Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Spinturnicid Mites (Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae) from the Southeastern Region of Brazil

• Grant number: 25/03307-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Bassini Silva
• Grantee: Letícia de Biasi Figueiredo
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Mites of the family Spinturnicidae (Mesostigmata) are exclusive blood-feeding ectoparasites of bats, playing a significant role in the ecology and evolution of parasite-host relationships. Despite their importance, these mites remain understudied in Brazil. This project aims to identify and characterize spinturnicid mites associated with bats from the Southeastern region of Brazil, using specimens deposited in the Acarological Collection of the Butantan Institute and samples from recent field collections. Molecular characterization will be conducted through DNA extraction and amplification of nuclear and mitochondrial genes (18S, 28S, 16S, and cox1), followed by sequencing. In parallel, morphological characterization will be performed using phase contrast microscopy and specimen illustration. The results will contribute to expanding knowledge on the biodiversity of bat ectoparasites, aiding in the systematics of the group and providing relevant information on geographical distribution and parasite-host interactions, with potential implications for public health and wildlife conservation.