Class II DRB polymorphism and sequence diversity in two vesper bats in the genus Myotis.

Almost no studies have been done with respect to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) polymorphism and sequence diversity in bats, although they account for one in five living mammalian species. We analysed MHC Class II DRB polymorphism and sequence diversity in two Mexican verpertilionid bat species, the widespread continental species Myotis velifer and the narrowly distributed (and endangered) island endemic Myotis vivesi. We find extensive DRB polymorphism in the widespread M. velifer, similar to that commonly reported in other mammals. The geographically restricted M. vivesi by contrast shows only very limited polymorphism. We conclude that M. vivesi has undergone a dramatic loss of MHC polymorphism. The significance of this inference in light of other information on population structure and genetic diversity in this species is discussed.

Acarine infracommunities associated with the Mexican free-tailed bat, Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in arid regions of Mexico.

The Mexican free-tailed bat, Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana, is one of the most widely distributed bats, and its range includes the whole Mexican territory. Ectoparasites of this bat have been the subject of isolated reports, but no studies of its community ecology have been conducted. The acarine infracommunities associated with this bat were analyzed, comparing bat populations from three arid regions of Mexico: an abandoned factory in Nombre de Dios, Durango; a cave in Santiago, Nuevo León; and a church in Concepción del Oro, Zacatecas. The acarine infracommunity in Nuevo Le6n's bats exhibited the highest levels of diversity as reflected by a higher richness, a lower dominance, and a moderate and relatively homogeneous abundance in this locality in relation to the other two. This pattern is influenced by stable cave conditions relative to artificial habitats. Notwithstanding, further studies are required to determine whether or not different habitat conditions are a primary factor in the process of structuring the acari infracommunities.

A new species of the genus periglischrus (Acari: Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae) on Choeronycteris mexicana (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Central Mexico.

Periglischrus leptosternus new species was found on the bat Choeronycteris mexicana in the central part of Mexico. The female, male, and protonymph are described and illustrated.

New species of the genus Spinturnix (Acari: Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae) on Corynorhinus mexicanus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in central Mexico.

The new species Spinturnix traubi was found on the bat Corynorhinus mexicanus in Tlaxcala, Mexico. The female, male, female deutonymph, male deutonymph, and protonymph are described and illustrated.

Genus Parichoronyssus (Acari: Macronyssidae) and a description of a new species from Mexico.

The genus Parichoronyssus Radovsky (1966), is redefined, and Parichoronyssus lopezi Morales-Malacara is described as a new species from specimens collected from a bat, Dermanura azteca, taken in Tlaxcala, Mexico. A key to the 6 species of Parichoronyssus is provided.

New species of the genus Parichoronyssus (Acari: Macronyssidae) on Tonatia evotis (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in southeastern Mexico.

The new species Parichoronyssus radovskyi was found on the bat Tonatia evotis in Quintana Roo and Chiapas, México. The female, male, and protonymph are described and illustrated.

Epizoic fauna of Plecotus mexicanus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Tlaxcala, Mexico.

Four hundred nineteen arthropod ectoparasites were taken from Plecotus mexicanus (Vespertilionidae) collected in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico: the insects Trichobius corynorhini Cockerell (Diptera: Streblidae) and Myodopsylla collinsi Kohls (Siphonaptera: Ischnopsyllidae) and the mites Macronyssus longisetosus (Furman) and M. unidens Radovsky (Macronyssidae), Spinturnix sp. (Spinturnicidae), Pteracarus elegans Dusbádek & Wilson and Acanthophthirius (Myotimyobia) sp. (Myobiidae), and Whartonia glenni Brennan (Trombiculidae). P. mexicanus is reported in the state of Tlaxcala for the first time. This is the first survey of ectoparasites of this bat, and all parasite associations with P. mexicanus are new host records as well as new range records for Tlaxcala. This is the first report from Mexico; it records a major southern extension of the ranges of M. longisetosus, M. unidens, and P. elegans. The genus Acanthophthirius is also reported in Mexico for the first time.