Argasid and spinturnicid mite load on swarming bats in the Tatra Mountains, Poland

Altogether 445 bats, representing nine species, caught during swarming in the Lodowa Cave in Mount Ciemniak, Western Tatra Mountains, southern Poland, were examined for ectoparasitic mites. In total, 259 spinturnicid (Spinturnix mystacina, S. andegavinus, S. kolenatii, S. plecotinus and S. myoti) and 95 argasid (Carios vespertilionis) mites were collected from seven bat species, Myotis myotis, M. mystacinus, M. brandtii, M. daubentonii, Eptesicus nilssonii, Plecotus auritus, and Vespertilio murinus. There were sex-based differences in the prevalence of mites in some hosts but no differences in their mean intensity and there was no observed relationship between the number of mites and the condition of the bats. The prevalence of mites differed significantly between years in E. nilssonii. The results suggested a very low mite load on swarming bats that had no impact on the body condition of bats.     

Chigger mites of the genus Eutrombicula ewing, 1938 (Acari: Trombiculidae) from Cuba, with the description of three new species

Three new species of chigger mites, Eutrombicula cubensis sp. n. and E. anguliscuta sp. n. from lizards and bats, and E. leiocephali sp. n. from lizards, are described. One species, E. lipovskyana (Wolfenbarger, 1953), is recorded for the first time in Cuba. Data on distribution of E. alfreddugesi (Oudemans, 1910) in Cuba are reported.     

Relationships between the parasitic mite Spinturnix andegavinus (Acari: Spinturnicidae) and its bat host, Myotis daubentonii (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae): seasonal, sex- and age-related variation in infestation and possible impact of the parasite on the host condition and roosting behaviour

Host-parasite relationships between the Daubenton's bat, Myotis daubentonii Kuhl, 1817 (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), and its haematophagous ectoparasite, the mite Spinturnix andegavinus Kolenati, 1857 (Acari: Spintumicidae), were subjected to analyses based on data gathered during a six-year study (1999-2004) within a single study area in South Bohemia, Czech Republic. Seven hundred and fifty-one Daubenton's bats were examined by screening wing membranes with an intensive light source, resulting in 4,690 recorded mites. Sex, age, weight and reproductive state were evaluated for each bat. A body condition index was calculated as a ratio of weight to forearm length. The seasonal course of mite infestation displayed distinct dynamics with the peak during the lactation and post-lactation periods coinciding with occurrence of the most numerous colonies of Daubenton's bats in the study area. Infestation rates differed between the two sexes, being higher in adult females than adult males. Juvenile bats of both sexes (with no differences between males and females) were the most infested group of all. Pregnant females had a significantly higher parasite load than non-pregnant ones, while no differences in infestation rates were found between lactating and non-lactating females. The analyses of the relationship between parasite load and body condition of bats revealed no common trends for all sex- and age-related groups. Two possible explanations are suggested and discussed: (1) There is no true relationship between the two tested variables and, thus, the significant results were attained due to a random statistical effect. (2) Different underlying causal mechanisms may exist that influence parasite load and, especially, body condition, with respect to the particular sex and age category of bats. The seasonal roosting dynamics of the Daubenton's bat are suggested to be the result not only of changing energetic demands of resident population members, but also of coevolutionary strategies within host-parasite relationships.     

Revision of the genus Anguillicola Yamaguti, 1935 (Nematoda: Anguillicolidae) of the swimbladder of eels, including descriptions of two new species, A. novaezelandiae sp. n. and A. papernai sp. n

The genus Anguillicola is reviewed on the basis of the examination of some type specimens and other material. Two new species are described: A. novaezelandiae sp. n. from Anguilla australis (type host) from New Zealand and A. anguilla from Italy (conspecific nematodes were originally reported from Italy as A. australiensis) and A. papernai sp. n. from Anguilla mossambica from South Africa. At present the genus Anguillicola comprises the following five valid species: A. globiceps Yamaguti, 1935, A. australiensis Johnston et Mawson, 1940, A. crassus Kuwahara, Niimi et Itagaki, 1974, A. novaezelandiae sp. n., and A. papernai sp. n. Two Anguillicola species, A. crassus and A. novaezelandiae, were apparently introduced in Europe from other continents a few years ago. The genus Anguillicola is divided into two subgenera: Anguillicola (type species A. (A.) globiceps) and Anguillicoloides subgen. n. (type species A. (A.) crassus). All Anguillicola species are briefly described and illustrated. The paper is supplemented by a key to the identification of Anguillicola species.     

Geographic distribution of Bhanja virus

A review on the geographic distribution, vectors and hosts of Bhanja virus (Bunyaviridae) is based on reports about: isolations of the virus; antibody surveys. Bhanja virus has been isolated in 15 countries of Asia, Africa and Europe, and antibodies against it have been detected in 15 additional countries. Vector range includes ticks of the family Ixodidae (subfam. Amblyomminae; not subfam. Ixodinae): 13 species of 6 genera (Haemaphysalis, Dermacentor, Hyalomma, Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus and Boophilus) yielded the virus. Bhanja virus has only rarely been isolated from vertebrates (Atelerix, Xerus, Ovis, Bos; possibly bats), though antibodies have been detected frequently in a wide range of mammals (Ruminantia being the major hosts), in several species of birds (Passeriformes, Galliformes) and even reptiles (Ophisaurus apodus). Natural foci of the Bhanja virus infections are of the boskematic type (sensu Rosicky), associated closely with pastures of domestic ruminants infested by ticks in the regions of tropical, subtropical and partly temperate climatic zones.     

Revision of Dioncopseudobenedenia Yamaguti, 1965 including the description of D. ancoralis sp. n. (Monogenea: Capsalidae) from Pacific acanthuroid teleosts

Dioncopseudobenedenia Yamaguti, 1965 (Monogenea: Capsalidae) is redefined. Dioncopseudobenedenia kala Yamaguti, 1965 (type species) is redescribed from type material from Hawaii and from new specimens from Heron Island, Queensland, Australia and New Caledonia. We made detailed observations on D. macracantha Yamaguti, 1968 from type material from Hawaii, and from new material from Heron Island and New Caledonia. Dioncopseudobenedenia ancoralis sp. n. is described from the gill chamber of Siganus lineatus (Valenciennes) from Green Island and Heron Island, Australia and from New Caledonia. This study confirms that only one pair of large central sclerites is present on the haptor in Dioncopseudobenedenia species. The male copulatory organ in species of Dioncopseudobenedenia is a penis contained in a fluid-filled space (= penis canal) with weakly muscular walls. Dioncopseudobenedenia kala and D. ancoralis bear a sclerite at the tip of the penis. In D. macracantha, the structure of the penis, which has no terminal sclerite, indicates it may combine the functions of a penis and a cirrus. Dioncopseudobenedenia is compared with Calicobenedenia Kritsky et Fennessy, 1999, the other capsalid genus with a single pair of large sclerites on the haptor. The large haptoral sclerites in species of Dioncopseudobenedenia resemble accessory sclerites, whereas those of C. polyprioni Kritsky et Fennessy, 1999 resemble hamuli. Observations of oncomiracidia confirmed that the large haptoral sclerites in D. kala are accessory sclerites. Haptoral morphology suggests that different Dioncopseudobenedenia spp. employ different means of attachment. Mating behaviour was observed twice between two different pairs of D. kala specimens from Heron Island. Two preserved specimens from Nouméa, New Caledonia had structures near the dorsal vaginal pore that we interpret as spermatophores. This is the first report of spermatophores in a capsalid inhabiting the gill chamber. The geographic distribution of Dioncopseudobenedenia spp. is discussed.     

Rhabdochona minima sp. n. (Nematoda: Spiruroidea) from the loach, Noemacheilus inglisi (Hora), of Nepal.

A new nematode species, Rhabdochona minima sp.n., is described from the intestine of Noemacheilus inglisi (HORA) OF Nepal (River Ganges drainage system). Characteristics features of this species (only males were found) are the small size of body, size and type of spicules, shape of tail and arrangement of caudal papillae. On the basis of its morphology, R. minima sp.n. belongs to the subgenus Globochona sensu Moravec, 1975. The species Rhabdochona cavasius Rehana et Bilqees, 1973 is considered to be a synonym of R. mazedi Prassad et Sahay, 1965.     

Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Identification of Single Individuals of the Longidorid Nematodes Xiphinema index, X. diversicaudatum, X. vuittenezi, and X. italiae Using Specific Primers from Ribosomal Genes

ABSTRACT The species X. index, X. diversicaudatum, X. vuittenezi, and X. italiae are established (E) or putative (P) vectors of Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) (E), Arabis mosaic virus (E), Grapevine chrome mosaic virus (P), and GFLV (P) nepoviruses of grapevine, respectively. All four species are very closely related taxonomically and their low field densities make them difficult to identify from morphological and morphometrical diagnostic characters when only single or few individuals are detected. To improve diagnostic accuracy, a simple method was developed. The internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region spanning the 18S and 5.8S ribosomal genes was sequenced in one population of each species using two conserved primers from these genes. The ITS1 fragments were 1,132 bp (X. vuittenezi), 1,153 bp (X. index), 1,175 bp (X. diversicaudatum), and 1,190 bp (X. italiae), i.e., a difference of over 5% between the extremes. The sequence variability made it possible to design species-specific internal sense primers that amplified, in combination with the same antisense ITS1 primer, a single signature fragment (340 bp for X. index, 414 bp for X. italiae, 591 bp for X. vuittenezi, and 813 bp for X. diversicaudatum). Tests with DNA from a single adult or juvenile nematode confirmed the specificity of the primers from diverse isolates or populations. The primers were successfully used in a multiplex test for the reliable detection of two to four mixed species, each represented by a single individual. This multiplex-based diagnostic tool will be particularly useful for successful nematode management practices in vineyards.     

Description of Eimeria vejdovskyi sp.n. and redescription of Eimeria media Kessel, 1929 from the rabbit

On the basis of oocyst morphology, endogenous cycles, prepatent period, and enzyme analysis, Eimeria media was found to be a composite species, representing two independent species differing from all other species of rabbit coccidia. One of them was designated Eimeria media Kessel, 1929 and the other was described as a new species, Eimeria vejdovskyi. E. media has relatively larger oocysts (mean size 32.88 X 19.19 micron), the endogenous development takes place in the epithelium of the ileum or of posterior jejunum, and the developmental stages gradually migrate from the crypts towards the tips of villi. E. media forms three asexual generations, the prepatent period is 9 days. Eimeria vejdovskyi sp.n. has relatively smaller oocysts (29.05 X 18.18 micron) and is localized throughout the small intestine. E. vejdovskyi sp.n. forms two asexual generations, which are localized mostly in the upper part of villi, like the gametogony. At the beginning of the endogenous development the parasites were localized mostly in the epithelium, while the second asexual generation and gametogony took place also in the lamina propria. The prepatent period was 6 days. It was found that the two species differ from one another in the electrophoretic mobility of lactate dehydrogenase and glucosophosphate isomerase.     

Polylabris lingaoensis sp. n. and Polylabris cf. mamaevi Ogawa et Egusa, 1980 (Monogenoidea: Microcotylidae) from perciform fishes in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea

Polylabris lingaoensis sp. n. is described from the gills of the bald glassy, Ambassis gymnocephalus (Chandidae), from the Gulf of Tonkin (South China Sea), near Lingao, Hainan Province, China. The new species is characterized by a midventral vaginal pore, comparatively few (5-7) testes, and 2 parallel rows each comprised of 30-43 microcotylid clamps in the haptor. Polylabris lingaoensis is the only member of the genus known to parasitize a chandid host. Polylabris cf. mamaevi is described from the gills of the mottled spinefoot, Siganus fuscescens (Siganidae), from the South China Sea, which represents new host and locality records for the helminth. The gill parasites from S. fuscescens are tentatively assigned to P. mamaevi pending new collections and restudy of microcotylid species from siganid fishes.     

Four species of digeneans, including Allocreadium patagonicum sp. n. (Allocreadiidae), from freshwater fishes of Patagonia, Argentina

Four species of adult digeneans are reported from freshwater fishes of two lakes in Neuquén, Patagonia, Argentina. Allocreadium patagonicum sp. n. (Allocreadiidae) is described from the intestine of Percichthys colhuapiensis MacDonagh and Percichthys trucha (Cuvier et Valenciennes) (Percichthyidae) from Lago Aluminé. Three species redescribed are: Acanthostomoides apophalliformis Szidat, 1956 (Acanthostomidae) from the intestine of P. colhuapiensis and P. trucha from Lago Aluminé and of Salmo trutta (Linnaeus) (Salmonidae) from Lago Huechulafquén; Deropegus patagonicus (Szidat, 1956) comb. n. (= Genarches patagonicus Szidat, 1956) (Derogenidae) from the stomach of P. colhuapiensis, P. trucha, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) (Salmonidae) and Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill) (Salmonidae) from Lago Aluminé and of S. trutta from Lago Huechulafquén; and Austrocreadium papilliferum Szidat, 1956 from the intestine of P. trucha from Lago Aluminé. The genus Polylekithum Arnold, 1934 is considered a synonym of the genus Allocreadium Looss, 1900. The genus Austrocreadium Szidat, 1956 is removed to the family Homalometridae.     

Myxozoans infecting the sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus in the Okavango River and Delta, Botswana, including descriptions of two new species, Henneguya samochimensis sp. n. and Myxobolus gariepinus sp. n

During a recent investigation of parasites infecting fishes from the Okavango River and Delta, Botswana (southern Africa) fourteen sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) (Siluriformes: Clariidae) were examined for the presence of myxozoan infections. Results revealed the presence of two species of the genus Henneguya Thélohan, 1895 and one species of the genus Myxobolus Bütschli, 1882 infecting this fish host. Two of the sampled fish exhibited large plasmodia of Henneguya suprabranchiae Landsberg, 1987 in the cartilage of the accessory breathing organ, another two individuals were infected with H. samochimensis sp. n. plasmodia in the gills and another three individuals revealed an infection with Myxobolus gariepinus sp. n. plasmodia in the ovaries.     

A new atractid nematode,Atractis vidali sp. n. (Nematoda: Atractidae), from cichlid fishes in southern Mexico

A new nematode species, Atractis vidali sp. n., is described from the intestine of cichlid fishes, Vieja intermedia (Günther) (type host) and Cichlasoma pearsei (Hubbs), from specimens collected in three localities in the Mexican states of Campeche (Santa Gertrudis Creek) and Chiapas (Cedros and Lacanjá Rivers). It differs from the only other atractid species reported in fishes of Mexico, Atractis bravoae, mainly in possessing two very unequal spicules. In contrast to the 10 species parasitising amphibians and reptiles in America, the new species has a longer body, spicules and a gubernaculum, and a different distribution of the caudal papillae. This is the second species of the genus Atractis recorded from freshwater fishes.     

Heliocotyle ewingi sp. n. (Monogenea: Monocotylidae) from the gills of Myliobatis australis (Myliobatididae) from Tasmania, Australia

Heliocotyle ewingi sp. n. (Monogenea: Monocotylidae) is described from the gills of Myliobatis australis Macleay, 1881 (Myliobatididae) collected from Norfolk Bay near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Heliocotyle ewingi can be distinguished readily from the only other species in the genus, Heliocotyle kartasi Neifar, Euzet et Ben Hassine, 1999, by the presence of a single pseudoseptum on each of the peripheral loculi except the posteriormost, eyespots and by the morphology of the male copulatory organ which is a short, straight sclerotised tube which lacks a sclerotised accessory piece. The generic diagnosis is revised to accommodate the new species and the anterior glands are discussed.     

Comparison of Colletotrichum orbiculare and Several Allied Colletotrichum spp. for mtDNA RFLPs, Intron RFLP and Sequence Variation, Vegetative Compatibility, and Host Specificity

ABSTRACT Based on spore morphology, appressorium development, sequence similarities of the rDNA, and similarities in amplified restriction fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), it has been proposed that Colletotrichum orbiculare, C. trifolii, C. lindemuthianum, and C. malvarum represent a single phylogenetic species, C. orbiculare. In the current study, the phylogenetic relationship among isolates in the C. orbiculare species complex was reassessed. In all, 72 isolates of C. orbiculare from cultivated cucurbit or weed hosts, C. trifolii from alfalfa, C. lindemuthianum from green bean, and C. malvarum from prickly sida (Sida spinosa) were examined for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), RFLPs and sequence variation of a 900-bp intron of the glutamine synthetase gene and a 200-bp intron of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene, and vegetative compatibility. In addition, host specificity was examined in foliar inoculations on cucurbit, bean, and alfalfa hosts. Inoculations also were conducted on cucumber fruit. Genetically distinct isolates, based on vegetative compatibility, within the species complex (C. orbiculare, C. trifolii, and C. malvarum) had an identical mtDNA haplotype (haplotype A) when examined with each of three different restriction enzymes. Isolates of C. lindemuthianum had a very similar mtDNA haplotype to haplotype A, with a single polymorphism detected with the enzyme HaeIII. The four species represent a phylogenetically closely related group based on a statistical analysis of the 900- and 200-bp intron sequences. However, distinct RFLPs in the 900-bp intron were consistently associated with each species and could be used to qualitatively and quantitatively distinguish each species. Furthermore, each of the species showed distinct host specificity, with isolates of C. orbiculare (from cucurbits), C. lindemuthianum, and C. trifolii being pathogenic only on cucurbits, green bean, and alfalfa, respectively. Consequently, distinct and fixed nucleotide, or genotypic (intron sequences and RFLPs) and phenotypic (host specificity) characteristics can be used to distinguish C. orbiculare, C. lindemuthianum, and C. trifolii from one another; therefore, they should be recognized as distinct species. This species delineation is consistent with the most current species concepts in fungi. More isolates and further characterization is needed to determine whether C. orbiculare from cocklebur and C. malvarum represent distinct species. RFLPs of the 900-bp intron may represent a relatively inexpensive, reliable, and useful diagnostic tool for general species differentiation in the genus Colletotrichum.     

The role of the monoterpene composition inPinus spp. needles, in host selection by the pine processionary caterpillar,Thaumetopoea pityocampa

This paper presents preliminary results on attempts to extract and characterize the volatile secondary metabolites contained in needles of differentPinus species and to ascertain the role played by these substances on the behavior ofThaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis et Schiffermüller) females, which show a marked preference, during the oviposition period, for some indigenous and exotic species of host plants existing in mixed formation. Limonene is the most abundant monoterpene extracted fromP. pinea needles, the least favored species of pine processionary caterpillar (PPC) females, although it is present in only very low amounts in otherPinus species. An increase was observed in limonene production byP. pinea at the start of the flight period of the PPC adult, and subsequently at the beginning of the females’ oviposition period. Assays carried out in two pine stands in central Italy showed that limonene, emulsified with water and sprayed on foliage of four different pine species plants,P. sylvestris, P. nigra, P. pinaster andP. radiata, during the PPC oviposition period, provided a satisfactory degree of protection. In fact, the number of egg clusters collected from treated plants was often lower than the number of egg clusters collected from control plants and was comparable to the number of egg clusters laid onP. pinea plants. In particular (R)-(+)-limonene, although not produced in nature by pines, was the most effective deterrent. However, the effect of (S)-(-)-limonene, the enantiomer biosynthesized by pines, was also adequate.