Toad Parotoid Pores Shelter Tick Larvae

Autor(es)

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

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: South American Journal of Herpetology; v. 11, n. 2, p. 110-113, 2016.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

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)

• Processo FAPESP: 14/15334-4 - A pele e a defesa dos sapos-cururus (Bufonidae) contra predadores e dessecação
• Beneficiário: Pedro Luiz Mailho Fontana
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 15/00999-3 - Morfologia comparativa do tegumento e das glândulas cutâneas em espécies de sapos e salamandras sul-americanos e norte-americanos
• Beneficiário: Pedro Luiz Mailho Fontana
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Exterior - Estágio de Pesquisa - Doutorado