Amblyomma nodosum (Neumann, 1899): observations on life cycle under laboratory conditions.

The natural hosts of Amblyomma nodosum in the immature stages are a variety of birds and the anteater in the adult stage. However, so far no data have been published about this tick's life cycle. To fill this gap, a record was made of its development under laboratory conditions. All the procedures were controlled in a BOD chamber set at 27±1 °C and 80±10% relative humidity and scotophase. The parasitic stages were raised on rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus Linnaeus, 1758), from which more than 50% of larvae and nymphs were recovered, although only a small portion performed ecdysis. The adults did not fixed on the rabbits, which suggests that the experimental conditions were unsuitable for the requirements of this species. The data obtained here indicate that A. nodosum is highly dependent on its host and environment whereas under laboratory conditions and host chosen for the study was not obtained satisfactory results and new studies with different hosts and new environmental conditions should be elaborated.

Amblyomma nodosum (Neumann, 1899): observations on life cycle under laboratory conditions / Amblyomma nodosum (Neumann, 1899): observações sobre o ciclo biológico em condições de laboratório

The natural hosts of Amblyomma nodosum in the immature stages are a variety of birds and the anteater in the adult stage. However, so far no data have been published about this ticks life cycle. To fill this gap, a record was made of its development under laboratory conditions. All the procedures were controlled in a BOD chamber set at 27±1 °C and 80±10% relative humidity and scotophase. The parasitic stages were raised on rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus Linnaeus, 1758), from which more than 50% of larvae and nymphs were recovered, although only a small portion performed ecdysis. The adults did not fixed on the rabbits, which suggests that the experimental conditions were unsuitable for the requirements of this species. The data obtained here indicate that A. nodosum is highly dependent on its host and environment whereas under laboratory conditions and host chosen for the study was not obtained satisfactory results and new studies with different hosts and new environmental conditions should be elaborated.

Os hospedeiros naturais deAmblyomma nodosum, nos estágios imaturos, são uma variedade de pássaros e, na fase adulta, são os tamanduás. No entanto, até agora não há dados publicados sobre o ciclo de vida desse carrapato. Para preencher essa lacuna, um registro foi realizado sobre o desenvolvimento em condições de laboratório. Todos os procedimentos foram controlados em câmaras tipo BOD a 27±1 °C e 80±10% de umidade relativa e escotofase. As fases parasitárias foram desenvolvidas em coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculusLinnaeus, 1758), a partir dos quais mais de 50% das larvas e ninfas foram recuperados, embora apenas uma pequena porção tenha realizado ecdise. Os adultos não se fixaram nos coelhos, o que sugere que as condições experimentais eram inadequadas para os requisitos dessa espécie. Os dados obtidos indicam queA. nodosumé altamente dependente de seu hospedeiro e ambiente, enquanto em condições de laboratório e pela escolha do hospedeiro para o estudo não foram obtidos resultados satisfatórios, e novos estudos com diferentes hospedeiros e novas condições ambientais devem ser elaborados.

Amblyomma auricularium (Acari: Ixodidae): underwater survival of the non-parasitic phase of feeding females.

To determine the effects of immersion in water on the biological parameters of engorged females of the tick species Amblyomma auricularium, 60 females were distributed in six groups, each comprising 10 individuals. The control group - G1 (not immersed) was fixed dorsally in a Petri dish and incubated at 27 ± 1°C and 80% RH. The other groups were subjected to immersion periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, and the sixth group to continuous immersion. After the immersion period, the females were placed in Petri dishes to begin laying. Eggs were collected every 72 hours and kept in biological chambers. All the groups showed significant differences (p <0.05) during the pre-oviposition period. The laying period and the average weight of overall posture did not change. The egg incubation period also did not differ significantly, but the hatching rate in the group immersed for 96h showed a significant difference. Thus, immersion for up to 96 hours does not impair the survival of A. auricularium females, although it may delay egg laying and reduce the number of offspring.

Amblyomma auricularium (Acari: Ixodidae): underwater survival of the non-parasitic phase of feeding females / Amblyomma auricularium (Acari: Ixodidae): sobrevivência subaquática da fase não parasitária de fêmeas alimentadas

To determine the effects of immersion in water on the biological parameters of engorged females of the tick species Amblyomma auricularium, 60 females were distributed in six groups, each comprising 10 individuals. The control group – G1 (not immersed) was fixed dorsally in a Petri dish and incubated at 27 ± 1°C and 80% RH. The other groups were subjected to immersion periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, and the sixth group to continuous immersion. After the immersion period, the females were placed in Petri dishes to begin laying. Eggs were collected every 72 hours and kept in biological chambers. All the groups showed significant differences (p <0.05) during the pre-oviposition period. The laying period and the average weight of overall posture did not change. The egg incubation period also did not differ significantly, but the hatching rate in the group immersed for 96h showed a significant difference. Thus, immersion for up to 96 hours does not impair the survival of A. auricularium females, although it may delay egg laying and reduce the number of offspring.

A fim de conhecer os efeitos da imersão em água sobre os parâmetros biológicos de fêmeas ingurgitadas de Amblyomma auricularium, 60 fêmeas foram distribuídas em seis grupos, cada um contendo 10 indivíduos. O grupo controle G1 (sem imersão) foi fixado dorsalmente numa placa de Petri e incubado a 27 ± 1°C e 80 % de HR. Os demais grupos foram submetidos a períodos de imersão de 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas e, o último grupo, em imersão continua. Após o período de imersão, as fêmeas foram colocadas em placas de Petri para iniciar a postura. Os ovos foram coletados a cada 72 horas e mantidos em câmaras biológicas. Houve diferença significativa (p <0,05) em relação ao período de pré-oviposição de todos os grupos. O período de postura e o peso médio da postura total não se alterou. O período de incubação dos ovos também não diferiram significativamente, mas houve uma diferença significativa na taxa de eclosão das larvas no grupo imerso por 96 horas. Assim, a imersão por até 96 horas não compromete a sobrevivência de fêmeas de A. auricularium, mas pode retardar a postura de ovos e reduzir o número de descendentes.

Streblidae (Diptera) on bats (Chiroptera) in an area of Atlantic Forest, state of Rio de Janeiro.

Because of the few records of Streblidae on bats, despite extensive study on these mammals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, a survey was carried out in an area of Atlantic Forest, in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, known as the Tinguá region. Thirteen species were added to the list of Streblidae in the state of Rio de Janeiro, of which two were new records for Brazil. Thirty-one species have now been reported this state.

Free-living ixodid ticks in an urban Atlantic Forest fragment, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

As a consequence of the importance of ticks in forests in protected areas, was conducted survey of species of free-living ticks in the Natural Park Municipal Curió, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Monthly samples were taken by dragging method, dry ice traps and visual search in two transects. Adults and nymphs of Amblyomma cajennense (n= 147), Amblyomma brasiliense (n= 4) and Amblyomma parvum (n= 1) were collected. This is the first occurrence of A. parvum in the state. No correlation was found between the abundance of stages of A. cajennense and rainfall, temperature and relative humidity. The highest abundances of adults were in the months of January and May, and nymphs in September and October. The low diversity of parasites on Curió Park can be attributed to the proximity of households with pets, which would also explain the higher abundance of A. cajennense that is commonly found in areas impacted by anthropogenic pressure.

Streblidae (Diptera) on bats (Chiroptera) in an area of Atlantic Forest, state of Rio de Janeiro / Streblidae (Diptera) em morcegos (Chiroptera) numa área de Floresta Atlântica, Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Because of the few records of Streblidae on bats, despite extensive study on these mammals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, a survey was carried out in an area of Atlantic Forest, in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, known as the Tinguá region. Thirteen species were added to the list of Streblidae in the state of Rio de Janeiro, of which two were new records for Brazil. Thirty-one species have now been reported this state.

Devido aos poucos registros de Streblidae em morcegos, apesar do amplo estudo com esses mamíferos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, foi realizado um levantamento numa área de Floresta Atlântica, no Município de Nova Iguaçu, conhecida como região do Tinguá. Foram adicionadas à lista de Streblidae do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 13 espécies, sendo dois novos registros para o Brasil, totalizando 31 espécies relatadas para o estado.

Free-living ixodid ticks in an urban Atlantic Forest fragment, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Carrapatos ixodídeos de vida livre em um fragmento urbano de Mata Atlântica, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

As a consequence of the importance of ticks in forests in protected areas, was conducted survey of species of free-living ticks in the Natural Park Municipal Curió, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Monthly samples were taken by dragging method, dry ice traps and visual search in two transects. Adults and nymphs of Amblyomma cajennense (n= 147), Amblyomma brasiliense (n= 4) and Amblyomma parvum (n= 1) were collected. This is the first occurrence of A. parvum in the state. No correlation was found between the abundance of stages of A. cajennense and rainfall, temperature and relative humidity. The highest abundances of adults were in the months of January and May, and nymphs in September and October. The low diversity of parasites on Curió Park can be attributed to the proximity of households with pets, which would also explain the higher abundance of A. cajennense that is commonly found in areas impacted by anthropogenic pressure.

Como consequência da importância dos carrapatos em áreas florestais como Unidades de Conservação, foi realizado levantamento das espécies de carrapatos de vida livre no Parque Natural Municipal Curió, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Foram realizadas coletas mensais através de arrasto, armadilhas de gelo seco e busca visual, em dois transectos. Foram coletados adultos e ninfas de Amblyomma cajennense (n= 147), Amblyomma brasiliense (n= 4) e Amblyomma parvum (n= 1). Esta é a primeira ocorrência de A. parvum no Estado. Não foi encontrada correlação entre a abundância de estágios de A. cajennense e precipitação, temperatura e umidade relativa do ar. As maiores abundâncias de adultos foram nos meses de janeiro e maio; e ninfas em setembro e outubro. A baixa diversidade de carrapatos no Curió pode ser atribuída à proximidade de residências com animais domésticos, o que também explicaria a maior abundância de A cajennense, que é comumente encontrada em áreas impactadas por pressão antrópica.

New record, host and localities of bat mite of genus Chirnyssoides (Acari, Sarcoptiformes, Sarcoptidae).

Chirnyssoides parasitizes the anterior and posterior edges of bat wing membranes. Possibly due to a lack of studies, its distribution is believed to be restricted to a few countries of Central and South America, but its actual range is probably wider. The purpose of this paper is to report the presence of Chirnyssoides amazonae on the bat Carollia perspicillata in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to present a checklist of hosts and localities for Chirnyssoides. Eleven females and 22 egg clusters of C. amazonae were collected from 11 individuals of C. perspicillata captured in Tinguá Biological Reserve using mist nets. Our search of the literature came up with 69 records of Chirnyssoides. There are reports of Chirnyssoides caparti, Chirnyssoides amazonae, Chirnyssoides brasiliensis and Chirnyssoides phyllostomus in Brazil. This paper reports the first record of Chirnyssoides amazonae in the state of Rio de Janeiro and the second in Brazil, indicating that their known distribution extends to the south. There are records of C. amazonae and C. surinamensis parasitizing C. perspicillata, but this is the first record of C. amazonae on C. perspicillata in Brazil.

New record, host and localities of bat mite of genus Chirnyssoides (Acari, Sarcoptiformes, Sarcoptidae) / Novo registro, hospedeiros e localidades do ácaro de morcego do gênero Chirnyssoides (Acari, Sarcoptiformes, Sarcoptidae)

Chirnyssoides parasitizes the anterior and posterior edges of bat wing membranes. Possibly due to a lack of studies, its distribution is believed to be restricted to a few countries of Central and South America, but its actual range is probably wider. The purpose of this paper is to report the presence of Chirnyssoides amazonae on the bat Carollia perspicillata in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to present a checklist of hosts and localities for Chirnyssoides. Eleven females and 22 egg clusters of C. amazonae were collected from 11 individuals of C. perspicillata captured in Tinguá Biological Reserve using mist nets. Our search of the literature came up with 69 records of Chirnyssoides. There are reports of Chirnyssoides caparti, Chirnyssoides amazonae, Chirnyssoides brasiliensis and Chirnyssoides phyllostomus in Brazil. This paper reports the first record of Chirnyssoides amazonae in the state of Rio de Janeiro and the second in Brazil, indicating that their known distribution extends to the south. There are records of C. amazonae and C. surinamensis parasitizing C. perspicillata, but this is the first record of C. amazonae on C. perspicillata in Brazil.

Chirnyssoides está associado às bordas anteriores e posteriores das membranas das asas de morcegos. Sua distribuição é restrita a alguns países da América Central e do Sul, principalmente devido a falta de estudos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi registrar Chirnyssoides amazonae em Carollia perspicillata no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, bem como apresentar uma lista de hospedeiros e localidades para Chirnyssoides. Onze fêmeas e 22 aglomerados de ovos de C. amazonae foram colhidos em 11 indivíduos de C. perspicillata capturados na Reserva Biológica do Tinguá, utilizando redes de neblina. Na literatura encontramos 69 registros de Chirnyssoides. Para o Brasil há relatos de Chirnyssoides caparti, Chirnyssoides amazonae, Chirnyssoides brasiliensis e Chirnyssoides phyllostomus. Este estudo relata o primeiro registro de Chirnyssoides amazonae no Rio de Janeiro e o segundo para o Brasil expandindo sua distribuição para o sul. Em C. perspicillata há registros de C. amazonae e C. surinamensis, sendo o primeiro registro de C. amazonae em C. perspicillata no Brasil.

Prognosing the sex of adults of Amblyomma auricularium through evaluating the biological parameters of engorged nymphs / Prognóstico do sexo dos adultos de Amblyomma auricularium através da avaliação de parâmetros biológicos de ninfas ingurgitadas

Maintaining tick colonies under laboratory condition, as well as carrying out experimental studies on these arthropods may be more successful with better knowledge of some basic biological parameters. In this study, we evaluated how the weight, engorgement period and premolt period of Amblyomma auricularium nymphs (N=600) correlated with the sex of the adults that subsequently emerged. The experiment was carried out in the W.O. Neitz Parasitological Research Station, Ixodology Laboratory of the Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, located in Seropédica, state of Rio de Janeiro. The average weight of the nymphs was 5.1±1.51mg among those that originated males and 8.2±2.5mg among those that originated females. The engorgement period for the nymphs that originated males was 8.3±1.5days while it was longer for the nymphs that originated females, with an average of 8.8±1.8days to complete their diet. The premolt period was shorter for nymphs that originated males (17.2±0.93days) than for nymphs that originated females (17.7±1.00days). Despite an area of overlapping between the weights of engorged nymphs that originated adult males and females, this is the most reliable parameter for predicting the sex of adults of A. auricularium.

Para melhor gerenciamento e otimização da manutenção de colônias e experimentos com carrapatos ixodídeos, realizou-se este estudo avaliando a relação do peso, período parasitário e período de pré-ecdise de ninfas de Amblyomma auricularium (N=600) com o sexo dos adultos emergidos. O trabalho foi realizado no Laboratório de Ixodologia do Departamento de Parasitologia Animal da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. O peso médio das ninfas foi de 5,1±1,51mg naquelas que originaram machos e de 8,2±2,5mg naquelas que deram origem a fêmeas. Em relação ao período de ingurgitamento, o das ninfas que originaram machos foi de 8,3±1,5dias, enquanto as ninfas que originaram fêmeas demoraram em média 8,8±1,8dias para completar sua alimentação. Já o período de pré-ecdise foi mais curto para ninfas que originaram machos, 17,2±0,93dias, em relação às ninfas que originaram fêmeas, 17,7±1,00dias. Apesar de uma área de sobreposição dos pesos de ninfas ingurgitadas que originaram adultos machos e fêmeas, esse parâmetro é o mais confiável para o prognóstico do sexo dos adultos de A. auricularium.

Ticks on birds caught on the campus of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The prevalence of parasitic infections, particularly those caused by ectoparasites, may influence the biology and ecology of wild birds. The aim of this study was to investigate occurrences and identify the species of ticks collected from wild birds caught on the campus of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. The birds were caught using mist nets between October 2009 and December 2010. In total, 223 birds were caught, represented by 53 species and 19 families in nine orders. Nineteen birds (n = 7 species) were parasitized by immature ticks (prevalence of 8.5%). Forty-four ticks were collected, of which 23 were nymphs and 21 were larvae. There were associations between parasitism by ticks and non-Passeriformes birds, and between parasitism and ground-dwelling birds, which was possibly due to the presence (or inclusion among the captured birds) of Vanellus chilensis (Charadriiformes: Charadriidae). All the nymphs collected were identified as Amblyomma cajennense. In general terms, we must emphasize that wild birds in the study area may play the role of dispersers for the immature stages of A. cajennense, albeit non-preferentially.

Ticks on birds caught on the campus of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Carrapatos em aves capturadas no campus da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The prevalence of parasitic infections, particularly those caused by ectoparasites, may influence the biology and ecology of wild birds. The aim of this study was to investigate occurrences and identify the species of ticks collected from wild birds caught on the campus of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. The birds were caught using mist nets between October 2009 and December 2010. In total, 223 birds were caught, represented by 53 species and 19 families in nine orders. Nineteen birds (n = 7 species) were parasitized by immature ticks (prevalence of 8.5%). Forty-four ticks were collected, of which 23 were nymphs and 21 were larvae. There were associations between parasitism by ticks and non-Passeriformes birds, and between parasitism and ground-dwelling birds, which was possibly due to the presence (or inclusion among the captured birds) of Vanellus chilensis (Charadriiformes: Charadriidae). All the nymphs collected were identified as Amblyomma cajennense. In general terms, we must emphasize that wild birds in the study area may play the role of dispersers for the immature stages of A. cajennense, albeit non-preferentially.

A prevalência das infecções parasitárias e em particular, aquelas causadas por ectoparasitos, pode influenciar na biologia e ecologia das aves silvestres. O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a ocorrência e identificar as espécies de carrapatos coletadas em aves silvestres capturadas no campus da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. As aves foram coletadas em rede-de-neblina durante o período de outubro de 2009 a dezembro de 2010. No total foram capturadas 223 aves representadas por 53 espécies, 19 famílias em 9 ordens. Parasitismo por formas imaturas de carrapatos, foram encontradas em 19 aves (n = 7 espécies) correspondendo a uma prevalência de 8,5%. Foram coletados 44 carrapatos onde 23 estavam em estágio de ninfa e 21 em estágio de larva. Houve associação entre o parasitismo por carrapatos e aves não Passeriformes e entre o parasitismo e aves de hábitos terrestres capturadas, que se deu possivelmente pela presença (ou inclusão da captura) de Vanellus chilensis (Charadriiforme: Charadriidae). Todas as ninfas coletadas foram identificadas como Amblyomma cajennense. De modo geral, devemos ressaltar que aves silvestres da área estudada podem exercer papel de dispersoras, ainda que não preferenciais, para estágios imaturos de A. cajennense.