Fleas and ticks in armadillos from Argentinean Patagonia: diversity, abundance and distribution

Abstract

In Argentina, quantitative information on the composition and structure of assemblages of arthropod parasites in Xenarthra is scarce. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the community of arthropod parasites of Chaetophractus villosus and Zaedyus pichiy in the Argentinean Patagonia. A total of 1300 ectoparasites (1224 fleas and 76 ticks) were collected from both host species. Seven different species were found, namely Phthiropsylla agenoris, Malacopsylla grossiventris, Hectopsylla broscus, Tunga penetrans, Tunga perforans (Siphonaptera), Amblyomma pseudoconcolor and Amblyomma auricularium s.l. (Ixodida). Four species were present in both host armadillos (P. agenoris, M. grossiventris, H. broscus and A. pseudoconcolor). Phthiropsylla agenoris was the most prevalent and abundant ectoparasite showing significant differences in prevalences, mean intensities and mean abundance. Malacopsylla grossiventris only showed significant differences in mean intensity. The structure and composition of the ectoparasite assemblage and the high values of ectoparasites aggregation recorded in the Patagonian armadillos strongly suggest that these associations are stable throughout their geographical distribution.