Description of Blankaartia shatrovi n. sp. (Acari: Trombiculidae) From Brazil

The chigger mite genus Blankaartia includes 28 known species, of which 10 are distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. These species preferentially parasitize birds, but occasionally they can also be found on rodents, bats, and reptiles, showing low host selectivity. In the present study, we report the presence of this genus in Brazil for the first time, including the first report of Blankaartia sinnamaryi (Floch and Fauran) and the description of a new species of Blankaartia collected from birds (Order Passeriformes).

Source: Journal of Medical Entomology - January 11, 2017 Category: Biology Authors: Bassini-Silva, R., Jacinavicius, F. C., Mendoza-Roldan, J. A., Daemon, E., Barros-Battesti, D. M. Tags: Morphology, Systematics, Evolution Source Type: research