Phylogenetic relationships in rhinonyssid mites (Acari: Rhinonyssidae) based on ribosomal DNA sequences: insights for the discrimination of closely related species

Abstract

The complete internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 5.8S rDNA and ITS2 region of the ribosomal DNA from 11 species of rhinonyssid mites ( Tinaminyssus columbae, T. minisetosum, T. sartbaevi, T. bubulci, T. melloi, T. streptopelioides, Sternostoma fulicae, S. boydi, S. strandtmanni, S. turdi, Rhinonyssus tringae) were sequenced to assess the utility of this genomic region in resolving taxonomic questions in this group and to estimate phylogenetic relationships between species. Two different geographic locations of T. melloi and T. streptopelioides were analyzed to detect intraspecies variation. Our study shows that ribosomal sequences can help to discriminate between T. melloi and T. sartbaevi, which are morphologically very close and difficult to separate by classic methods. The resulting phylogenetic tree shows some differences from the current taxonomy of the family Rhinonyssidae. This study appeals for the revision of the taxonomic status of S. boydi and closely related species which parasitize aquatic birds and suggests the synonymy of S. boydi and S. strandtmanni, despite the different hosts of the two mites.

Cospeciation between the nasal mite Ptilonyssus sairae (Acari: Rhinonyssidae) and its bird hosts

“…In this review, cospeciation found between Apodidae and their parasite genus Dennyus, as well as between Columbiformes and their parasite genus Columbicola, was further substantiated using ecological data and cophylogenetic comparison of lice and hosts. For example, ecological factors examined in governing dispersal capability of Columbicola (feather lice) that parasitize pigeons and doves include: dispersal on detached feathers, shared dust baths, shared nest holes, and 16S rRNA gene (de Rojas et al 2001(de Rojas et al , 2002Ubeda et al 2003). As an example, de Rojas et al (2002) used the ITS region which showed levels of variation at 1-8% divergence among morphologically different species in the genus Sternostoma, and 13-44% divergence was found among different morphological species in the genus Tinaminyssus.…”

“…For example, ecological factors examined in governing dispersal capability of Columbicola (feather lice) that parasitize pigeons and doves include: dispersal on detached feathers, shared dust baths, shared nest holes, and 16S rRNA gene (de Rojas et al 2001(de Rojas et al , 2002Ubeda et al 2003). As an example, de Rojas et al (2002) used the ITS region which showed levels of variation at 1-8% divergence among morphologically different species in the genus Sternostoma, and 13-44% divergence was found among different morphological species in the genus Tinaminyssus. A number of studies have shown ITS to be useful for genetically differentiating between closely related mite taxa, given that the ITS region evolves rapidly and allows for between-species variation (Navajas 1998;Essig et al 1999;Navajas et al 1999;Ramey et al 2000;Yli-Mattila et al 2000;de Rojas et al 2002;Dabert M. et al 2005).…”

“…As an example, de Rojas et al (2002) used the ITS region which showed levels of variation at 1-8% divergence among morphologically different species in the genus Sternostoma, and 13-44% divergence was found among different morphological species in the genus Tinaminyssus. A number of studies have shown ITS to be useful for genetically differentiating between closely related mite taxa, given that the ITS region evolves rapidly and allows for between-species variation (Navajas 1998;Essig et al 1999;Navajas et al 1999;Ramey et al 2000;Yli-Mattila et al 2000;de Rojas et al 2002;Dabert M. et al 2005). Navajas and Fenton (2000) and Cruickshank (2002) provide a thorough discussion of the utility of the different genes employed in mite phylogenetic studies.…”

One new species of the genus Sternostoma (Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae) from Cuculus canorus (Cuculiformes: Cuculidae) from Leningrad Province, Russia

“…Rhinonyssids are obligate haematophagous endoparasites of non-ratite birds; they reside primarily in the nasal turbinates, a scroll of blood-rich epithelial tissue, and occasionally in the trachea, lungs and body cavity of their hosts (Bell, 1996;Krantz, 1978;Porter and Strandtmann, 1952). Typically, these mites are not considered to cause significant pathology to their hosts; however, their feeding may cause trauma to the nasal tissues, and they may serve as reservoirs or vectors of disease-causing infectious agents (De-Rojas et al, 2002;Dimov, 2012a). The level of host specifi city is variable across rhinonyssid genera, in that some genera are restricted to one host family, while others occur on hosts from several avian orders (Butenko, 1984;Fain, 1994;Pence, 1975).…”

Analysis of the first and second internal transcribed spacer sequences of the ribosomal DNA in Biomphalaria tenagophila complex (Mollusca: Planorbidae)

“…The spacer regions, ITS1 and ITS2, of the rDNA gene are routinely used for studies on phylogenetic reconstruction, genetic variability and divergence of closely related species for a wide range of organisms (Subbotin et al 2001, Weekers et al 2001, Chilton et al 2001, De Rojas et al 2002, including molluscs and particularly within those groups with controversial taxonomy (Stothard et al 1996, Remigio & Blair 1997, Bargues et al 2001.…”