Annotated checklist of chigger mites (Trombidiformes: Leeuwenhoekiidae, Trombiculidae and Walchiidae) in Sri Lanka

Author(s)

Ashani, M. L. S. ; Gunathilaka, P. A. D. H. N. ; Premarathne, B. A. H. R. ; Chandrasena, T. G. A. N. ; Jacinavicius, F. C. ; Bassini-Silva, R.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS; v. 34, p. 5-pg., 2022-09-01.

Abstract

Chigger mites (Leeuwenhoekiidae, Trombiculidae, and Walchiidae) are parasites of any terrestrial vertebrate. The present study updates the list of chigger mite (Trombiculidae, Leeuwenhoekiidae, and Walchiidae) species recorded from Sri Lanka along with taxonomic classification based on previous investigations since 1946 to date and our observations in western and southern parts of the country. This checklist listed 15 species in 9 genera within the three chigger families. For now, murid species were the host most sampledparasitized by chiggers in Sri Lanka. However, further studies are required to increase the diversity of chigger mites in Sri Lanka and probably the description of new species, which will be possible with morphological and molecular characterization. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/19853-0 - Chigger mites (Acari: Trombiculidae and Leeuwenhoekiidae) parasites of vertebrates: morphological studies and investigation of the presence of Rickettsia spp
• Grantee: Fernando de Castro Jacinavicius
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/24667-8 - Catalogue of types of the family Trombiculidae sensu lato (Acari: Trombidiformes) deposited in the national Chigger collection of the USNM and use of LT-SEM technique for a better interpretation of the morphological characters
• Grantee: Ricardo Bassini Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 20/11755-6 - Taxonomy and microbiome of mites that parasitize bats in Brazil: study of the presence of pathogens and symbiotic commensal communities in these ectoparasites
• Grantee: Ricardo Bassini Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/01416-7 - Chigger mites from Brazilian birds: morphological studies and investigation of the presence of pathogens
• Grantee: Ricardo Bassini Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate