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

ABSTRACT

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.