Evidence for co-invasion events: different chigger species (Actinotrichida, Trombidioidea: trombiculidae) share a host.
EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018;
76:29-39. [PMID:
30206798 DOI:
10.1007/s10493-018-0293-4]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Cases of co-invasion of various chigger species parasitizing murids and cricetids in various habitats were analysed using morphological and molecular approaches. Here we provide evidence for 25 new cases of co-parasitism of chigger mites on rodent hosts (Myodes glareolus, Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus agrarius) accounting for 8.6% of all host-parasite associations observed in this study. The results confirm higher incidence of co-parasitism in vertebrate-associated Parasitengona mites compared to arthropod-associated ones. Among factors influencing the occurrence of co-parasitism in Trombiculidae the body constitution and year-round availability of hosts associated with lower host specificity of larvae should be considered.
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