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A revision of the chigger mites species group vulgaris (Trombiculidae: Neotrombicula)

A.A. Stekolnikov


Parazitologiya, 33(5): 387-403 (1999) (In Russian, English summary).


S U M M A R Y

A revision of chigger mite species, being closely related to Neotrombicula vulgaris (Schluger, 1955), is given. Two new species parasitize rodents are described: N. aideriensis sp. n. from Western Kopetdagh (Syunt-Khasardag Reserve, Turkmenistan) and N. macrovulgaris sp. n. from Western Caucasus (Karachai-Cherkess Republic, Zagedan Mt. collected in 1995 by the author on the snow vole Chionomys nivalis at the altitude 2700 m up to sea level). N. aideriensis sp. n. differs from all other species of the vulgaris group in the presence of single barb on the lateral seta of palpal tibia in most specimens. This species differs also from N. vulgaris in the lesser width of scutum (PW = 92 vs. 98 in N. vulgaris), shorter setae of scutum and idiosoma (H = 52 vs. 57, Dmax = 51 against 56 in N. vulgaris) and in the longer legs (Ip = 875 vs. 826, length of leg III tarsus is 79 vs. 73 in N. vulgaris). The new species differs from N. baschkirica Kudryashova, 1998 in the shorter scutum (SD = 57 vs. 63, ASB = 27—31 vs. 31—36 in N. baschkirica), shorter setae of scutum and idiosoma (AM = 44 vs. 51, H = 52 vs. 57 in N. baschkirica) and slightly longer legs (length of leg III tarsus is 79 vs. 75 in N. baschkirica).

N. macrovulgaris sp. n. differs from all other species of the vulgaris group in the longer legs (Ip>908), more numerous idiosomal setae (NDV>91) and in the larger scutum (PW = 98—108 vs. 77—104, ASB = 34—38 vs. 24—36, SD = 64—73 vs. 49—68 in the other species of the vulgaris group).

N. vulgaris is recorded for the first time in Bulgaria, Turkmenistan (Western Kopetdagh) and Krasnodar Krai, N. baschkirica Kudryashova, 1998 — in Chuvashiya, Kirov Oblast, Komi Republic and Tyumen Oblast, N. kharadovi Kudryashova, 1998 — in Russia (Altai Territory) and in Karaganda Province (Kazakhstan). The latter species is reported from several new hosts.

Variation of morphometric parameters in the vulgaris group are investigated by the methods of multivariate analysis, the pattern of correlation between them is shown. A complex of diagnostic features in the group is revised. Discriminant functions produced by the computer program DIADIS (A. L. Lobanov, Zoological Institute, Saint-Petersburg) allows to determine confidently representatives of the vulgaris group.

Ecogeographical component of intraspecific variability and character variance at the specific level is revealed in vulgaris group. N. macrovulgaris characterized by the largest scutum, numerous setae and long legs was found in the most rigorous, cold and damp climate (alpine zone of Western Caucasus). On the other hand, N. kharadovi, which have the most fine scutum and shortest setae, inhabits rather dry and warm Middle Asia and neighbouring territories. The sample of N. vulgaris collected in the steppe part of Stavropol Territory differed from the material collected in mountain forests of Western Caucasus by low values of the most part of measurements. N. kharadovi samples from plains of Middle Asia differed from samples of this species collected in Western Pamirs, Central Kazakhstan and Altay Territory by more fine scutum and shorter setae.

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