Romanian researchers discovered two new feather mite species, Trouessartia thalassina and Proterothrix sibillae, in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills. Found on Verditer Flycatcher and Small Niltava, these mites highlight the region’s rich biodiversity. Their discovery underscores the importance of conserving India's unique ecosystems and advancing global taxonomy.
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Romanian scientists unveil two new feather mite species in Meghalaya’s rich biodiversity.
The discovery of Trouessartia thalassina and Proterothrix sibillae, found feeding on Old World flycatchers, sheds light on the hidden intricacies of India’s biodiversity.
The mites were identified on the Verditer Flycatcher (Eumyias thalassinus) and the Small Niltava (Niltava macgrigoriae), two bird species native to the East Khasi Hills district.
Trouessartia thalassina: Named after the Verditer Flycatcher, whose sea-green plumage inspired the Latin word thalassina, meaning “sea-green.”
Proterothrix sibillae: Honoring Maria Sibylla Merian, a trailblazing German naturalist known for her pioneering work in insect taxonomy and her meticulous scientific illustrations.
They are microscopic arachnids that inhabit bird feathers, feeding on oils, skin flakes, and organic debris.
They maintain a symbiotic relationship with their avian hosts, helping to keep feathers clean and healthy.
However, under stress, they can become parasitic, causing irritation or feather damage.
Found worldwide, feather mites are transferred between birds through close contact, especially during nesting.
Their diversity can indicate the health of bird populations and their habitats.
Trouessartia thalassina is notable for its semi-ovate terminal lamellae and lanceolate setae in males, while females exhibit unique non-sclerotized lacunae.
Meanwhile, Proterothrix sibillae, part of the wolffi species group, is distinguished by its larger size, circular lacunae on the prodorsal shield, and distinctive male genital structures.
They are arthropods in the class Arachnida of the subphylum Chelicerata.
Arachnida includes, among others, spiders, scorpions, ticks, mites, pseudoscorpions, harvestmen, camel spiders, whip spiders and vinegaroons.
Adult arachnids have eight legs attached to the cephalothorax.
In some species the frontmost pair of legs has converted to a sensory function, while in others, different appendages can grow large enough to take on the appearance of extra pairs of legs.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements regarding the feather mites:
Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2, and 4 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2, 3, and 4 only Answer: a Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Feather mites are ectoparasites that infest birds primarily living on their feathers. Statement 2 is correct: These mites can cause damage to feathers and skin often leading to irritation and infections in birds. Statement 3 is incorrect: Feather mites are primarily found in avian species not in mammals. Statement 4 is incorrect: Feather mites are not used for biological control in agriculture. They are parasites and not beneficial in pest management. |
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