One of us survived: persistence of a syringophilid mite after Passenger Pigeon extinction.

Abstract

The current global biodiversity loss crisis affects not only avifauna but also associated parasites. Studies on museum specimens of extinct birds provide valuable insights into the species diversity, ecology, and evolution of parasitofauna, as well as determining whether specific parasite species have survived or become extinct alongside their hosts. In this study, we present the results of the examination of museum dry skins of the Passenger Pigeon Ectopistes migratorius (Linnaeus) (Columbiformes: Columbidae), which had been extremely common in North America until its extinction at the beginning of the 20th century. Studies revealed the presence of the representative of the family Syringophilidae, Meitingsunes zenadourae Clark (Prostigmata: Cheyletoidea), within the quill feathers of this host. This quill mite is a well-known parasite of multiple pigeon species across different genera of the order Columbiformes. The stenoxenic nature of M. zenadourae has likely contributed to its survival despite the extinction of E. migratorius.