Mange caused by the epidermoptid mite Myialges nudus (Acari: Epidermoptidae
) is described in 31 dead fledgling Laysan albatrosses (Phoebastria immutab
ilis) from Midway Atoll (Hawaii, USA) sampled from 18 June to 10 July 1990
and from 21 June to 22 July 1991. This is the first record for this parasit
e from this host. Mites were collected from the skin; were located primaril
y in the stratum corneum; and were associated with mild to severe granuloma
tous inflammation, hyperkeratosis, dermal edema, ballooning degeneration of
keratinocytes, neovascularization, and subdermal fibrosis. The severity of
inflammation in some birds suggested that dermatitis due to M. nudus could
be a significant cause of morbidity, or even mortality, in these birds.