Studies on the Trombiculid Mite Fauna of India

Trombiculid mites, members of the family Trombiculidae Ewing 1944, have attracted special attention among acarologists due their importance in public health. The larval trombiculids or ‘chaiggers’ are widespread parasites of many groups of animals, primarily rodents, reptiles and ground-dwelling birds. Some twelve species have been incriminated as vectors of ‘scrub typhus’, which is known to be endemic in the Oriental and Asia-Pacific region, including the groups, This comprehensive study reveals the rich and diverse trombiculid fauna of India, recording 204 species belonging to 28 genera. Of course, 57 are described as new to science. This work includes a complete revision of earlier published trombiculid studies in the light of modern concepts in chigger taxonomy and systematics. Detailed description or redescription with standard data, collection records and critical remarks are presented for each species, while diagnostic illustrations are provided for some 160 species. Keys have been given for identification of all the Indian trombiculid genera and species. This monograph meets long-standing needs for a consolidated reference manual to the Indian trombiculid mite fauna. It is intended to assist as an illustrated guide to acarologists, entomologists and public health workers who are not familiar with complex taxonomy. This taxonomic information is also immense value for accurate determination of vector species of ‘chigger-borne rickettsiosis’, and for the planning of preventive and control measures.