Concepts in Animal Parasitology, Chapter 64: Phthiraptera (Order): Lice

Chapter 64 in Concepts in Animal Parasitology on lice, order Phthiraptera, by Lajos Rózsa and Haylee J. Weaver. 2024. S. L. Gardner and S. A. Gardner, editors. Zea Books, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. doi: 10.32873/unl.dc.ciap06

Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases: Implications of Climate Change and Human Behavior

Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) collectively cause the highest global burden of parasitic disease after malaria and are most prevalent in the poorest communities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Climate change is predicted to alter the physical environment through cumulative impacts of warming and extreme fluctuations in temperature and precipitation, with cascading effects on human health and wellbeing, food security and socioeconomic infrastructure. Understanding how the spectrum of climate change effects will influence STHs is therefore of critical importance to the control of the global burden of human parasitic disease. Realistic progress in the global control of STH in a changing climate requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes the sciences (e.g. thermal thresholds for parasite development and resilience) and social sciences (e.g. behavior and implementation of education and sanitation programs)

Concepts in Animal Parasitology, Part 5: Ectoparasites

Part V: Ectoparasites, chapters 60-67, pages 732-841, in Concepts in Animal Parasitology. 2024. Scott L. Gardner and Sue Ann Gardner, editors. Zea Books, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States; part V doi: 10.32873/unl.dc.ciap075 Platyhelminthes Chapter 60: Monogenea (Class) by Griselda Pulido-Flores, pages 733-742 Chapter 61: Transversotremata (Suborder): Ectoparasitic Trematodes by Scott C. Cutmore and Thomas H. Cribb, pages 743-746 Hirudinia Chapter 62: Hirudinia (Class): Parasitic Leeches by Alejandro Oceguera-Figueroa and Sebastian Kvist, pages 747-755 Arthropoda Chapter 63: Siphonaptera (Order): Fleas by Marcela Lareschi, pages 756-770 Chapter 64: Phthiraptera (Order): Lice by Lajos Rózsa and Haylee J. Weaver, pages 771-789 Chapter 65: Triatominae (Subfamily): Kissing Bugs by numerous authors cited from open access sources, compiled by Sue Ann Gardner, pages 790-797 Chapter 66: Acari (Order): Ticks by Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti, Valeria Castilho Onofrio, and Filipe Dantas-Torres, pages 798-835 Chapter 67: Acari (Order): Mites by David Evans Walter, Gerald W. Krantz, and Evert E. Lindquist, pages 836-84

Hoplopleura notomydis Weaver, new species

<i>Hoplopleura notomydis</i> Weaver new species <p>Figs 9–16</p> <p> <b>Type host.</b> <i>Notomys alexis</i> Thomas, 1922 —spinifex hopping mouse (Muridae).</p> <p> <b>Type locality.</b> Yulara, Northern Territory, Australia.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis.</b> The chaetotaxy of the paratergal plates with only 1 seta on paratergal plate IV, and 1 large and 1 tiny seta on each of plates V and VI differentiates <i>Hoplopleura notomydis</i> from all other Australian species. Paratergal plate II of <i>H. notomydis</i> lacks a small central seta, in addition to the two large setae posteriorly, differentiating it from <i>H. uromydis</i>, <i>H. gyomydis</i>, <i>H. mastacomydis</i>, <i>H. irritans</i>, <i>H. calabyi</i>, <i>H. melomydis</i> and <i>H. setosa</i> <b>new species</b> (described below). <i>Hoplopleura notomydis</i> can be further differentiated from <i>H. uromydis</i> by having setae on the sternites of a more uniform length, where <i>H. uromydis</i> has alternating short setae on sternites 4– 6. <i>Hoplopleura notomydis</i> lacks additional setae adjacent to the tergites, differentiating it from <i>H. gyomydis</i>; and the shape of the posterior process of the sternal plate is also diagnostic, in that <i>H. gyomydis</i> does not have an elongated process on the posterior edge of the plate. <i>Hoplopleura mastacomydis</i> has far more setae on the male tergites, and they are uniformly distributed whereas <i>H. notomydis</i> has fewer setae which are clumped in pairs or triplets at the edges of the tergites. Abdominal setae and the shape of the tergites also differentiates <i>H. notomydis</i> from <i>H. irritans</i>, with <i>H. notomydis</i> having broader tergites and fewer extra setae on the abdomen that are not on the tergites compared with <i>H. irritans</i> which has very narrow tergites and numerous setae adjacent to the tergites. <i>Hoplopleura notomydis</i> can be further differentiated from <i>H. calabyi</i> by the size of the seta on paratergal plate II (<i>H. calabyi</i> has a very long seta), by the size and degree of overlap of the paratergal plates, and the number and patterns of clumping of the setae on the tergites, where <i>H. calabyi</i> has more numerous setae that are uniformly distributed. <i>Hoplopleura notomydis</i> can be differentiated from <i>H. melomydis</i> and <i>H. setosa</i> by having broader tergites and sternites, and the lack of additional setae adjacent to the sternites on the ventral surface. Among the lice that do not have a small medial seta on paratergal plate II, <i>H. notomydis</i> can be differentiated from <i>H. zyzomydis</i> by having setae on paratergal plates IV–VI and by having more tergites and sternites in total and by not having serrated internal edges of the parameres of the genitalia of the male; from <i>H. bidentata</i> by having only 1 seta on paratergal plate IV and having pointed posterior lobes on paratergal plate VII; and from <i>H. cornata</i> by having posterior lobes (dorsal and ventral in females, dorsal only in males) on paratergal plate VII and a sternal plate with a more pointed anterior process.</p> <p> <b>Description.</b> <i>Male</i> (n=4). Figs 9–12. Body length 871.2–877.8 (874.5). Head slightly wider than long, with 4 ApHS and 4 AnMHS. Dorsally, head with 6 DMHS, 4 DPaLHS, 2 DPaHS, 4 SuHS, 2 small DAcHS and 2 long DPHS. Ventrally, head with 2 VPaHS and 2 VPHS. Thorax wider than long, with 1 pair of small DMsS and 1 pair of large DPTS, 55.2–60.5 (57.85) long. Mesothoracic spiracle diameter 13.2–21.1 (15.83). Thoracic sternal plate clavate with anterior process. Abdomen wider than thorax. Dorsally, 1 tergite per segment except for segment 3 with 2 tergites and no tergites on segments 9–11. Segment 1 with 1 narrow tergite with scalloped posterior margin and 1 pair small of TeAS. Tergite of segment 2 and anterior tergite of segment 3 each with 2 pairs of postero-lateral TeAS. Tergites of segments 3 (posterior tergite), 4 and 5 each with 4 pairs of TeAS. Tergite of segment 6 with 3 pairs of TeAS evenly spaced. Tergite of segment 7 with 1 pair of TeAS, tergite of segment 8 without setae. Ventrally, segments 2 and 8 each with 1 sternite, segments 3–7 each with 2 sternites. No sternites on segments 1 or 9–11. Sternite of segment 2 with 4 pairs of StAS, articulates with paratergal plate. Anterior sternite of segment 3 large, articulating with paratergal plate and with 2 pairs of very large stout StAS laterally and 1 pair plus 1 single StAS medially. Posterior sternite of segment 3 with 4 pairs of StAS. Sternites of segment 4 with 3 pairs plus 1 StAS on anterior sternite and 4 pairs of StAS on posterior sternite. Sternites of segment 5 with 4 pairs plus 1 StAS on anterior sternite and posterior sternite with 4 pairs of StAS. Sternites of segment 6 with 4 pairs plus 1 StAS on anterior sternite and 3 pairs plus 1 StAS on posterior sternite. Sternites of segment 7 with 4 pairs of StAS and lateral pair of VLAS on small plates for anterior sternite, posterior sternite with 3 pairs plus 1 StAS. Sternite of segment 8 with 1 pair of StAS. Genital basal apodeme slightly longer than parameres. Pseudopenis gently tapered to a point extending beyond apices of parameres. Paratergal plates present on abdominal segments 1–8, plate I small and offset medially. All paratergal plates differentially sclerotized. Plates II with 2 large setae and pointed posterior lobes. Paratergal plate III with 2 large setae and serrated posterior lobes. Paratergal plate IV with one large seta and serrated posterior lobes. Paratergal plates V and VI each with 1 large and 1 minute setae and serrated posterior lobes. Paratergal plate VII with 2 large long setae and posterior lobe on dorsal surface only. Paratergal plate VIII with 2 large long setae and lacking posterior lobes. Spiracles present on paratergal plates III–VII, with a small spiracle on paratergal plate VIII.</p> <p> <i>Female</i> (n=3) Figs 13–16. Body length 1122–1135.2 (1129). Head about as wide as long, with with 4 ApHS and 4 AnMHS. Dorsally, head with 8 DMHS, 4 SuHS, 2 small DAcHS and 2 long DPHS. Ventrally, head with 2 VPHS. Thorax wider than long, with 1 pair of large DPTS, 60.5–68.4 (64) long. Mesothoracic spiracle diameter 13.2–15.8 (14). Thoracic sternal plate clavate with anterior process. Abdomen wider than thorax. Dorsally, 3 tergites per segment except for segments 1 and 3 with 1 tergite, and segments 2 and 8 each with 2 tergites. Segment 1 with 1 pair of small TeAS set postero-laterally. Segment 2 with 2 pairs TeAS postero-laterally. Segment 3 tergite with 3 pairs of TeAS postero-laterally. Segment 4 with anterior and medial tergites with 3 pairs of TeAS and posterior tergite with 4 pairs of TeAS. Segment 5 with 3 tergites each with 3 pairs of TeAS. Segment 6 with anterior and medial tergites each with 3 pairs of TeAS and posterior tergite with 2 pairs of TeAS. Segment 7 with anterior and medial tergites each with 3 pairs of TeAS and posterior tergite with 2 pairs of TeAS. Segment 8 anterior tergite with 2 pairs of TeAS and posterior tergite with 1 pair of TeAS. Ventrally, no sternite on segment 1. Segment 2 with 1 sternite articulating with paratergal plate II. Segments 3–7 each with 3 sternites. Anterior sternite of segment 3 with 4 pairs of StAS, posterior sternite with 2 pairs of large stout StAS on sclerotized projection of posterolateral edge of sternite. Medial sternite of segment 3 with 2 pairs of StAS, posterior sternite with 4 pairs of StAS. Sternites of segments 4 and 5 with same chaetotaxy: middle sternite with 3 pairs of StAS and anterior and posterior sternites each with 4 pairs of StAS. Segment 6 with 1 pair of VLAS on small plates positioned lateral to sternite with 4 pairs of StAS. Medial and posterior sternites of segment 6 each with 4 pairs of StAS. Segment 7 with 1 pair of VLAS on small plates positioned lateral to anterior and medial sternites. Anterior sternite with 4 pairs of StAS, medial sternite with 3 pairs of StAS, posterior sternite with 4 pairs of StAS varying in size. Subgenital plate broadly triangular with serrated apex and 4 small setae scattered irregularly but all consistent in size. Gonopods VIII with 3 small setae, gonopods IX with larger setae. Long and stout genital setae. Paratergal plates present on abdominal segments 1–8, plate I small and offset medially. All paratergal plates differentially sclerotized. Plate II with 2 large setae and pointed posterior lobes. Paratergal plate III with 2 large setae and serrated posterior lobes. Paratergal plate IV with one large seta and serrated posterior lobes. Paratergal plates V and VI each with 1 large and 1 minute setae and serrated posterior lobes. Paratergal plate VII with 2 large long setae and posterior lobe on dorsal surface only. Paratergal plate VIII with 2 large long setae and lacking posterior lobes. Spiracles present on paratergal plates III–VII, with a small spiracle on paratergal plate VIII.</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> The species epithet is a noun in apposition referring to generic name of the host species, <i>Notomys</i>.</p> <p> <b>Type material.</b> Ex <i>Notomys alexis</i> Thomas, 1922: Holotype ♂, AWC101/96, Yulara, Northern Territory, Australia, 24 Aug. 1996, K. Masters & P. Haycock (ANIC 19 000060). Paratypes: 3♂, 3♀, same data as for the holotype (ANIC 19 000061–66).</p>Published as part of <i>Weaver, Haylee J., 2017, Three new species of the sucking louse genus Hoplopleura (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) from rodents (Mammalia: Rodentia: Muridae) in northern Australia, pp. 31-44 in Zootaxa 4247 (1)</i> on pages 36-39, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4247.1.3, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/437944">http://zenodo.org/record/437944</a&gt

Hoplopleura setosa Weaver, new species

<i>Hoplopleura setosa</i> Weaver new species <p>Figs 17–24</p> <p> <b>Type host.</b> <i>Notomys alexis</i> Thomas, 1922 —spinifex hopping mouse (Muridae).</p> <p> <b>Type locality.</b> Yulara, Northern Territory, Australia.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis.</b> The bristly appearance of <i>Hoplopleura setosa</i> is unlike that of any other Australian species of <i>Hoplopleura</i>. While it lacks the characteristic large setae on the sternite of segment 2, the sternite itself does articulate with the corresponding paratergal plate, and the hind legs are larger than the other legs, thus placing <i>H. setosa</i> in the Hoplopleuridae, and in the genus <i>Hoplopleura</i>. The combination of the small seta on paratergal plate 2, one large seta on paratergal plates IV–VI, the sexual dimorphism of the posterior lobe on paratergal plate VII, and the shape of sternite 2 in not having a pair of extremely large stout setae at each end of the plate differentiates this species from other species of <i>Hoplopleura</i> in Australia. Further differentiating features of <i>H. setosa</i> are the overall chatotaxy of sternites and tergites with up to 12 setae per plate, extra small plates with VLAS on the ventral surface, and the splitting of tergites to form small lateral plates with paired setae on the dorsal surface. <i>Hoplopleura setosa</i> can be further differentiated from <i>H. zyzomydis</i>, <i>H. bidentata</i>, <i>H. cornata</i> and <i>H. notomydis</i> in having a small seta on paratergal plate II. It can be further differentiated from <i>H. gyomydis</i>, <i>H. uromydis</i>, <i>H. mastacomydis</i>, <i>H. irritans</i>, <i>H. calabyi</i> and <i>H. melomydis</i> by having only one large seta on each of paratergal plates IV–VI.</p> <p> <b>Description.</b> <i>Male</i> (n=1). Figs 17–20. Body length 799. Head about as long as wide, with 4 ApHS and 6 AnMHS. Dorsally with 8 DPaLHS, 2 DPaHS, 4 SuHS, 6 DMHS, 2 DAcHS and 2 large DPHS. Ventrally with 2 VPaHS, 8 oral setae (OrS) and 2 VPHS. Thorax wider than long, with 1 pair of dorsal prothoracic setae (DPtS), 1 pair of small dorsal mesothoracic setae (DmsS) and 1 pair of large DPTS, 82 long. Mesothoracic spiracle diameter 16 wide, sternal plate rounded with anterior and posterior processes. Abdomen wider than thorax. Dorsally, with 1 tergite per segment except for segment 2 with 2 tergites. All TeAS long, overlapping following tergites. Tergite of segment 1 with 1 pair of TeAS laterally. Anterior tergite of segment 2 narrow with 2 pairs of TeAS, posterior tergite wider than anterior tergite, with 4 pairs of TeAS. Tergite of segment 3 with 6 pairs of TeAS. Tergite of segments 4 and 5 with 5 pairs of TeAS, tergite of segment 6 with 4 pairs of TeAs plus 1. Tergite of segment 7 with 3 pairs of TeAS, no TeAS on tergite of segment 8. Ventrally, no sternite on segment 1. Sternite of segment 2 with 5 pairs of StAS. Segment 3 with 2 sternites. Anterior sternite of segment 3 with 3 pairs of StAS, posterior sternite of segment 4 with 4 pairs StAS, with additional VLAS on small plate positioned laterally to sternite. Segment 4 with 2 sternites, each sternite with 4 pairs of StAS, and with additional VLAS on small plate positioned laterally to sternite. Segment 5 with 2 sternites, each sternite with 3 pairs of StAS plus 1, and with additional VLAS on small plate positioned laterally to sternite. Segment 6 with 2 sternites, anterior sternite with 3 pairs of StAS plus 1, posterior sternite with 4 pairs of StAS. Sternite of segment 7 with 3 pairs of StAS plus 1. Sternite of segment 8 with 2 pairs of StAS. Genital basal apodeme approximately the same length as parameres. Parameres broadly curved and lightly sclerotized. Pseudopenis narrow and extends beyond apices of parameres. Paratergal plates lightly sclerotized. Paratergal plate I offset mediodorsally. Paratergal plate II with 2 long posterior setae and one small medial seta. Paratergal plate III with dorsal and ventral posterior lobes and 1 pair setae. Paratergal plates IV–VI all with dorsal and ventral pointed posterior lobes and one fairly long seta. Paratergal plate VII with a pointed dorsal posterior lobe and 1 pair of long setae. Paratergal plate VIII without lobes and with a pair of setae. Spiracles present on paratergal plates III–VII with smaller spiracle on paratergal plate VIII.</p> <p> <i>Female</i> (n=4) Figs 21–24. Body length 1069–1142 (1110). Head slightly longer than wide, with 2 ApHS and 4 AnMHS. Dorsally with 8 DPaLHS, 2 DPaHS, 4 SuHS, 6 DMHS, 2 DAcHS and 2 large DPHS. Ventrally with 2 VPaHS, 8 OrS and 2 VPHS. Thorax wider than long, with 1 pair dorsal prothoracic setae (DPtS), 1 pair of DmsS and 1 pair of large DPTS, 68–95 (84) long. Mesothoracic spiracle diameter 13–18 (16) wide, sternal plate rounded with anterior and posterior processes. Abdomen wider than thorax. Dorsally, with 3 tergites per segment except for segment 1 with 1 tergite and segments 2, 3 and 4 with 2 tergites each. Tergite of segment 1 with 1 pair of long TeAS. Anterior tergite of segment 2 small with 2 pairs of TeAS, and posterior tergite more elongate with 4 pairs of TeAS. Anterior tergite of segment 3 with 6 pairs of TeAS, posterior tergite with 4 pairs of TeAS. Segment 4 with anterior tergite split laterally to form one central plate flanked by smaller plate on each side (here called ‘auxiliary tergites’). Main tergite with 3 pairs of TeAS, auxiliary tergites with 1 pair of TeAS each. Posterior tergite of segment 4 with 3 pairs of TeAS. Segments 5, 6 and 7 each with 3 tergites arranged with a middle tergite split laterally to form small plates. Anterior tergites with 5 pairs TeAS, middle tergite medial plate with 3 pairs of TeAS, middle tergite auxiliary plates with 1 pair of TeAS, posterior plate with 6 pairs of TeAS on segments 5 and 6, with 5 pairs of TeAS on segment 7. Segment 8 with 3 tergites, anterior tergite with 4 pairs of TeAS, middle tergite with 3 pairs of TeAS and posterior tergite with notch on lateral edge, with 2 pairs of small setae anteriorly and 3 pairs posteriorly. Ventrally, no sternite on segment 1. Segment 2 with 1 sternite with 4 pairs of StAS. Segments 3–7 with 3 sternites. Anterior sternite of segment 3 large and articulating with paratergite, with 5 pairs of StAS, lateral pair of setae larger than medial ones. Middle and posterior sternites narrower than anterior one, with 6 and 5 pairs of StAS respectively. Each sternite of segment 4 with 5 pairs of StAS and 1 additional VLAS on small plate lateral to sternites. Each middle sternite of segments 5 and 6 with 6 pairs of StAS, each anterior and posterior sternite of segments 5 and 6 with 5 pairs of StAS, and each sternite of both segments with 1 additional VLAS on small plate lateral to sternites. Segment 7 with 3 sternites, anterior and posterior sternites with 5 pairs of StAS and 1 additional VLAS on small plate lateral to sternites, and middle sternite with 4 pairs of StAS. Segment 8 with 1 sternite with 2 pairs of StAS. Subgenital plate broadly triangular constricted laterally and 2 pairs small setae set irregularly. Gonopods VII and IX very large. Gonopod VIII with 3 stout setae and gonopod IX with 3 small setae and 1 large genital seta. Paratergal plates lightly sclerotized. Paratergal plate I offset mediodorsally. Paratergal plate II with 2 setae posteriorly and one small medial seta. Paratergal plate III with dorsal and ventral posterior lobes and 1 pair setae. Paratergal plates IV–VI all with dorsal and ventral pointed posterior lobes and one seta. Paratergal plates VII and VIII without lobes and with pair of setae. Spiracles present on paratergal plates III–VII with smaller spiracle on paratergal plate VIII.</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> The species epithet (from Latin, <i>setosus</i> = hairy, bristly) is an adjective in the nominative singular referring to the abundance of setae on the specimens.</p> <p> <b>Type material.</b> Ex <i>Notomys alexis</i>: Holotype ♂, AWC 101/96, Yulara, Northern Territory, Australia, 24 Aug. 1996, K. Masters & P. Haycock (ANIC 19 000067). Paratypes: 2♀, same data as for the holotype (ANIC 19 000068–69).</p> <p> <b>Additional material examined (non-types)</b>. 2♀, AWC AR424, same location and collector as for the holotype, 1 Jul. 1996 (ANIC 19 000070–71).</p>Published as part of <i>Weaver, Haylee J., 2017, Three new species of the sucking louse genus Hoplopleura (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) from rodents (Mammalia: Rodentia: Muridae) in northern Australia, pp. 31-44 in Zootaxa 4247 (1)</i> on pages 39-43, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4247.1.3, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/437944">http://zenodo.org/record/437944</a&gt

Biodiversity of the parasite fauna of the rodent genera Zyzomys Thomas, 1909 and Pseudomys Gray, 1932 from northern Australia

This study of the parasite fauna of five Australian rodents (Muridae: Hydromyinae: Conilurini) was undertaken to increase the knowledge of Australian parasite biodiversity. Trapping for Zyzomys argurus (Thomas, 1889), Pseudomys delicatulus (Gould, 1842), P. desertor Troughton, 1932, P. gracilicaudatus (Gould, 1845) and P. hermannsburgensis (Waite, 1896) (Rodentia: Muridae) was carried out at 16 locations in Queensland between 2004 to 2006. A total of 51 rats were captured and examined for parasites. In addition, 119 rats, from collections in the Queensland Museum and the University of Sydney, were examined. Finally, 57 samples of parasites collected from the above hosts and deposited at the Australian National Wildlife Collection (CSIRO) were identified. From these five rodent species, 15 species of ectoparasites and 17 species of endoparasites were recorded. Fifteen new host records and 14 new locality records were found. The ectoparasites comprised four species of Laelaps Koch, 1836 (Parasitiformes: Laelapidae), four species of chiggers (Acariformes: Trombiculidae), two species of fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae, Pygiospyllidae) and two species of ticks (Parasitiformes: Ixodidae). Three new species of lice (Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) were discovered. The 17 endoparasites, all helminths, comprised fourteen species of nematode and three species of cestode. There were 11 species of oxyurids (Nematoda: Oxyuridae, Heteroxynematidae), including 10 new species of Syphacia, two species of Odilia (Nematoda: Heligmonellidae), and one species of Nippostrongylus (Nematoda: Heligmonellidae). Three species of cestodes (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae, Taeniidae, Davaineidae) were collected. There were no trematodes or acanthocephalans found in any of the rodents examined. No protistan parasites were found in tissue and blood samples taken from the rodents. The mean species diversity of parasites for each host rodent species was consistently low, with values of Simpsons Reciprocal Index ranging from 1.00 1.53. Possible factors contributing to this low diversity include habitat preferences, dietary ecology and social structure. There was no significant relationship found between host body weight and abundance of ectoparasites, or host body weight and species richness of helminths. The index of discrepancy (D) was used to evaluate the distribution of parasite species across host populations. Most parasites were found to have aggregated distributions within the host populations. The exception to this was two of the four species of laelapid mite, with values <5, indicating that they were common across host populations. The phylogenetic relationships of the Syphacia species occurring in the Australian bioregion were investigated using morphological characters. Relatively low resolution of the trees produced indicated that there may be a high degree of similarity between species. Two main clades were identified- a clade of genera of Syphaciini from Borneo was shown to be basal to the clade of species of Syphacia examined. Within the clade of the genus Syphacia, the new species identified in this study formed a single cluster on trees. There was no evidence, however, for strict coevolution of these worms and their hosts. Overall, the research presented here adds considerable knowledge to the previous paucity of information of the parasites of Australian native rodent species. This was achieved by contributing new host records, locality records and identifying and describing several new species. The relationships between conilurin rodents and their parasites suggests that coevolution plays a large part in the speciation of parasites, and that minimal host switching has occurred in the helminths of the conilurins of northern Australia

Phylogeny and biogeography of species of \u3ci\u3eSyphacia\u3c/i\u3e Seurat, 1916 (Nemata : Oxyurida : Oxyuridae) from the Australian Bioregion

Pinworm nematodes of the genus Syphacia (Nemata : Oxyurida : Oxyuridae) have a global distribution, and infect the caecum of rodents. Within the Australian Bioregion, 17 species of Syphacia infect a range of rodent hosts. Pinworms are traditionally thought to have coevolutionary relationships with their hosts, but the evolution and dispersal of Australian rodents and their helminths remains unclear. This combination of factors allowed us to investigate the likely relationships of Australian Syphacia species based on phylogenetic analysis, overlaid with the ecology and relationships of host species. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis using morphological characters of the species of Syphacia from the Australian Bioregion in order to examine the relationships between species, and to investigate how host evolution and phylogeny could inform (or be informed) by parasite phylogeny. Application of the taxon pulse theory of parasite speciation by matching host species to parasites shed some light on the timing of speciation of rodent hosts. We found that species of Syphacia had reasonably close host–parasite relationships, with additional evidence for ecological fitting or host switching occurring. Evidence provided here suggests strongly that most elements of the Stockholm Paradigm are at play in structuring the relationships we observe in this pinworm–mammal system

Syphacia (Syphacia) abertoni n. sp. (Nematoda: Oxyuridae) From Zyzomys argurus (Thomas) (Rodentia: Muridae) from Northern Australia

Volume: 130Start Page: 206End Page: 21

An annotated checklist of Acanthocephala from Australian fish

Thirty one genera, comprising 58 named species, 15 undetermined species and nine species known only as cystacanths from paratenic fish hosts were found infesting 144 marine, esturine and freshwater species of fish from Australian and Australian Antarctic waters. Host habitats are given and the distribution and records of the acanthocephalans are given. A key to these parasites at the generic level is provided

A Survey of Ectoparasite Species on Small Mammals during Autumn and Winter at Anglesea, Victoria

Volume: 125Start Page: 205End Page: 21