus corax (raven) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Proaposolenidia Mironov & Proctor, 2007
Type species: Proaposolenidia acciptris Mironov & Proctor, 2007
Proaposolenidia acciptris Mironov & Proctor, 2007 – ex Accipiter cooperi (Cooper’s hawk), AB
(Mironov et al. 2007; Galloway et al. 2014)
Kramerellidae Gaud & Mouchet, 1961
Overview: Kramerellid feather mites are known from owls (Strigiformes) in Alberta.
Kramerella Trouessart, 1916
Type species: Crameria lunulata Haller, 1878
Kramerella oti (Lonnfors, 1937) – ex Asio otus (long-eared owl) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Kramerella spp. – ex Aegolius funereus (boreal owl), Surnia ulula (northern hawk-owl) (HCP
records)
Petitota Gaud & Mouchet, 1959
Type species: Dermalichus aluconis Buchholz, 1870
Petitota spp. – ex plumaceous feathers of Aegolius acadicus (northern saw-whet owl), Aegolius
funereus (boreal owl) (HCP records)
Pterolichidae Trouessart & Mégnin, 1884
Overview: Pterolichid feather mites are known from birds in the orders Accipitriformes,
Galliformes, and Gruiformes in Alberta.

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Grallobia Hull, 1934
Type species: Dermalichus porzanae Canestrini, 1878
Grallobia fulicae (Trouessart, 1885) – ex Fulica americana (American coot) (Galloway et al.
2014)
Grallobia spp. – ex Porzana carolina (sora rail) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Pseudalloptinus Dubinin, 1956
Type species: Pterolichus milvulinus Trouessart, 1884
Pseudalloptinus aquilinus (Trouessart, 1884) – ex Haliaeetus leucocephalus (bald eagle)
(Galloway et al. 2014)
Pseudolichus Atyeo & Gaud, 1992
Type species: Pterolichus solutocurtus Dubinin, 1956
Pseudolichus sp. – ex Perdix perdix (gray partridge) (HCP records)
Tetraolichus Atyeo & Gaud, 1992
Type species: Tetraolichus cupido Atyeo & J. Gaud, 1992
Tetraolichus sp. – ex Bonasa umbellus (ruffed grouse) (HCP records)
Ptiloxenidae Gaud, 1982
Overview: Ptiloxenid are found on the flight feathers of birds in the orders Charadriiformes,
Gruiformes, and Podicipediformes in Alberta.
Ptiloxenus Hull, 1934
Type species: Schizurolichus elegans Cerný, 1969
Ptiloxenus major (Mégnin & Trouessart, 1884) – ex Podiceps grisegena (red-necked grebe)
(Galloway et al. 2014)
Ptiloxenus spp. –; ex Aechmophorus occidentalis (western grebe), Podiceps auritus (horned
grebe), Porzana carolina (sora rail) (Galloway et al. 2014)
Sokoloviana Dubinin, 1951