Gamasine mite (Parasitiformes: Mesostigmata) infestations of small mammals (Mammalia: Rodentia, Insectivora) in Turkey.

The present study was conducted on small mammals from different locations in Turkey. One hundred twenty- three individuals representing 11 species of rodents and insectivora were investigated for mite ectoparasites. A total of 126 gamasine mites were collected from 96 individuals (78.1%) of 6 species of small mammals. Five gamasine families were recorded: Laelapidae, Hirstionyssidae, Haemogamasidae, Macronyssidae and Macrochelidae. Laelaps jettmari Vitzthum (72 species) was predominant and found mainly on Mus musculus (Linnaeus) and Cricetulus migratorius (Pallas). New species of gamasine mites and host records for Turkey are given.