First report of ectoparasites associated with Red Bellied Squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus (Rodentia: Sciuridae) introduced into Argentina

Abstract

Introduced species usually modify parasite-host dynamics by bringing new parasites or by acquiring local parasites. The loss of parasites may determine the outcome of invasions, if introduced species are liberated from their coevolved parasites in the invaded range. Also, introduced species may pose sanitary risks to humans and other mammals, if they are reservoir of pathogens or carry arthropod vectors. The red-bellied squirrel, Callosciurus erythraeus (Pallas) (Rodentia: Sciuridae), was introduced into Argentina in 1970 and since then, several foci of invasion appeared closely associated with humans. Parasitological fauna of C. erythraeus in Argentina will inform about novel parasite-host dynamics and may provide new insight into their invasion success. The objective of this study was to describe the arthropod parasites of C. erythraeus in Argentina in comparison with previous studies conducted in native and introduced ranges. Occasional host-parasite associations with local arthropod parasites not previously described for C. erythraeus are reported: the mites Androlaelaps fahrenholzi (Ewing) (Parasitiformes: Laelapidae) and Ornithonyssus cf. bacoti (Parasitiformes: Macronyssidae), the flea Polygenis (Polygenis) rimatus Jordan (Siphonaptera: Rhopalopsyllidae) and the botfly Cuterebra Clark (Diptera: Oestridae: Cuterebrinae). Cheyletus sp. mites (Acariformes: Cheyletidae) were also found. Low prevalence and mean intensity of ectoparasite species could influence invasion dynamics.