Cheyletidae | |
---|---|
Cheyletiella sp. | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Arachnida |
Subclass: | Acari |
Order: | Trombidiformes |
Superfamily: | Cheyletoidea |
Family: |
Cheyletidae Leach, 1815 |
Genera include | |
Diversity | |
c. 80 genera, > 500 species |
Cheyletidae is a family of mites in the order Trombidiformes. Some members are parasites of birds and mammals, causing cheyletiellosis, or "walking dandruff". Others are free-ranging predators which can be found in soil, forest litter, animal nests, and house dust, under tree bark, and on foliage.