58 MITE PARASITES. 



one species living upon them, and even more than 

 one genus. The abode of these minute mites is 

 between the barbules of the feathers. They are also 

 found in the quills of the feathers. The chief 

 authority on these l plumicoles ' is Trouessart, who 

 has shown that on the feathers drying the mites 

 migrate io the roots, especially during 'moulting' 

 time and in winter. 



The following species are recorded from the 

 Fowl : — Pterolichus obtusus, Robin : Dermoglyplius 

 minor, Norner, and D. elongatus, Megnin ; Megninia 

 cubitalis and M. asternalis of Megnin. 



All these, although seemingly abundant, are quite 

 inoffensive. 



Cutaneous Mites. 



Another division of mites closely allied to the 

 former, the Epidermoptince of Rivolta, live in num- 

 bers upon the skin of fowls, often causing cutaneous 

 troubles allied to Scabies. Two species seem to be 

 known, Epidermoptes bifurcatus and E. bilobatus. 



These two colourless Acari live on the skin at the 

 base of the down of fowls, and when they increase to 

 excess they produce intense pruritus. 



The skin, where the Epidermoptes are present, 

 becomes covered with pale }^ellow scaly-like masses 

 and with dirty yellowish crusts (Friedberger). 



In most cases they are nevertheless inoffensive. 

 I have not been able to detect these cutaneous mites 

 so far in England. 



