ABSTRACT
Family PHYTOPTIDAE (gall mites) Minute, elongated mites with two pairs of legs, each leg terminating in a simple (i.e. unbranched) feather-claw; body more or less annulated and narrowly cylindrical (vermiform), with a distinct prodorsal shield usually bearing four setae. Eggs are minute, oval and translucent. Nymphs are usually similar in appearance to adults, but smaller.
