The genus Perissopalla Brennan and White, 1960 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) in Brazil: Redescriptions, new localities, and host records with the first molecular data for the genus.

The genus Perissopalla Brennan and White (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) is currently represented by ten species with three from Brazil: Perissopalla barticonycteris Brennan, Perissopalla ipeani Brennan, and Perissopalla tanycera Brennan. In the present study, these three species are redescribed and illustrated based on the types and additional non-type specimens. New host and locality records for P. ipeani and P. tanycera are included. Additionally, a partial sequence for the 18S rRNA gene for P. ipeani was provided.

A new species of Eutrombicula Ewing, 1938 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) from the Galápagos Islands, with a checklist of Ecuadorian chiggers.

Few studies have been carried out on the Ecuadorian chigger fauna. In this study, we are describing a new species of Eutrombicula from the Galápagos Islands. Also, we provide an updated checklist of Ecuadorian and Galápagos Islands chiggers, including a new host association and locality record for Eutrombicula nerudai Stekolnikov and González-Acuña.

Bacterial pathogens' screening in Brazilian chigger mites (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae), with the first report of 'Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi'-like in avian-associated chiggers.

Chiggers are larval ectoparasites of the Trombiculidae that can transmit pathogens to their hosts. In this study, chiggers collected from birds in Brazil were morphologically identified as Blankaartia sinnamaryi, Eutrombicula batatas, Eutrombicula daemoni, Eutrombicula goeldii, Eutrombicula tinami, and Parasecia gilbertoi. For these specimens, a beginning attempt at molecular identification were also provided, as well as, were genetically screened to detect bacterial pathogens. The species B. sinnamaryi and E. tinami were positive for Rickettsia felis-like and 'Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi'-like, respectively. For the other agents (Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia spp. and Orientia tsutsugamushi), the tests were negative. This is the first report of 'Ca. R. colombianensi'-like and the second record of R. felis-like in chigger collected on birds from Brazil.

Eutrombicula cochinocaensis n. sp.: a chigger (Trombidiformes: trombiculidae) parasite of camelids (Cetartiodactyla: camelidae) in Argentina

The known chigger fauna of Argentina comprises 17 species organized in the families Trombiculidae (10) and Leeuwenhoekiidae (7). The present study describes a new species of Eutrombicula with drawings, phase contrast microscopy images, and SEM images. This chigger was collected parasitizing a vicuna in Abra Pampa City, Jujuy Province. It is the first time a chigger from Argentina has been collected from the family Camelidae.

A new species of Eutrombicula Ewing, 1938 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) from the Galápagos Islands, with a checklist of Ecuadorian chiggers

Few studies have been carried out on the Ecuadorian chigger fauna. In this study, we are describing a new species of Eutrombicula from the Galápagos Islands. Also, we provide an updated checklist of Ecuadorian and Galápagos Islands chiggers, including a new host association and locality record for Eutrombicula nerudai Stekolnikov and González-Acuña.

Charletonia rocciai treat and Flechtmann, 1979 (Trombidiformes: Erythraeidae): larval redescription and new records for Brazil

The family Erythraeidae has 60 genera worldwide, of which Charletonia Oudemans has 86 described species, only two of which are recorded in Brazil. Here, we redescribe one of these species based on the holotype, Charletonia rocciai Treat and Flechtmann, and newly collected material. The material represents new records from four different localities in São Paulo State and one in Santa Catarina State. In addition, we provide SEM images of the morphological structures to improve the diagnosis and redescription, an updated distribution map, including biological data, and new host-associations of C. rocciai with the following orders of insects, Coleoptera and Thysanoptera, and with an order of Arachnida – Araneae.

Contribution to the knowledge of Quadraseta pazca (Brennan and Jones, 1964) (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae), including new host-association and locality records

The Neotropical genus Quadraseta Brennan has 15 valid species associated with small mammals and birds. Quadraseta pazca (Brennan and Jones, 1964) is the type species chosen by Brennan (1970) to describe the genus Quadraseta. This species was originally described parasitizing murids in Argentina and later recorded parasitizing cricetids in two different Brazilian states, Minas Gerais and São Paulo. In this study, we provide a redescription of Q. pazca based on the type series. The following characters separate this species from the others within the genus: palptibia lateral setae branched; adoral setae branched; one pair of clavate trichobothria (si); leg I genu with three solenidia (σ); and the base of microseta (ε) of leg I tarsus is proximal to the base of solenidion (ω). In addition, we also provide new locality and host-association records for this species in Brazil.

A new genus for Euschoengastia chisosensis Wrenn, Baccus, and Loomis, 1976 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae)

The trombiculid genus Euschoengastia Ewing, 1938 is currently comprised of species from all biotic regions giving the genus a worldwide distribution. In North America, there are 60 described species. One species, Euschoengastia chisosensis Wrenn, Baccus, and Loomis, was collected parasitizing cricetid rodents in Texas, USA. In the present study, a new genus is proposed for this species, Jumanoacarus Bassini-Silva, Jacinavicius, and Welbourn.

Synonymy of Quadraseta brennani Goff & Whitaker, 1984 with Quadraseta antillarum (Brennan, 1967) (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae)

Chiggers are ectoparasites of vertebrates and can cause trombiculiasis or transmit pathogens to their hosts. In the Neotropical region, the genus Quadraseta Brennan includes 16 valid species. Quadraseta antillarum (Brennan) and Quadraseta brennani (Goff & Whitaker), are morphologically identical and we propose the synonymy of Q. brennani with Q. antillarum, based on examination of both type series. The little big-eared bat, Micronycteris megalotis Gray from Venezuela is recorded as a new host.

Description of Goffacarus n. gen., to Reallocate the Species Euschoengastia latchmani Brennan and Yunker and Euschoengastia obscura Wrenn and Loomis (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae).

PURPOSE: Euschoengastia Ewing is a chigger genus in need of revision as it historically has combined species solely on the presence of expanded prodorsal trichobothria. The objective of the present study is to describe a new genus to reallocate two North American Euschoengastia species, to start an organization into this genus. METHODS: In this study, we provide drawings, measurements and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss for the two redescribed species. RESULTS: After examining the types of the species Euschoengastia latchmani Brennan and Yunker and Euschoengastia obscura Wrenn and Loomis, we realized that it was necessary to create the new genus to relocate these two species, mainly based on the following characters: (1) the number of prongs on the odontus; and (2) ornamentation of the prodorsal sclerite. CONCLUSION: Goffacarus latchmani n. comb. and Goffacarus obscura n. comb. are redescribed here and to reallocate these two species the genus, Goffacarus n. gen. is proposed.

First record of Blankaartia sinnamaryi (Floch & Fauran, 1956) (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) parasitizing the striped owl in Northeastern Brazil.

The chigger species Blankaartia sinnamaryi (Floch & Fauran) has been collected mainly from birds with a few records from reptiles and mammals. In Brazil, this species has been found on birds in the Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states. Here, we report the first record of B. sinnamaryi parasitizing the striped owl, Pseudoscops clamator (Vieillot), in the Paraíba state, Brazil (northeastern region).

Contribution to the Taxonomy and Host-Relations of the Genus Serratacarus (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae).

The genus SerratacarusGoff and Whitaker 1984, currently includes only two species, Serratacarus dietzi Goff and Whitaker, 1994 and Serratacarus lasiurus Goff and Whitaker, 1994, which were recorded on cricetid rodents from natural reserve areas of Brazil. Here, we provide a review of the morphological characters for both species and synonymize of the species Trombewingia brasiliensisGoff and Gettinger, 1991 with S. lasiurus. Additionally, we provide new locality records for both species and the first record for S. dietzi on southeastern four-eyed opossum, Philander frenatus Olfers, 1818 (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae).

Two New Species of Chiggers (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) From Brazil.

Chigger mites are parasites of terrestrial vertebrates, including humans. Here, we describe two new species belonging to the American genera Colicus Brennan and Parasecia Loomis. Both species were described on the base of museum specimens originated from Minas Gerais State, Brazil, Colicus barrosbattestiae n. sp. parasitizing the rodent, Oligoryzomys fornesi and Parasecia jacinaviciusi n. sp. parasitizing the marsupial, Monodelphis domestica.

A New Species of Elianella Vercammen-Grandjean (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) from the Insular Equatorial Guinea with a Key to the Species into this Genus.

PURPOSE: The African continent has 452 chiggers (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) in 61 genera. One of these, Elianella Vercammen-Grandjean, 1956, has only two species known for Africa. The objective of the present study is to describe a new species for Equatorial Guinea, with the aim of increasing knowledge so scarce for Africa. METHODS: In this study, we provide drawings, measurements and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss for the new species described below. Also, this type of the new species is deposited in the USNM. RESULTS: We describe a new species of Elianella collected parasitizing the Bioko Forest Shrew, Sylvisorex isabellae Heim de Balsac (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae) from the insular Equatorial Guinea. Also, we are providing a key for the three species of Elianella. CONCLUSION: Finally, we are contributing to the knowledge of African species, due the fact this new species is the first chigger recorded to the Equatorial Guinea, on the west coast of Central Africa.

A New Genus and Species of Chiggers (Trombidiformes: Leeuwenhoekiidae) From Peru.

South American chiggers have historically been poorly studied, and this has continued into present times. Of the 33 genera in the family Leeuwenhoekiidae Womersley, only Odontacarus Ewing and Sasacarus Brennan & Jones have been reported in Peru. Here, we describe a new genus, Peruacarus n. gen., and a new species, Peruacarus anthurium n. sp., parasitizing Koford's grass mouse, Akodon kofordi Myers & Patton, in Peru.

A New Genus of Chiggers (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) from Bats in Jamaica.

BACKGROUND: The Caribbean country Jamaica has only seven reported chigger species. Of these, one was recorded from bats. METHODS: For the specimens examined in this study were provided drawings, measurements, and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss. This material is deposited in the Smithsonian National Chigger Collection. RESULTS: In the present study, we describe a new genus and species parasitizing the Antillean ghost-faced bat in Jamaica. This new genus can be separated from all other genera of this family for the following combination of features: (1) palptarsus with four branched and three nude setae; (2) 3-pronged odontus; (3) femur I divided into basifemur and telofemur; and (4) 3 σ on genu I. CONCLUSION: The description of this new genus contributes to the increase in the knowledge of chiggers that parasites bats in Jamaica. Also, this is only the second record of a chigger parasitizing this host in this country.

Redescription of Brennanacarus annereauxi (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) With New Records for Uruguay.

Brennanacarus annereauxi (Brennan and Yunker, 1969) was described from Venezuela parasitizing the greater spear-nosed bat. The monotypic genus Brennanacarus Goff, Yunker and Wheeler, 1987 is a replacement name for Nasicola Brennan and Yunker, 1969, which was preoccupied by Nasicola Yamaguti, 1968. Here, we redescribe the genus Brennanacarus and the type species B. annereauxi. Also, this is the first record of this species, as well as the second record of any chigger, for Uruguay.

A Revision of Parasecia (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) With a Description of a New Species, a New Genus and a Key to Species.

Chiggers of the genus Parasecia Loomis parasitize birds, mammals, and reptiles in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. In the present review, we examined 18 species previously included in the genus, 15 of them being retained in the genus Parasecia, one genus is created, Nahuacarus bulbocalcarn. gen. (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae), and new combinations are proposed for two species: Lorillatum lasiurusn. comb. and Lorillatum orphanan. comb. (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae). In addition, Parasecia kansasensis (Loomis) (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) is synonymized with Parasecia gurneyi (Ewing) (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae), Parasecia gilbetoin. sp. (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) is described and new locality and host records are added for Parasecia chara (Wharton), Parasecia longicalcar (Brennan and Jones), Parasecia manueli (Brennan and Jones), and Parasecia thalurania (Brennan) (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae).

Complete type catalog of Trombiculidae sensu lato (Acari: Trombidiformes) of the U.S. National Entomology Collection, Smithsonian Institution

Mites in the family Trombiculidae sensu lato are parasites of terrestrial vertebrates, even humans, in their larval stage. There are more than 3,700 species of chiggers, and about one-third of these species are represented by type specimens in the Smithsonian Institution’s United States National Museum Entomology Collection. Here we provide a catalog of all primary and secondary type specimens of chiggers (holotype, paratype, syntype, lectotype, and paralectotype) housed in the collection. Listed herein are 1,026 type specimens with 645 representing holotypes, 782 paratypes, 69 syntypes, 19 lectotypes, and 16 paralectotypes of larvae, deutonymphs, and adult chiggers.

New species records of Quadraseta Brennan, 1970 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) in South America

The genus Quadraseta Brennan, 1970 (Trombiculidae) is distributed in South American, with a few records from Central America. The larvae (chiggers) are primarily mammal parasites, with one species from birds. Examination of unidentified material at US National Insect and Mite Collection revealed five species to this genus: Q. brasiliensis Goff & Gettinger, 1989, Q. falconensis Goff & Brennan, 1977, Q. flochi (Brennan & Jones, 1960), Q. mackenziei (Yunker & Brennan 1964), and Q. mirandae Goff & Brennan, 1977. This study resulted in new South American localities and host records for these species.