Diversity and distribution of ectoparasite taxa associated with Micaelamys namaquensis (Rodentia: Muridae), an opportunistic commensal rodent species in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa boasts a rich diversity of small mammals of which several are commensal and harbour parasites of zoonotic importance. However, limited information is available on the parasite diversity and distribution associated with rodents in South Africa. This is particularly relevant for Micaelamys namaquensis (Namaqua rock mouse), a regionally widespread and locally abundant species that is often commensal. To address the paucity of data, the aims of the study were to record the ectoparasite diversity associated with M. namaquensis and develop distribution maps of lice and mites associated with M. namaquensis and other rodents in South Africa. Micaelamys namaquensis individuals (n = 216) were obtained from 12 localities representing multiple biomes during 2017–2018. A total of 5591 ectoparasites representing 5 taxonomic groups – fleas, lice, mesostigmatid mites, chiggers and ticks was recorded. These consisted of at least 57 taxa of which ticks were the most speciose (20 taxa). Novel contributions include new host and locality data for several ectoparasite taxa and undescribed chigger species. Known vector species were recorded which included fleas (Ctenocephalides felis, Dinopsyllus ellobius and Xenopsylla brasiliensis) and ticks (Haemaphysalis elliptica, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Rhipicephalus simus). Locality records indicate within-taxon geographic differences between the 2 louse species and the 2 most abundant mite species. It is clear that M. namaquensis hosts a rich diversity of ectoparasite taxa and, as such, is an important rodent species to monitor in habitats where it occurs in close proximity to humans and domestic animals.

Ectoparasites associated with the Bushveld gerbil (Gerbilliscus leucogaster) and the role of the host and habitat in shaping ectoparasite diversity and infestations

“…The chigger, S. lumsdeni , is known from the Savanna biome where it was recorded on tree squirrels ( Paraxerus cepapi ) (Zumpt, 1961 ; Skinner and Chimimba, 2005 ; Stekolnikov, 2018 ) and the pouched mouse (Matthee et al ., 2020 ). Gahrliepia nana is known to parasitize the common mole rat ( Cryptomys hottentotus ), the lesser leaf-nose bat ( Hipposideros caffer ) and the Namaqua rock mouse in the Grassland biome in the central-eastern and eastern region of South Africa (Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal) (Zumpt, 1961 ; Stekolnikov, 2018 ; Matthee et al ., 2020 ; Stevens et al ., 2022 ). Schoutedenichia morosi was previously recorded on the Cape gerbil ( Gerbilliscus afra ) and vlei rat ( Otomys irroratus ) in the south-eastern Grassland biome of Lesotho (Zumpt, 1961 ; Stekolnikov, 2018 ).…”

“…( 2020 ) but it was also reported on the Namaqua rock mouse in the Savanna biome by Stevens et al . ( 2022 ). The remaining chigger species, A. ueckermanni , S. horaki and T. walkerae , were recently described as new (Stekolnikov and Matthee, 2019 ).…”

“…Additionally, Goff ( 1979 ) noted that 96% of Guntheria omega were associated with the ear fringe of rodents in Papua New Guinea. In South Africa, this parasitope was previously recorded for chiggers on the Namaqua rock mouse in the Savanna (Fagir et al ., 2014 ; Stevens et al ., 2022 ) and the Grassland biome (Stevens et al ., 2022 ). Here, we found that the tail base was another preferred parasitope.…”

“…Microtrombicula mastomyia is known from Central and West Africa where it has a broad host range. Its presence in South Africa was marked as a new country locality by Matthee et al (2020) but it was also reported on the Namaqua rock mouse in the Savanna biome by Stevens et al (2022). The remaining chigger species, A. ueckermanni, S. horaki and T. walkerae, were recently described as new (Stekolnikov and Matthee, 2019).…”

“…These studies highlighted the potentially large ectoparasite diversity in locally abundant and regionally widespread species such as the four-striped mouse ( Rhabdomys pumilio ) (Matthee et al ., 2007 , 2010 ; Matthee and Krasnov, 2009 ), Namaqua rock mouse ( Micaelamys namaquensis ) (Fagir et al ., 2014 ) and mole rats (Viljoen et al ., 2011 ; Fagir et al ., 2021 ) that readily adapt to agricultural habitats. In addition, the occurrence of undescribed ectoparasite species and new parasite-host and parasite-locality records in these studies suggested that the ectoparasite diversity in South African rodents is currently underestimated (Matthee et al ., 2007 ; Matthee and Ueckermann, 2008 , 2009 ; Fagir et al ., 2014 ; Stevens et al ., 2022 ). Moreover, ecological studies on factors that influence ectoparasite infestations and their species composition are sparse.…”