Mites of the genus Trichorhynchiella (Acariformes: Harpirhynchidae): A new example of ovoviviparity in acariform mites.

The small genus Trichorhynchiella Fain, 1995, including two species of permanent bird ectoparasites belonging to the family Harpirhynchidae (Acariformes: Cheyletoidea), is revised. The generic diagnosis is emended. The type species, Trichorhynchiella paddae Fain, 1995 from Lonchura oryzivora (L, 1758) (Passeriformes: Estrildidae) from Southeast Asia and Trichorhynchiella phleocryptes sp. n. from Phleocryptes melanops (Viellot, 1817) (Passeriformes: Furnariidae) from Argentina are redescribed and described, respectively. The phenomenon of ovoviviparity inherent to females of this genus is briefly discussed. In almost immobile physogastric females of Trichorhynchiella, ovoviviparity eliminates necessity to attach eggs to the host body.