Community identification
Bird Mite
Dermanyssus gallinae / Ornithonyssus sylviarum
- Order & Family
- Order: Mesostigmata; Family: Dermanyssidae or Macronyssidae
- Size
- 0.5 to 1.0 mm (extremely small, often appearing as moving specks)
Natural Habitat
Nests of wild or domestic birds, often migrating into human homes when bird hosts leave the nest.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; they feed on the blood of birds and occasionally other mammals, including humans.
Behavior Patterns
Active mostly at night, these mites exhibit rapid movement and can survive for several weeks without a blood meal away from the host bird.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include skin irritation, itching, and dermatological rashes in humans; they do not live on humans but can cause significant discomfort. No ecological benefits to humans.