Toad Parotoid Pores Shelter Tick Larvae

Author(s)

Mailho-Fontana, Pedro L. ; Antoniazzi, Marta M. ; Barros-Battesti, Darci M. ; Jared, Carlos ; Campbell, Jonathan A. ; Brodie, Jr., Edmund D.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: South American Journal of Herpetology; v. 11, n. 2, p. 110-113, 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Several reports are available regarding ticks parasitizing toads of the family Bufonidae. Although ticks can attach to different regions of the body, occurrence of these ectoparasites on parotoid macroglands is unfrequent when compared with other regions of body. In this study, using histology and scanning electron microscopy, we analysed a rare case of ticks that were found exclusively lodged inside pores of parotoid macroglands in the cane toad Rhinella marina. Our results indicate that the morphology of toad parotoid pores offers physical protection to tick larvae, favoring successful attachment. Evidences of secretion release from the accessory glands arranged around the parasitized pores seem to constitute a defensive chemical response against parasitism, suggesting a role for these poorly known glands. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/15334-4 - The skin and the defense of toads (Bufonidae) against predators and desiccation
• Grantee: Pedro Luiz Mailho Fontana
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 15/00999-3 - Comparative morphology of integument and cutaneous glands of species of toads and salamanders from South America and North America
• Grantee: Pedro Luiz Mailho Fontana
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate