Vol. XXVIII1 

 1911 J 



Ewing, English Sparrow and Bird Mites. 



337 



two closely related species of mites, although I had consulted all 

 the literature available on the subject. Right here, it might be 

 mentioned, that these two species are and have been constantly 

 confused in the literature dealing with each of them. 



During the summer of 1910, while at Ames, la., frequent reports 

 came in, both from the town of Ames and from other points in the 

 State, of the seriousness of the attacks of the chicken mite upon 

 poultry. An investigation and inquiry in regard to the number 

 of chicken-houses infested showed that while several were per- 



Fig. 2. — Mouth-parts of both males and females of the chicken and bird mites; 

 all of the same magnification, a. Dorsal view of the mouth-parts of the female 

 of the chicken mite, showing the long needle-like mandibles protruded. b. 

 The same of the female of the bird mite. c. Dorsal view of the mouth-parts 

 of the male of the chicken mite, showing the one long specialized arm of the chela. 

 d. The same of the male of the bird mite. 



fectly free from the chicken mite many were badly infested. On 

 August 11a rather large and recently deserted nest of the English 

 Sparrow was found in an old wagon shed entirely separated from 

 any adjoining buildings. This nest was procured and upon ex- 

 amination was found to harbor hundreds, even thousands of the 

 chicken mites. Every feather found on the interior of the nest 

 had scores of mites upon it. A medium sized feather which ap- 

 peared to be only moderately infested proved to have 72 individuals 



