Quill mites on bee-eaters
Parasitic mites of the family Syringophilidae (quill mites) represent the most diverse prostigmatan family associated with birds. Here, we aim (i) to investigate quill mites of a well-defined monophyletic clade of nine bee-eater species, containing mostly migratory African and Asian species; (ii) to establish ectoparasite geographic ranges; and (iii) to discuss patterns of host-parasite relationships and possible host-switches. We have found that despite quill mites being highly specific on the host species or genus level, host-switches may occur, particularly when the ecology of host species overlaps.