Cystoidosoma hermaphroditus sp n., the first representative of the quill mite family Ascouracaridae (Acari: Astigmata: Pterolichoidea) from an owl (Aves: Strigiformes)

Author(s)

Hernandes, Fabio Akashi ^[1] ; OConnor, Barry M. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Zool, BR-13506900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Michigan, Museum Zool, Dept Ecol & Evolutionary Biol, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FOLIA PARASITOLOGICA; v. 62, JUL 22 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

The mite family Ascouracaridae Gaud et Atyeo, 1976 contains large-sized mites (mostly > 1 mm) which live inside the quills of birds of several orders. To date, no representative of this family has been found associated with the order Strigiformes (owls). In this paper, a new species of this family, Cystoidosoma hermaphroditus sp. n., is described from the tropical screech owl, Megascops choliba (Vieillot) (Aves: Strigiformes) from Brazil. This species is unique in having an external spermaduct, a primary duct and a rudimentary bursa copulatrix present in males. This is the first astigmatan feather mite described from the order Strigiformes in this country. A key to adults of the genus Cystoidosoma Gaud et Atyeo, 1976 of the world is presented. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/50145-0 - Diversity and taxonomy of feather mites (Arachnida: Acari: Astigmata) on birds of Brazil
• Grantee: Fábio Rau Akashi Hernandes
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/20805-8 - Diversity and taxonomy of feather mites (Arachnida: Acari: Astigmata) on Passeriformes (Aves) in Brazil
• Grantee: Fábio Rau Akashi Hernandes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - BIOTA - Young Researchers