A New Species of Demodex (Acariformes: Prostigmata) Observed in the Mouflon, Ovis aries musimon (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) with Data on the Parasitism and Occurrence of Other Ectoparasites

Abstract

A greater understanding of mite biodiversity and ecology can explain their preference for microhabitats within host bodies, i.e., as ecto-, meso-, and endoparasites. Similarly, learning about the patterns formed by mite communities in wild animals can shed light on the mechanisms of parasitosis development in their domesticated counterparts. Hence, the present study examined the acarofauna of the mouflon, introduced to Poland in the early 20th century from a region of endemic occurrence. Forty-one individuals were examined for the presence of ectoparasites between 2010 and 2013; later, skin fragments were analysed for the presence of skin mites. A new species of Demodecidae, Demodex musimonis sp. nov., was discovered in the skin of the pasterns of 14.6% mouflons, as well as the ectoparasitic tick Ixodes ricinus (prevalence 29.3%) and ungulate-typical fly Lipoptena cervi (34.1%). However, no mites typical for ovine Ovis (Psorergatidae, Psoroptidae) were noted, nor any colonisation of microhabitats by species from local ungulates, resulting from the loss of original parasites during the introduction. A comparison of the acarofauna of the mouflon and domestic sheep Ovis aries aries suggests that a mite community with a complex structure and the co-occurrence of different families may be formed. However, it is not known whether the acarofauna of domestic sheep is derived from wild ancestors or the process of domestication. Even so, the peculiar Demodecidae must have been part of the natural parasitofauna of wild sheep, of which only D. musimonis sp. nov. has been recognised so far.

The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Behaviour of Mites

“…In this Special Issue, the coevolutionary associations between mites and their hosts are explored through several studies [1][2][3][4][5], providing insights into the host-parasite relationship, phylogeny, and host specificity of mites. For instance, the discovery of a new scale-mite species from Robert's Tree Iguana [1] not only enriches the taxonomic diversity of mites but also provides novel insights into the phylogenetic relationships within the Pterygosomatidae family.…”

“…Similarly, the discovery of Tinamiphilopsis temmincki on the Tataupa Tinamou [2] contributes to the understanding of syringophilid mites' evolutionary history and host-parasite dynamics, challenging assumptions about host specificity and evolutionary pathways. Research on Demodex in the mouflon [3] expands our comprehension of host-parasite relationships by shedding light on the evolutionary history and ecological interactions of these skin mites in wild populations. Lastly, the description of three new feather mite species from Brazilian parrots [4] and the study on parasitic mites of African barbets [5] reveal the specificity of mite-host relationships and contribute to the broader understanding of coevolutionary dynamics between mites and birds, highlighting the role of ecological and evolutionary processes in shaping host-parasite interactions.…”