CLINICAL MANGE OF THE BLACK BEAR, Ursus americanus, ASSOCIATED WITH Ursicoptes americanus (ACARI: AUDYCOPTIDAE)

Numerous specimens of a mite, Ursicoptes americanus Fain and Johnston, 1970 (Acari: Audycoptidae), were found in skin scrapings from an aged female black bear, Ursus americanus, afflicted with a severe generalized mange. The mite had not been found previously in association with clinical dermatitis. The male, nymph and larva of Ursicoptes americanus, heretofore unknown, are described and the generic diagnosis is amplified. Discovery of the male aids in resolving the questionable taxonomic status of the family Audycoptidae.