First paleoparasitological record of acanthocephalan eggs from Northwestern Patagonia (Late Holocene, Argentina)

Abstract

Eggs representative of an acanthocephalan were found in an ancient fragment of raptor pellet, probably belonged to the barn owl, Tyto alba, from the archeological site named "Epullán Chica cave". This site isa cave located at the southern of Neuquén Province, Patagonia, Argentina. The fragment of pellet wasfound in a layer with charcoals dated at 1980 ± 80 years B.P. A total of 56 eggs were found. Eggs werebrown colored and thick-shelled, and presented four membranes, the outer lightly sculpted. The embryos presented hooks in one extremity. Measurements ranged from 87.5 to 107.5 m long and 50 to 57.5 mwide. Eggs were very well-preserved, and were identified as belonged to Class Archiacanthocephala,Order Oligacanthorhynchida, Family Oligacanthorhynchidae, probably Macracanthorhynchus Travassos,1917, or an unidentified species. This is the first report of small mammal acanthocephalans from ancient material worldwide.