Morphological and ontogenetic characteristics of Miridex putorii (Acariformes: Demodecidae), a new genus and species of skin mite specific to the European polecat Mustelaputorius. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Izdebska, Joanna N.; Rolbiecki, Leszek; Rehbein, Steffen
• Is Part Of: International journal for parasitology. Volume 18(2022)
• Page Start: 225
• Page End: 231
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: New genus -- Acariformes -- Demodecid mites -- Carnivorans -- Mustelidae; Parasites -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Animals -- Periodicals; Wildlife diseases -- Periodicals; Parasites -- Periodicals; Animals, Wild -- Periodicals; Animals; Parasites; Parasitology; Wildlife diseases; Periodicals; 591.7857
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.06.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2244

Abstract

Abstract: Among carnivorans, mites of the family Demodecidae are mainly represented by the eight species of the genus Demodex known to cause demodecosis in domestic dog Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus, 1758 and domestic cat Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758. However, nine other Demodex species from wild carnivorans are also known; in addition they are only known from few records. Previously unknown demodecid mites have been isolated from European polecats, Mustela putorius Linnaeus, 1758, originating from Germany. The specimens are characterized of by an aedeagus with a posterior end located between the opisthosoma and podosoma and an anterior end in the gnathosoma area, with a genital opening in the epistome area; aedeagus length corresponds to 53% (45–59%) of male body length. The mites were isolated from the head skin in 16 of 21 polecats examined (76.2%), mainly in the mystacial vibrissae area (84.8%) and less often in adjacent areas. However, the mite infestation did not appear to cause skin abnormality. Based on the morphological analysis of the adult mites and their morphological ontogenesis, including significant characteristics in demodecid taxonomy, the mite specimens have been classified as representatives of a new species and genus, described as Miridex putorii gen. nov., sp. nov. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A new genus for the family Demodecidae. A new species and first record from demodecid mites in the European polecat Mustela putorius . Peculiar features of males: genital opening located on the gnathosoma and aedeagus constitutes above 50% of body length.