Meghalaya: New Feather Mite Species Discovered By Researchers

SHILLONG: In the lush forests of Meghalaya, researchers have uncovered two previously unknown species of feather mites during routine ecological studies on birds. These mites, later named Trouessartia thalassina and Proterothrix sibillae, were found on Old World flycatchers—the Verditer Flycatcher (Eumyias thalassinus) and the Small Niltava (Niltava macgrigoriae), respectively. This discovery sheds new light on the intricate biodiversity of India.

The study, conducted in Kharang, East Khasi Hills district, was led by Ioana Cristina Constantinescu from Romania's “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History, alongside a team of researchers including Costică Adam, Gabriel Bogdan Chișamera, Viorel Dumitru Gavril, Rozalia Motoc, Doru Simon Dobre, Ioana Cobzaru, and D. Khlur B. Mukhim from Lady Keane College, Shillong. Their findings were recently published in Acarologia, a prominent journal dedicated to acarology.

Feather mites are tiny arachnids that live on bird feathers and skin, feeding on oils, skin flakes, and organic debris. Generally symbiotic, they contribute to feather maintenance by removing excess oils and detritus. However, under certain circumstances, they can become parasitic, causing irritation or feather damage.

Found worldwide, feather mites are transmitted between birds through close contact, especially during nesting. Their diversity often serves as a valuable indicator of the health of a bird’s habitat.

In this study, birds were captured using mist nets, identified, and inspected for mites. After the mites were collected, the birds were safely released back into the wild.

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