Nota cient_2 16/12/03 1:37 PM Page 60 60 ISSN 0373-5680 Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. 62 (3-4): 60-64, 2003 SCIENTIFIC NOTE New Host and Locality Records for Mites and Fleas Associated with Wild Rodents from Northwestern Argentina LARESCHI, Marcela*, Analía G. AUTINO**, M. Mónica DÍAZ***and Rubén M. BARQUEZ** * CONICET, Argentina. Departamento de Parasitologia. ICB/UFMG, Av. A.Carlos 6627, Pampulha, BH 31270-901. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil; e-mail: [email protected] ** y *** PIDBA. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e IML, UNT, Miguel Lillo 205, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina; e-mail: [email protected] *** Department of Biological Sciences and The Museum, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, 79409-3131 USA. n ABSTRACT.The present study extends the distribution area for the mites Gi- gantolaelaps oudemansi (Fonseca), Gigantolaelaps wolffshoni (Oudemans) andLaelaps paulistanensis Fonseca, and for the flea Neotyphloceras crassis- pinahemisusJordan. In addition, new host species are recorded for the flea Craneopsylla minerva minerva(Rothschild) and for all mite species collected; 21 new ectoparasite-host associations are mentioned for the first time. KEYWORDS. Acari. Siphonaptera. Laelapidae. Macronyssidae. Stephanocir- cidae. Hystrichopsyllidae. n RESUMEN. Nuevos Registros de Huéspedes y Localidades para Ácaros y Pulgas Asociados a Roedores Silvestres del Noroeste argentino. El presente estudio extiende el área de distribución de los ácaros Gigantolaelaps oude- mansi(Fonseca),Gigantolaelaps wolffshoni(Oudemans) yLaelaps paulista- nensis Fonseca, así como de la pulga Neotyphloceras crassispina hemisus Jordan. Además, se registraron nuevas especies huéspedes para la pulga Cra- neopsylla minerva minerva (Rothschild) y para todas las especies de ácaros recolectados; también se mencionan por primera vez 21 asociaciones ecto- parásito-huésped. PALABRAS CLAVE.Acari. Siphonaptera. Laelapidae. Macronyssidae. Stepha- nocircidae. Hystrichopsyllidae. Approximately hundred of mite and flea spe- ectoparasites were reported associated with them. cies have been reported in association with wild The purpose of this study is to contribute to the rodents from Argentina (Autino & Lareschi, 1998; knowledge of mite and flea species associated Lareschi & Mauri, 1998). However, the majority with the most representative wild rodents from of researches are mainly related to hosts from northwestern Argentina. Buenos Aires Province (Mauri & Capri, 1972; La- The following localities were selected: Jujuy reschi, 1996; Lareschi & Iori, 1998; Lareschi & Province: J1: El Palmar (24°05’S; 64°36’W); J2: Sánchez López, 2000; Lareschi et al. 2003; Nava Laguna La Brea (23° 56’S; 64° 28’W); J3: Abra et al., 2003), whereas studies from the remaining de Santa Laura (24°28’S; 65°21’W). Catamarca provinces are scarce. In recent years, new species Province: C: Cuesta La Cebila (28°43’S; 66°22’ and genera ofrodents have been described based W). La Rioja Province: R: 1 km al N de Tombillos on individuals collected in northwestern Argenti- (29° 22’ S; 67° 47’ W). Tucumán Province; T1: na (Díaz et al., 1999; Mares et al., 2000), but no Cumbre del Taficillo “Las Agüitas” (26°42’S; 65° Nota cient_2 16/12/03 1:37 PM Page 61 LARESCHI, M. et al., New lost and locality records for mites and fleas 61 22´ W); T2: Ibatín (27°12’S; 65°35’W); T3: Las Androlaelaps rotundus(Fonseca) Tipas (26° 39’ S; 65° 22’ W); T4: Arroyo Aguas (Parasitiformes: Laelapidae) Chiquitas (26°37’S; 65°12’W); T5: Pueblo Vie- jo (27°10’S; 65°40´ W); T6: Reserva Provincial Specimens examined: T1: 2 females on A. spe- Los Sosa (26°56’S; 65°39’W); T7: Reserva Pro- gazzinii(CML 4025), 19-IX-1993, M. Goytia; 3 vincial Santa Ana (27°41’S; 65°51’W); T8: Tafí females on A. aliquantulus(CML 6122, Holoty- del Valle (26°44’S; 65°45’W). pe), 19-IX-1993, M. Goytia. The rodents were captured between 1985 and Remarks.This species has Neotropical distri- 1998 according to the requirements, regulations bution. In Argentina it is associated to 13 wild and policies from the Departments of Environ- species of rodents but it prefers those of the genus ment and Renovable Natural Resources of every Akodon. In northwestern Argentina it has been re- province. They were preserved in formol 10% or corded on Akodonsp. from Salta Province and prepared as skins and skulls, and deposited at the Akodon alterusand A. simulator both from Tucu- Colección Mamíferos Lillo (CML), of the Univer- mán Province (Mauri, 1965; Lareschi & Mauri, sity of Tucumán (UNT). However, some speci- 1998). This results add two new host records for mens still have temporary identifications (ARG, this mite. PIDBAand RMB). The ectoparasites were preser- ved and identified following Hopkins & Roths- child (1956, 1962), Johnson (1957), and Furman Eulaelaps stabularis(Koch) (1972). Voucher specimens of ectoparasites were (Parasitiformes: Laelapidae) deposited at the Annexes of the CML. The list of mite and flea species collected is given below. Specimens examined: T1: 1 female on A. spe- For each species, locality, number of specimens gazzinii(CML4025),19-IX-1993, M. Goytia; 1 fe- examined, sex, host species, collection date (day- male on A. aliquantulus (CML 6121, Paratype) /month/year) and collector name are also given. A 19-IX-1993, M. Goytia; 1 female on Akodon lu- brief report including comments on geographical tescens puer Thomas (CML 4023), 19-IX-1993, distribution and host species previously known M. Goytia; T3: 1 female on A. simulator(CML from Northwestern Argentina is also included for 6017), 04-VIII-1993, A. G. Autino. every species. Remarks.This mite has cosmopolitan distribu- tion. In Argentina it has been recorded on nine genera of rodents. In the northwestern part of the Androlaelaps fahrenholzi(Berlese) country this mite has been collected only on A. si- (Parasitiformes: Laelapidae) mulatorin Tucumán Province (Mauri, 1965; La- reschi & Mauri, 1998). This study adds three new Specimens examined: T1: 2 females on Ako- host records for this mite. don spegazzinii (CML 4025), 19-IX-1993, M. Goytia and 1 female on Akodon aliquantulus (CML 6122, Holotype), 19-IX-1993, M. Goytia; Gigantolaelaps oudemansi(Fonseca) T2: 2 females on Akodon tucumanensis, (CML (Parasitiformes: Laelapidae) 5636), 29-VIII-1993, A. G. Autino; T3: 1 female on Akodon simulator(CML 6017), 04-VIII-1993, Specimens examined: T2: 2 females on Oli- A. G. Autino. goryzomys destructor(Tschudi)(PIDBA210), 2-VII- Remarks.This is a complex species, with cos- 1994, A. G. Autino; J1: 2 females on Oryzomys mopolitan distribution. In Argentina it has been russatus(Wagner) (ARG 3414), 11-VII-1993, R.M. recorded on mammals of the orders Rodentia, Barquez. Didelphimorphia, Microbiotheria, Xenarthra Remarks.Gigantolaelapsis known only from and Chiroptera (Lareschi & Mauri, 1998). Con- South and Central America, extending north to cerning the wild rodents, only Abrothrix illuteus southern United States. A total of 19 species are and A. simulatorfrom Tucumán, were infested known, four of them have been recorded for Ar- by this mite in northwestern Argentina (Mauri, gentina. There is a great amount of intraspecific 1965; 1967). The results obtained in this study variation among Gigantolaelaps species; howe- add three new host records for A. fahrenholzi. ver, according to Furman (1972) keys all the G. Nota cient_2 16/12/03 1:37 PM Page 62 62 Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. 62 (3-4), 2003 oudemansispecimens collected in this study be- & Mauri, 1998). This study adds two new host long to “Group 1”. In Argentina this mite has been species for this mite, and it is recorded for the first previously collected only on Oecomys concolor time in Jujuy Province. (Wagner) from Chaco Province (Lareschi & Mau- ri, 1998). This study adds two new host records for this mite and extends its geographical distribu- Mysolaelaps microspinosusFonseca tion to Tucumán and Jujuy provinces. (Parasitiformes: Laelapidae) Specimens examined: T2: 1 female on O. des- Gigantolaelaps wolffshoni(Oudemans) tructor (PIDBA 210), 2-VII-1994, A. G. Autino; (Parasitiformes: Laelapidae) T3: 1 female on O. destructor (CML 6021), 4- VIII-1993, A. G. Autino; T5: 2 females on O. Specimens examined: T4: 4 females on O. des- destructor(CML6085), 3-V-1992, A. G. Autino; tructor (CML 5997), 27-VI-1992, A. G. Autino; T6: 1 female on O. destructor (CML 6036), 13- T2: 1 female on O. destructor (PIDBA198), 6-II- III-1994, A. G. Autino. 1994, A. G. Autino; T3: 3 females, 1 on O. des- Remarks.This mite has a Neotropical distribu- tructor (CML 6021), 4-VIII-1993, A. G. Autino, tion. In Argentina, it has been recorded on eight and 2 on Oligoryzomys longicaudatus Bennett genera of rodents that prefer humid environ- (PIDBA140), 4-VIII-1993, A. G. Autino; T5: 8 fe- ments. In the northwest this mite has been found males on O. destructor(1 on CML 6082, 2 on associated with O. flavescensand O. longicauda- CML6084, 3 on CML6085), 3-V-1992, A. G. Au- tus in Tucumán Province (Mauri, 1965; Lareschi tino and (2 on PIDBA140), 4-VIII-1993, A.G. Au- & Mauri, 1998). This study adds one new host re- tino; T6: 3 females on O. destructor (CML6036), cord for this mite. 13-III-1994, A. G. Autino; T7: 2 females on Oli- goryzomys flavescens(Waterhouse) (CML 6076), 7-III-1994, M. M. Díaz. Ornithonyssus bacoti(Hirst) Remarks.In Argentina, G. wolffshoni has been (Parasitiformes: Macronyssidae) mentioned on four species of rodents from Bue- nos Aires Province. In the northwest it has been Specimens examined: T1: 1 female on A. l. collected on a “rata silvestre” from Jujuy Province puer(CML4019), 19-IX-1993, M. Goytia. (Mauri, 1965; Lareschi & Mauri, 1998). This study Remarks.This mite has cosmopolitan distribu- adds two new host records for this mite and ex- tion. In Argentina it has been recorded on 10 Ro- tends its geographical distribution, since it is here dentia and one Didelphimorphia species. It has recorded for the first time for Tucumán Province. been found associated only with Caviasp. in Salta Province and Cavia apereain Tucumán Province, both belonging to the Family Caviidae (Capri & Laelaps paulistanensisFonseca Mauri, 1971; Lareschi & Mauri, 1998). This study (Parasitiformes: Laelapidae) adds one new host record for this mite. Our speci- mens represent the first known infection on a sig- Specimens examined: T2: 1 female on O. des- modontinae rodent from Northwestern Argentina. tructor(CML6094), 28-VIII-1993, A. G. Autino; T4: 2 females on O. destructor (CML 5597), 27-VI- 1992, L. Malizia-J. Babot; T5: 6 females on O. des- Craneopsylla minerva minerva(Rothschild) tructor (3 on CML6084, 1 on CML6082, 2 on CML (Siphonaptera: Stephanocircidae) 6085), 3-V-1992, A. G. Autino. J1: 1 female on O. russatus (ARG 3414), 11-VII-1993, R. M. Barquez. Specimens examined: J3: 1 female on Akodon Remarks. This mite has neotropical distribu- toba(PIDBA589), 24-V-1998, A. G. Autino; J2: 1 tion. In Argentina it has been recorded on nine female on O. russatus(RMB 900), 22-VI-1985, R. species of the Order Rodentia and one of Didelp- M. Barquez; T2: 1 male on O. destructor(CML himorphia. In northwestern Argentina it has been 5981), 28-VIII-1993, A. G. Autino; 3 females and recorded exclusively associated with O. flaves- 2 males on A. simulator(PIDBA 6), 27-VI-1992, censin Tucumán Province (Mauri, 1965; Lareschi A. G. Autino; T3: 2 specimens on Graomys do- Nota cient_2 16/12/03 1:37 PM Page 63 LARESCHI, M. et al., New lost and locality records for mites and fleas 63 morum(Thomas): 1 male (CML 5986) and 1 fe- UNLP. We thank the members of PIDBA, who as- male (CML6005), 4-VIII-1993, A. G. Autino; T5: sisted in the fieldwork, and Laura Gorostordoy for 3 males and 1 female on A. simulator (CML the critical revision of the English. 6087), 2-V-1992, A. G. Autino; C: 2 specimens on A. simulator, 1 female (CML 3752) and 1 male (CML3751), 25-IX-1993, R. M. Barquez. LITERATURE CITED Remarks.This flea has been recorded from Ar- gentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Peru (Hopkins & AUTINO, A. G. & M. LARESCHI. 1998. Capítulo 27: Rothschild, 1956). In Argentina, it has been found Siphonaptera. In: Morrone, J. J. & S. Coscarón mainly associated with wild rodents in Buenos Ai- (dirs.), Biodiversidad de Artrópodos Argenti- res Province. In the northwest it has been repor- nos. Una perspectiva biotaxonómica, Edicio- ted on Holochilus brasiliensis(Desmarest) from nes Sur, La Plata, pp. 279-290. Jujuy, Akodon sp. from Salta and on unknown CAPRI, J. J. & R. A. MAURI. 1971. Ectoparásitos hosts from Catamarca and Tucumán provinces (Suctoria y Acarina) de roedores de la Familia (Hopkins & Rothschild, 1956; Johnson, 1957; Caviidae en Argentina. Rev. Soc. Entomol. Ar- Mauri & Capri, 1970; Autino & Lareschi, 1998). gent. 33 (1-4): 93-100. This study adds five new host records for this flea. DÍAZ M. M., R. M. BARQUEZ, J. K. BRAUN & M. A. MARES.1999. Anew species of Akodon(Muri- dae: Sigmodontinae) from Northwestern Ar- Neotyphloceras crassispina hemisusJordan gentina. J. Mammal.80: 786-798. (Siphonaptera: Hystrichopsyllidae) FURMAN, D. P. 1972. Laelapid mites (Laelapidae: Laelapinae) of Venezuela. Brigham Young Uni- Specimens examined: R: 1 female and 1 male versity Science Bulletin(Biol. Series): 58 pp. on Graomys griseoflavus (Waterhouse) (PIDBA HOPKINS G. H. & M. ROTHSCHILD. 1956. An illus- 176), 30-IX-1993, R. M. Barquez. trated catalogue of Rothschild collection of Remarks.This flea was recorded in Argentina, fleas (Siphonaptera) in the British Museum Bolivia, Peru and Chile (Hopkins & Rothschild, (NH). Vol. II. British Museum (Natural History), 1962; Johnson, 1957). In Argentina it was found London, 445 pp. associated with G. griseoflavusin Mendoza Pro- HOPKINS G. H. & M. ROTHSCHILD. 1962. An illus- vince. In the northwest it has been reported on an trated catalogue of Rothschild collection of unknown host from Tucumán Province and on fleas (Siphonaptera) in the British Museum Phyllotis sp., Andinomys edax and Reithrodon (NH) Vol III. British Museum (Natural History), auritusfrom Catamarca Province (Autino & Lares- London, 560 pp. chi, 1998). This flea is recorded for the first time JOHNSON, P. T.1957. Aclassification of the Sipho- from La Rioja Province. naptera of South America. Mem. Ent. Soc. The results obtained in the present study ex- Wash.5: 1-298. pand the distribution area for G. oudemansi, G. LARESCHI, M. 1996. Estudio preliminar de la co- wolffshoni, L. paulistanensisand N. c. hemisus. munidad de roedores (Rodentia: Muridae) y In addition, new host species are recorded for C. sus ectoparásitos (Acari, Phthiraptera y Sipho- m. minerva and for all the mite species collected. naptera) en Punta Lara (Buenos Aires). Rev. Twenty-one ectoparasite-host associations are re- Soc. Entomol. Argent.55 (1-4): 113-120. corded for the first time as well. However, since LARESCHI, M. & A. IORI.1998. Nuevas citas de Sip- mites and fleas are among the most important honaptera (Rhopalopsyllidae; Hystrichopsylli- vectors of pathogens whose reservoirs are wild dae) parásitos de roedores de la provincia de rodents and that cause diseases in human beings Buenos Aires, Argentina. Rev. Bras. Entomol. and both, domestic and wild animals (Autino & 41 (2-4): 165-168. Lareschi 1998; Lareschi & Mauri, 1998), the re- LARESCHI, M. & R. MAURI.1998. Capítulo 58: Der- sults obtained are also important because they manyssoidea.In: Morrone, J. J. & S. Coscarón show that new ectoparasite-host relationships (eds.), Biodiversidad de Artrópodos Argenti- would increase the risk of unexpected infections. nos. Una perspectiva biotaxonómica, Edicio- This study was supported by grants from CO- nes Sur, La Plata, pp. 581-590. NICET, Biodiversity Support Program, NSF and LARESCHI, M. & M. I. SÁNCHEZLÓPEZ.2000. Ectopa- Nota cient_2 16/12/03 1:37 PM Page 64 64 Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. 62 (3-4), 2003 rásitos (Phthiraptera y Acari) de roedores (Ro- geográfica en Argentina de Haemolaelaps dentia: Muridae: Sigmodontinae) en el delta glasgowi (Ewing). CIC4 (10): 3-8. bonaerense del Río Paraná, Argentina. Rev. MAURI, R. & J. J. CAPRI. 1970. Ectoparásitos (Aca- Soc. Entomol. Argent.59 (1-4): 1-6. rina y Suctoria) de roedores del gen Akodon LARESCHIM., J. NOTARNICOLA, G. NAVONE& P.M. LI- (Cricetidae) en Argentina. Rev. Soc. Entomol. NARDI.2003. Arthropod and Filarioid Parasites Argent. 32 (1-4): 133-141. Associated with Wild Rodents in the Northeast MAURI, R. & J. J. CAPRI. 1972. Ectoparásitos (Aca- Marshes of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mem. rina y Suctoria) de roedores del Delta bonae- Inst. Oswaldo Cruz98 (5): 673-677. rense. Delta del Paraná12 (13): 28-29. MARESM. A., J. K. BRAUN, R.M. BARQUEZ& M. M. NAVA, S., M. LARESCHI & D. VOGLINO. 2003. Inte- DÍAZ. 2000. Two new genera and species of rrelationship between ectoparasites and wild halophytic desert Mammals form Isolated Salt rodents from Northeastern Buenos Aires Pro- Flat in Argentina.Occasional Papers, The Mu- vince, Argentina. Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz98 seum, Texas Tech University203: 1-27. (1): 45-49. MAURI, R1965. Acaros Mesostigmata parásitos de Vertebrados de la República Argentina. Seg. Jorn. Entom. Argent.I: 65-73. Recibido: 4-II-2003 MAURI, R. 1967. Hospedadores y distribución Aceptado: 30-VI-2003