Jenő Kontschán

23469783900

Publications - 57

First report of Haemaphysalis bispinosa, molecular-geographic relationships of Ixodes granulatus and a new Dermacentor species from Vietnam

Thanh Thi Ha Dao Jenő Kontschán Yuanzhi Wang Gergő Keve Tamás Görföl Dat Van Nguyen Khanh Ngoc Phuong Ho Nóra Takács Sándor Hornok Róbert Farkas

Publication Name: Parasites and Vectors

Publication Date: 2025-12-01

Volume: 18

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Background: Vietnam and its region are regarded as an ixodid tick biodiversity hotspot for at least two genera: Haemaphysalis and Dermacentor. To contribute to our knowledge on the tick fauna of this country, ticks from these two genera as well as an Ixodes species were analyzed morphologically and their molecular-phylogenetic relationships were examined in taxonomic and geographical contexts. Methods: For this study, seven Haemaphysalis sp. ticks were removed from dogs and collected from the vegetation. These showed morphological differences from congeneric species known to occur in Vietnam. In addition, three Ixodes sp. ticks were collected from pygmy slow lorises (Xanthonycticebus pygmaeus), and a Dermacentor female had been previously collected from the vegetation. After DNA extraction, these were molecularly or phylogenetically analyzed based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and 16S rRNA genes. Results: The three species were morphologically identified as (i) Ixodes granulatus, which had nearly or exactly 100% sequence identities to conspecific ticks reported from large (approximately 2000 km) geographical distances but was more different (having lower, only 94.2% cox1 and 96.7% 16S rRNA sequence identity) from samples collected within 1000 km of Vietnam in Southern China and Malaysia, respectively; (ii) Haemaphysalis bispinosa, which showed 100% sequence identity to samples reported within both narrow and broad geographical ranges; and (iii) a new species, Dermacentor pseudotamokensis Hornok sp. nov., described here morphologically and shown to be phylogenetically a sister species to Dermacentor tamokensis. Conclusions: Haemaphysalis bispinosa shows genetic homogeneity in the whole of South and Southeast Asia, probably owing to its frequent association with domestic ruminants and dogs (i.e. frequently transported hosts). However, I. granulatus, the Asian rodent tick, has a mixed geographical pattern of haplotypes, probably because it may associate with either synanthropic or wild-living rodents as primary hosts. This tick species is recorded here, for the first time to our knowledge, as parasitizing lorises in Vietnam and its region. Based on phylogenetic analyses, D. pseudotamokensis Hornok sp. nov., recognized and described here for the first time, was almost certainly misidentified previously as Dermacentor steini, drawing attention to the need to barcode all Dermacentor spp. in Southern Asia.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06641-7

Contribution to knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Achipterina (Acari, Oribatida, Ceratokalummidae)

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán V. M. Salavatulin Vladimir A. Khaustov

Publication Name: International Journal of Acarology

Publication Date: 2025-05-19

Volume: 51

Issue: 4

Page Range: 251-257

Description:

Achipterina (Oribatida, Ceratokalummidae) currently comprises four species, collectively distributed in the tropical and subtropical areas. We describe a new species—A. mangrovicasp. nov.—based on adults collected from litter of a mangrove forest in the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, southern Vietnam. It is the first representative of the family discovered in the Vietnamese fauna. The new species is characterized in having a bidentate rostrum, setiform rostral and lamellar setae, long inner tooth of lamellar cusp, unilaterally fusiform bothridial seta, long interlamellar seta, dentate anterior part of pteromorph, oval and oblique notogastral porose area Aa. The morphology of the gnathosoma, ovipositor, and legs are presented for the first time for Achipterina. An identification key and summary of distribution and habitats of the known species of Achipterina are provided. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:906EA4DE-A0A3-475C-B273-F8327F44832F.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1080/01647954.2025.2488432

Morphological and Molecular Identification of Oryctes (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Collected from Date Palm Plantations in Algeria

Jenő Kontschán Habib Bouazzi Kamel Guimeur Belkacem Boumaraf Sana Rais Inesse Saadi

Publication Name: Journal of Entomological Science

Publication Date: 2025-03-14

Volume: 60

Issue: 2

Page Range: 236-243

Description:

Light traps operated from May 2022 to August 2023 collected Oryctes beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) plantations in El Oued, Algeria. Morphological examination of 105 adult Oryctes specimens collected from the plantations revealed them to be Oryctes agamemnon arabicus (Fairmaire). Molecular identification, using the cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) marker, confirmed those identifications. Notably, MASH analysis revealed differing degrees of genetic similarity, suggesting nuanced genetic diversity within the population. Utilizing Kraken2 software and the COI database from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, we also determined a high classification rate of approximately 99% of reads for all samples, reinforcing the identity of the specimens as O. agamemnon. These results help advance taxonomic knowledge of the insect fauna of the region as well as supporting environmental conservation initiatives.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.18474/JES24-11

Contribution to the taxonomy of the Rotundabaloghia (Circobaloghia) mites (Acari: Uropodina: Rotundabaloghiidae)

Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Acta Phytopathologica Et Entomologica Hungarica

Publication Date: 2025-01-21

Volume: 59

Issue: 2

Page Range: 176-186

Description:

Four new Rotundabaloghia (Circobaloghia) species are described from South America and South-East Asia based on the collection of the Natural History Museum, London, UK. Rotundabaloghia (Circobaloghia) salebrosa sp. nov. was collected in Malaysia, Rotundabaloghia (Circobaloghia) bakerae sp. nov. was found in Sarawak (Malaysia), Rotundabaloghia (Circobaloghia) microseta sp. nov. is described from Guyana and Rotundabaloghia (Circobaloghia) peritremata sp. nov. was reported from Borneo (Indonesia).

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/038.2024.00228

A new remarkable representative of Uropodina mites from Seychelles (Acari, Mesostigmata, Trematuridae)

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Zookeys

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 1229

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 289-296

Description:

A new genus, Trematirunella gen. nov. (Mesostigmata: Uropodina: Trematuridae), with Trematirunella seychellia sp. nov. as its type species, is described, based on a female, males, and deutonymphs collected in soil samples from the Seychelle Islands. The new genus belongs to the family Trematuridae based on the shape of the corniculi, gnathosomal setae, tritosternum and chelicerae. Members of the new genus bear a preanal suture on the ventral shield, two pairs or more pairs of wide, robust and sword-like setae on the caudal part of the dorsal shield, very dense setation on the caudal area of the marginal shield and an incision on the anterior part of the dorsal shield. These characters are missing in the other genera of Trematuridae. Two previously described species (Trichouropoda lagunae Hirmatsu & Hirschmann, 1988 and Trichouropoda palawanensis Hirschmann & Hirmatsu, 1990) from the Philippines are transferred to the new genus, as Trematirunella lagunae (Hirmatsu & Hirschmann, 1988), comb. nov. and Trematirunella palawanensis (Hirschmann & Hirmatsu, 1990), comb. nov. The new species differs from its congeners in the sculptural pattern of the female genital shield and in the shape of the robust and sword-like setae on the caudal area of the dorsal shield.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1229.142822

Origmatrachys tchecpoensis sp. nov.: the second species of the genus Origmatrachys in Africa and the first representative of the family Trachyuropodidae in Togo (Acari: Uropodina)

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: International Journal of Acarology

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 51

Issue: 3

Page Range: 216-221

Description:

The herein described new species, Origmatrachys tchecpoensissp. nov. is the second representative of the genus Origmatrachys in Africa, and it is the first record of the family Trachyuropodidae in Togo. The new species differs from the already described Afrotropical Origmatrachys in the absence of a network of strongly sclerotized grooves on the dorsal and ventral shields and in the sculptural pattern of the female genital shield. A new list of the African Trachyuropodidae is also presented. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D1138A5E-2927-4DD3-890D-AD5A84495102 http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:25A8F54D-7B4E-4F2B-A2B3-FA5E92826036.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1080/01647954.2025.2479552

Description of Leonardiella seychellensis sp. nov. from Seychelles Islands (Acari: Mesostigmata: Trachyuropodidae), with notes on Uropodina mites of the islands of East Africa

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Ecologica Montenegrina

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 81

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 63-71

Description:

Leonardiella seychellensis sp. nov. is described based on three females and one male collected from Praslin in a mixed soil and decaying wood sample. The new species differs from the congeners in the shape and sculptural pattern of the female genital shield and the shape of the strongly sclerotized grooves on the dorsal shield. The species presented from East African islands (Mauritius, Reunion, Comoros, and Madagascar) are also listed and discussed.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.81.8

Contribution to the taxonomy of the West-African Rotundabaloghiidae (Acari: Uropodina)

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Acarologia

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 65

Issue: 2

Page Range: 306-312

Description:

The second representative of the family Rotundabaloghiidae (Rotundabaloghia (Cir-cobaloghia) togoensis n. sp.) of Togo is discovered and described. It differs from the congeners based on the pilose v6, v7 and v8 setae, the apically peaked female genital shield, oval pits on dorsal and ventral idiosoma and the R-shaped peritremes. The list and an identification key to the West African rotundabaloghid mites is presented.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.24349/5e51-9ewd

Taxonomic contribution to knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Rugoppia (Acari, Oribatida, Oppiidae)

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: International Journal of Acarology

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 51

Issue: 3

Page Range: 172-176

Description:

A new species of the genus Rugoppia (Oribatida, Oppiidae)–R. amharaensissp. nov.—is described, based on material collected from terrestrial moss and litter under Erica arborea L. in Central Ethiopia. Generic diagnosis is revised. An identification key, distribution, and habitats of the known representatives of Rugoppia are presented. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:44F8EEDE-379C-4513-885C-65E94603D662.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1080/01647954.2025.2470698

Xenillus meridaensis sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Liacaridae) from Venezuela, including a key to all species of the genus from the Neotropical region

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: International Journal of Acarology

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 51

Issue: 1

Page Range: 34-41

Description:

A new species of Xenillus (Oribatida, Liacaridae)–X. meridaensissp. nov.–is described, based on adults collected from sweep samples in the cloud forest in Venezuela. The new species differs from its closely related species, X. capitatus, by its far larger body size, the morphology of the cusp of the lamella, the morphology of the lamellar seta, the surface of the notogaster, and the number of genital setae. An identification key to the Neotropical Xenillus species is given.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1080/01647954.2024.2423920

New species of Peloribates (Acari, Oribatida, Haplozetidae) from Vietnam

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: International Journal of Acarology

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 51

Issue: 5

Page Range: 394-402

Description:

Two new species of the genus Peloribates (Oribatida, Haplozetidae) are described, based on adults collected from litter and wet moss near a waterfall in central Vietnam. Peloribates (Peloribates) parahungaricussp. nov. differs from the related species P. (P.) hungaricus in the body size, the body ornamentation, the morphology of the rostrum, and the location of the adanal seta ad2. Peloribates (Aokibates) konchuensissp. nov. differs from the type species P. (A.) yoshii by the length and morphology of the notogastral setae, the absence of transverse ridges in the interlamellar region, the ornamentation of the genital plate, and the number of the marginal porose areas.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1080/01647954.2025.2532506

Taxonomic contribution to knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Achipteria (Acari, Oribatida, Achipteriidae)

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: International Journal of Acarology

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 51

Issue: 2

Page Range: 81-87

Description:

The oribatid mite family Achipteriidae is recorded in the Dominican Republic for the first time. A new species of the genus Achipteria—A. (Izuachipteria) dominicanensissp. nov.—is described, based on adults collected from leaf litter in a mixed forest. The species is characterized by the morphology of the lamella (triangular distally, without strong lateral tooth), the location of the lamellar seta (on ventral side of the lamella), the length of the bothridial seta (long), the ornamentation and morphology of the pteromorph (partially striate, with lateral tooth), the number of the leg claws (one), and the absence of the notogastral saccules. The taxonomic status of the subgenera Achipteria (Cubachipteria), A. (Hokkachipteria), and A. (Izuachipteria) is discussed. An identification key, distribution, and habitat of the known representatives of Achipteria (Izuachipteria) are presented.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1080/01647954.2024.2439799

Description of morphological characteristics of arabian rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes agamemnon arabicus, of date palms in Algeria

Jenő Kontschán Rais Sana Saadi Inesse

Publication Name: Iop Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 1455

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The Arabian rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes agamemnon arabicus, has emerged as a signifiicant pest of date palms in Algeria, infilicting considerable damage on these crucial agricultural ecosystems. This study provides a thorough morphological description of Oryctes collected from date palm oases in El Oued, Algeria, during the period from 2022 to 2024. Through careful identifiication of the specimens, it was confiirmed that O. a. arabicus is the only subspecies present in the region, highlighting its specifiic ecological role. The fiindings emphasize the necessity of detailed morphological analyses for accurate species identifiication, which is crucial for effective conservation strategies. By enhancing our understanding of these beetles, this research contributes valuable insights into pest management practices that are essential for mitigating the impact of Oryctes infestations. Ultimately, the outcomes of this study advocate for targeted conservation efforts of date palm and sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring the protection of date palms and the resilience of the agricultural landscape in Algeria.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/1455/1/012004

First report of Macrocheles robustulus (Berlese, 1904) (Acari: Mesostigmata: Macrochelidae) on the pet beetle, Pachnoda marginata peregrina Kolbe (Coleoptera: Melolontidae: Cetoniinae)

Jenő Kontschán Sándor Hornok

Publication Name: Acarologia

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 65

Issue: 3

Page Range: 717-720

Description:

The first occurrence of the widely distributed predatory mite Macrocheles robustulus (Berlese, 1904) on the cetoniin beetle pet species, Pachnoda marginata peregrina Kolbe is presented. A short description and new illustration are provided with a note on macrochelid mites associated with cetoniin beetles.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.24349/e4n8-l8ik

Supplementary description of Liacarus neonominatus Subías, 2004, with remarks on the genus Liacarus (Acari, Oribatida, Liacaridae)

Andrey V. Soromotin Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán Badamdorj Bayartogtokh Nikita A. Shulaev

Publication Name: Persian Journal of Acarology

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 14

Issue: 1

Page Range: 115-127

Description:

The supplementary description of Liacarus neonominatus Subías, 2004 (Oribatida, Liacaridae) is presented, based on the material collected from soil and sand in a shrub-lichen tundra, Yamal Peninsula, Western Siberia, Russia. The main morphological traits of this species are summarized. The taxonomic status of some liacarid genera related with Liacarus is discussed, resulting in the following taxonomic proposals: Liacarus Michael, 1898 (= Dorycranosus Woolley, 1969 syn. nov., = Procorynetes Woolley, 1969 syn. nov., = Rhaphidosus Woolley, 1969 syn. nov.).

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.22073/pja.v14i1.86331

The European Badger (Meles meles) as a Host for Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Peri-Urban Environments, Hungary

Jenő Kontschán Gábor Nagy Ágnes Csivincsik Nóra Takács Sándor Hornok Sándor Szekeres

Publication Name: Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 2025

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

European badgers are opportunistic animals that could serve as important hosts in the life cycle of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) when entering peri-urban and urban environments. In this study, ticks and spleen samples were collected from badgers (Meles meles) found as roadkill between 2020 and 2021 in peri-urban habitats in Central Europe, Hungary. Altogether, 117 ticks, representing seven species (Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes kaiseri, Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes hexagonus, Haemaphysalis concinna, Alloceraea inermis and Dermacentor reticulatus) were removed from 49 badgers. Following assessment of suitability for obtaining spleen samples from the carcasses, DNA was extracted, and conventional or real-time PCRs were used to detect tick-borne pathogens in spleen samples of 38 badgers. Among protozoan parasites, two Babesia species, representing two phylogenetic groups, and Hepatozoon martis were identified. In addition, Candidatus Neoehrlichia lotoris, a novel Ehrlichia species (provisionally named as Candidatus Ehrlichia transdanubiensis), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were detected in these tissue samples. The presence of these tick-borne pathogens in peri-urban mustelids indicate that they may provide a source for the infection of ixodid ticks which can in turn transmit these pathogens to humans or pet dogs in urban habitats. Thus, badgers pose an important epidemiological risk factor at the interface of sylvatic and synanthropic environments.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1155/tbed/1587951

Notes on the chigger mites (Acari: Parasitengona: Trombiculidae) of Hungary with new records on the avian hosts of Blankaartia acuscutellaris (Walch, 1922)

Károly Erdélyi Jenő Kontschán Péter Molnár Tibor Hadarics Péter Takács Enikő Horváth József Gyurácz Sándor Hornok

Publication Name: Ecologica Montenegrina

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 84

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 103-107

Description:

No description provided

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.84.9

Subiasiana indica gen. nov., sp. nov., a new remarkable representative of Uropodina mites from India (Acari: Mesostigmata: Uropodidae)

Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Zootaxa

Publication Date: 2024-12-23

Volume: 5556

Issue: 1

Page Range: 296-302

Description:

A new genus, Subiasiana gen. nov. (Mesostigmata: Uropodina: Uropodidae), with Subiasiana indica sp. nov. as type species, is described based on one female and four males in soil samples from India. the new genus is similar to the Neotropical genus Clausiadinychus sellnick, 1930 (family clausiadinychiidae Kontschán, ermilov & Fridrich, 2023), but its gnathosomal appendages and the ventral setation are different from those of the new genus. the new genus resembles the Afrotopical genus Spinosissuropoda hirschmann, 1979, but the new genus differs from the previously described one in the shape of idiosoma, dorsal setation, and anterior gnathosoma process.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5556.1.21

Detection of tick-borne pathogens in the pangolin tick, Amblyomma javanense, from Vietnam and Laos, including a novel species of Trypanosoma

Thanh Thi Ha Dao Jenő Kontschán Anh Ngoc Truong Trieu Nam Tran Kelsey Skinner Nóra Takács Sándor Hornok Róbert Farkas

Publication Name: Acta Tropica

Publication Date: 2024-12-01

Volume: 260

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Two species of Southeast Asian pangolins (the Chinese pangolin, Manis pentadactyla and the Malayan or Sunda pangolin, Manis javanica) are critically endangered species. Therefore, knowledge on their parasitic infections is very important, especially considering ticks that can transmit which pathogens. In this study, 32 pangolin ticks (Amblyomma javanense), that were collected in Vietnam and Laos, were analyzed with molecular methods for the presence of tick-borne pathogens. Two members of the family Anaplasmataceae were shown to be present in 14 pangolin ticks, i.e., Candidatus Anaplasma pangolinii and an Ehrlichia sp. In three ticks, a single Rickettsia genotype was also detected, and in seven ticks four 18S rRNA sequence variants of a Babesia sp. Most importantly, a novel protozoan agent, tentatively called here Trypanosoma sp. “PAT14” was detected in one A. javanense nymph. These results imply the first molecular finding of any species of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Babesia in pangolin ticks from Vietnam and Laos. On the other hand, detection of a new tick-associated Trypanosoma sp. in A. javanense from Southeast Asia is not only important from a taxonomic point of view, but it is also the first finding of any trypanosomes in the genus Amblyomma in Eurasia and adds pangolins to the potential placental mammalian hosts of any trypanosomes.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107384

Molecular-phylogenetic investigation of trichomonads in dogs and cats reveals a novel Tritrichomonas species

Roland Psáder Jenő Kontschán Sándor A. Boldogh Barbara Tuska-Szalay Ádám Izsó Julia Gilbert József Fáy Nóra Takács Sándor Hornok Ágnes Sterczer

Publication Name: Parasites and Vectors

Publication Date: 2024-12-01

Volume: 17

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Background: Trichomonosis is a common infection in small animals, mostly manifesting in gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. Although oral trichomonads are also known, the species found colonizing the large intestine are more frequently detected protozoa. Methods: In the present study, four wildcats, 94 domestic cats, and 25 dogs, originating from 18 different locations in Hungary, were investigated for the presence of oral and large intestinal trichomonads based on the 18S rRNA gene and ITS2. Results: All oral swabs were negative by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). However, Tritrichomonas foetus was detected in a high proportion among tested domestic cats (13.8%) and dogs (16%), and Pentatrichomonas hominis only in two domestic cats. In addition, a novel Tritrichomonas genotype was identified in one cat, probably representing a new species that was shown to be phylogenetically most closely related to Tritrichomonas casperi described recently from mice. All positive dogs and half of the positive cats showed symptoms, and among cats, the most frequent breed was the Ragdoll. Conclusions: With molecular methods, this study evaluated the prevalence of oral and intestinal trichomonads in clinical samples of dogs and cats from Hungary, providing the first evidence of T. foetus in dogs of this region. In contrast to literature data, P. hominis was more prevalent in cats than in dogs. Finally, a hitherto unknown large intestinal Tritrichomonas species (closely related to T. casperi) was shown to be present in a cat, raising two possibilities. First, this novel genotype might have been a rodent-associated pseudoparasite in the relevant cat. Otherwise, the cat was actually infected, thus suggesting the role of a predator–prey link in the evolution of this trichomonad. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06343-0

A morpho-phylogenetic update on ixodid ticks infesting cattle and buffalos in Vietnam, with three new species to the fauna and a checklist of all species indigenous to the country

Thanh Thi Ha Dao Jenő Kontschán Gergő Keve Duan Ngoc Pham Ngoc Nhu Duong Nóra Takács Sándor Hornok Róbert Farkas

Publication Name: Parasites and Vectors

Publication Date: 2024-12-01

Volume: 17

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Background: Southeast Asia is regarded as a hotspot for the diversity of ixodid ticks. In this geographical region, Vietnam extends through both temperate and tropical climate zones and therefore has a broad range of tick habitats. However, molecular-phylogenetic studies on ixodid tick species have not been reported from this country. Methods: In this study, 1788 ixodid ticks were collected from cattle, buffalos and a dog at 10 locations in three provinces of northern Vietnam. Tick species were identified morphologically, and representative specimens were molecularly analyzed based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and 16S rRNA genes. Fifty-nine tick species that are indigenous in Vietnam were also reviewed in the context of their typical hosts in the region. Results: Most ticks removed from cattle and buffalos were identified as Rhipicephalus microplus, including all developmental stages. Larvae and nymphs were found between January and July but adults until December. Further species identified from cattle were Rhipicephalus linnaei, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Amblyomma integrum and Haemaphysalis cornigera. Interestingly, the latter three species were represented only by adults, collected in one province: Son La. The dog was infested with nymphs and adults of R. linnaei in July. Phylogenetically, R. microplus from Vietnam belonged to clade A of this species, and R. haemaphysaloides clustered separately from ticks identified under this name in China, Taiwan and Pakistan. Amblyomma integrum from Vietnam belonged to the phylogenetic group of haplotypes of an Amblyomma sp. reported from Myanmar. The separate clustering of H. cornigera from Haemaphysalis shimoga received moderate support. Conclusions: Three tick species (R. linnaei, A. integrum and H. cornigera) are reported here for the first time in Vietnam, thus increasing the number of indigenous tick species to 62. Clade A of R. microplus and at least R. linnaei from the group of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato occur in the country. There is multiple phylogenetic evidence that different species might exist among the ticks that are reported under the name R. haemaphysaloides in South and East Asia. This is the first report of A. integrum in Southeastern Asia. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06384-5

Investigations of the tick burden on passeriform, water-associated and predatory birds reveal new tick–host associations and habitat-related factors of tick infestation

Jenő Kontschán Vojtěch Brlík Boglárka Bukor Gergő Keve Andor Pitó Előd Győrig Nóra Takács Sándor Hornok

Publication Name: Parasites and Vectors

Publication Date: 2024-12-01

Volume: 17

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Background: Previous studies on the tick infestation of birds in the Carpathian Basin focused on songbirds (Passeriformes). Thus, the primary aim of the present work was to extend the scope of previous studies, i.e. to include aquatic (water-associated) bird species in a similar context, especially considering that these birds are usually long-distance migrants. Methods: Between March 2021 and August 2023, 11,919 birds representing 126 species were checked for the presence of ticks. From 352 birds belonging to 40 species, 905 ixodid ticks were collected. Tick species were identified morphologically and/or molecularly. Results: Ticks from avian hosts belonged to seven species: Ixodes ricinus (n = 448), I. frontalis (n = 31), I. festai (n = 2), I. arboricola (n = 36), I. lividus (n = 4), Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 382) and Dermacentor reticulatus (n = 2). Nymphs of I. ricinus occurred with a single activity peak around March–May, whereas its larvae typically infested birds in May, June or July. By contrast, H. concinna usually had its activity maximum during the summer (nymphs in June–July, larvae later in July–August). Interestingly, two ornithophilic species, I. frontalis and I. arboricola, were most active around winter months (between October and April). A significantly lower ratio of aquatic birds was found tick-infested than songbirds. Several new tick–host associations were revealed, including I. ricinus from Greylag Goose (Anser anser) and D. reticulatus from Great Egret (Ardea alba) and Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus). Ticks were collected for the first time in Europe from two species of predatory birds as well as from Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus). Bird species typically inhabiting reedbeds were most frequently infested with H. concinna, and most ticks localized at their throat, as opposed to forest-dwelling avian hosts, on which I. ricinus predominated and ticks were more evenly distributed. Conclusions: In the evaluated region, aquatic birds appear to be less important in tick dispersal than songbirds. However, newly revealed tick-host associations in this category attest to their hitherto neglected contribution. The results suggest that the habitat type will have significant impact not only on the species composition but also on the feeding location of ticks on birds. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06229-1

Identification crisis: a fauna-wide estimate of biodiversity expertise shows massive decline in a Central European country

Barna Páll-Gergely Jenő Kontschán Bálint Pernecker Gellért Puskás Lajos Rózsa Zoltán Soltész Éva Szita Tamás Szűts Zoltán Fehér Balázs Tóth Andrea Tőke Katalin Zsuga Vivien Zsupos Zoltán Csabai Arnold Móra Frank Thorsten Krell Levente Ábrahám Bálint Bajomi Luca Eszter Balog Pál Boda Csaba Csuzdi Sándor Hornok Adrienn Horváth Péter Kóbor Dávid Murányi Tamás Németh Zoltán Vas Sándor Koczor Péter Kovács Tibor Kovács Márk Lukátsi Gábor Majoros László Dányi

Publication Name: Biodiversity and Conservation

Publication Date: 2024-11-01

Volume: 33

Issue: 13

Page Range: 3871-3903

Description:

Expertise in biodiversity research (taxonomy, faunistics, conservation with taxonomic background) appears to decline worldwide. While the “taxonomic impediment” is discussed extensively in the literature, much fewer papers focus on the identification crisis, i.e., the decreasing number of experts who can identify species, and the decline of species-based biodiversity research. As a test case to explore the gravity of the identification crisis, we chose Hungary, a Central European country with a strong history of comprehensive taxonomic expertise and research output. We set out to answer two main questions. (1) What proportion of the Hungarian fauna could currently be identified by Hungarian experts, and what factors determine which groups are covered; and (2) what are the trends of biodiversity research in Hungary, and what are the underlying reasons for these trends? We show that Hungary lacks active biodiversity experts for almost half of the nearly 36,000 animal species recorded in the country, and more than a quarter of the fauna have only one or two active experts available. We also show that faunistic research experienced a golden era between ca. 1990 and 2010. Since then, however, there has been a strong decline, with the number of active experts and published papers decreased to a level like that of the 1970s. Multiple factors are identified causing this trend, such as increased pressure to publish in high impact journals and increasing administrative duties of professional scientists. The next generation of biodiversity experts needs to be fluent in modern techniques and publication strategies but also maintain robust morphology-based knowledge to be equipped for identification tasks of difficult taxa. Despite being disadvantaged by exclusive application of citation-based evaluation, we do need more positions and focused grants for biodiversity researchers to maintain the country’s knowledge base and to avoid being increasingly dependent on—equally declining—foreign expertise.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/s10531-024-02934-6

Catalogue of the Uropodina species (Acari: Mesostigmata) described between 1993 and 2023

Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Acta Phytopathologica Et Entomologica Hungarica

Publication Date: 2024-09-06

Volume: 59

Issue: 1

Page Range: 29-62

Description:

All described Uropodina species (351) are listed from the last 30 years with the original occurrences. On continent level, the most of the described species are from Asia (121), from Central and South America (87) and from Africa (79). On country level, the most species were described from Ecuador (21), Vietnam (21), Kenya (18), Thailand (16), Costa Rica (15), China (14), Slovakia (14), Malaysia (14), Madagascar (14), Brazil (13), Indonesia (11), India (10) and Peru (10) and nine or fewer species were described from the other countries in the last 30 years. Trichouropoda pocsi Kontschán, 2004 (Comoro Islands) is a junior homonymous name of Trichouropoda pocsi Hirschmann & Wisniewski, 1987. The new replacement name for the T. pocsi Kontschán, 2004 is Trichouropoda pocstamasi nom. nov.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/038.2024.00216

First report of the genus Bostocktrachys Hirschmann, 1979 from India (Acari, Mesostigmata, Uropodina, Trachyuropodidae) with the description of a new species and with note to the ontogeny of the genus

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Ecologica Montenegrina

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 78

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 235-242

Description:

The first representatives of the genus Bostocktrachys Hirschmann, 1979 have been discovered in India and are described here as Bostocktrachys wisniewskii sp. nov. based on females, males and nymphs. The new species differs from its congeners on the basis of the shape of grooves on the dorsal shields, dorsal and ventral setae and dorsal and ventral culptural pattern. The second deutonymph and the first protonymph of this genus are presented and discussed.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.37828/em.2024.78.22

New Sternoppia (Acari, Oribatida, Sternoppiidae) from Venezuela

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: International Journal of Acarology

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 50

Issue: 7

Page Range: 621-627

Description:

Two new species of Sternoppia (Sternoppia) (Oribatida, Sternoppiidae)—S. (S.) venezuelaensissp. nov. and S. (S.) parareticulatasp. nov.—are described, based on materials collected from leaf litter in northern Venezuela. Sternoppia (Sternoppia) venezuelaensissp. nov. differs from the closely related species, S. (S.) sphaerodendron, by the morphology of the bothridial seta head, the length of the notogastral setae h2, h3, the presence of the notogastral seta c, number of the genital setae, and the distance between epimeral setae 3a. Sternoppia (Sternoppia) parareticulatasp. nov.differs from the closely related species, S. (S.) reticulata, by the body size, the morphology of the bothridial seta head, the location of the costulae, and the presence of the notogastral seta c. A new location and habitat for S. (S.) vicina are reported.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1080/01647954.2024.2390973

Two new species of Oribatella (Acari, Oribatida, Oribatellidae) from Guatemala

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: International Journal of Acarology

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 50

Issue: 6

Page Range: 515-521

Description:

Two new species of oribatid mites of the genus Oribatella (Oribatida, Oribatellidae)—O. paradechambrierisp. nov. and O. parastrinatiisp. nov.—are described, based on adults collected from rainforest litter in Guatemala. Oribatella paradechambrierisp. nov. is similar to O. dechambrieri but differs by the smaller body size, the length of the teeth of the lamellae, the relative length of the free distal and fixed mediobasal parts of the lamella, the size of the trapezoid region in basal part of the prodorsum, and the length of the interlamellar seta. Oribatella parastrinatiisp. nov. is similar to O. strinatii but differs by the smaller body size, the morphology of the rostrum, the morphology of the tutorial cusp, the presence of large dense foveolae in the centrodorsal part of the notogaster and between the genital and anal apertures, and dense short transverse ridges on the medioposterior part of the notogaster, and the number of genital setae. Oribatella dechambrieri is the first record of the species for Guatemala. The belonging of O. paradechambrieri to the genus Fenestrobates is discussed. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5F474B0F-7E2B-42CC-9252-E5C41D17FE96.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1080/01647954.2024.2373983

Rediscovery of Livilla radiata (Foerster, 1848) after 130 years in Hungary, with notes to the Fabaceae-associated jumping plant lice in Hungary (Insecta: Psylloidea)

Jenő Kontschán Takács Attila Klaudia Kőszegi

Publication Name: Ecologica Montenegrina

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 71

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 139-143

Description:

No description provided

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.37828/em.2024.71.13

THREE NEW SPECIES OF ORIBATID MITES OF THE SUPERFAMILY ORIPODOIDEA (ACARI, ORIBATIDA) FROM VIETNAM

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán V. M. Salavatulin

Publication Name: Zoologicheskii Zhurnal

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 103

Issue: 2

Page Range: 3-13

Description:

Three new species of oribatid mites (Oribatida) of the superfamily Oripodoidea – Phauloppia differens sp. n. (Oribatulidae), Oripoda operta sp. n. (Oripodidae) and Pirnodus concavus sp. n. (Oripodidae) – are described, based on adults collected from the bark and tree branches of Dipterocarpus alatus and Haldina cordifolia in southern Vietnam.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.31857/S0044513424020011

NEW OCCURRENCES OF TWO RARE UROPODINA (ACARI: MESOSTIGMATA) SPECIES FROM IRANIAN FRUIT PLANTATIONS

Sergey G. Ermilov Hadi Ostovan Jenő Kontschán Mehdi Gheibi Shahram Hesami Somayeh Memarzadeh

Publication Name: Acarina

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 32

Issue: 2

Page Range: 175-178

Description:

Two rare Uropodina species are reported from Iran: Macrodinychus iranicus Babaeian and Khalili-Moghadam, 2021 from soil in an apricot plantation; Oplitis iranicus Kazemi and Kontschán, 2007 from soils in orange plantations.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.21684/0132-8077-2024-32-2-175-178

Notes on the genus Elegansovella Hirschmann, 1989 (Acari, Mesostigmata, Urodinychidae)

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán Stefan Friedrich

Publication Name: Zookeys

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 1205

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 39-50

Description:

The genus Elegansovella Hirschmann, 1989 (Mesostigmata: Uropodina: Urodinychidae) is resurrected for species of the Uroobovella elegans-group. This genus differs from the other taxa of Uroobovella Berlese, 1903 sensu lato based on the shape of the idiosoma and the caudal and dorsal setae. Three species from the Uroobovella elegans-group are transferred to the genus Elegansovella, as E. pectintata (Hirschmann, 1973), comb. nov., E. pectinatasimilis (Hiramatsu, 1980), comb. nov. and E. serangensis (Hiramatsu, 1980), comb. nov. The other seven species from this species group are transferred to Monstrobovella gen. nov., as M. crustosa (Vitzthum, 1926), comb. nov., M. enodis (Hiramatsu, 1985), comb. nov., M. faceta (Hiramatsu & Hirschmann, 1978), comb. nov., M. facetaoides (Hiramatsu & Hirschmann, 1978), comb. nov., M. imadatei (Hiramatsu, 1980), comb. nov., M. incerta (Hiramatsu & Hirschmann, 1978), comb. nov. and M. incertaoides (Hiramatsu & Hirschmann, 1978), comb. nov. The new genus differs from Elegansovella by the shape of the idiosoma and the shape of marginal and dorsal setae. Six Monstrobovella species occur in the Oriental Realm and only one species is known from the Neotropical region. The present paper contains the description of a second Neotropical species of Monstrobovella (M. mancocapaci sp. nov.) which was found in Peru. The new species differs from its Neotropical congener in the dorsal and marginal setation.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1205.125164

Molecular investigation of endoparasites of marine mammals (Cetacea: Mysticeti, Odontoceti) in the Western Mediterranean

Jenő Kontschán Carolina Fernández-Maldonado Gergő Keve Nicolas R. Specht Alejandra Cerezo Caro Nóra Takács Sándor Hornok

Publication Name: Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 11

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Introduction: Whales, dolphins, and porpoises are susceptible to infections by protozoan and metazoan parasites. Methods: In this study, tissue samples, as well as flatworms and roundworms, were collected from a common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), three short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), two striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), a harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), a long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas), and a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). These samples were molecularly analyzed. Results: In one D. delphis, Toxoplasma gondii was detected in multiple organs, including the cerebellum. The cysts of the tapeworms Clistobothrium delphini and Clistobothrium grimaldii were identified in G. melas. Flukes collected from D. delphis belong to Brachycladium atlanticum, while those removed from S. coeruleoalba probably represent a new species. Four species of lungworms were also identified: Halocercus delphini in S. coeruleoalba, Halocercus sp. in T. truncatus, Stenurus globicephalae in G. melas, and a potentially new Pharurus sp. in P. phocoena. Conclusion: These findings show, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time, the presence of T. gondii DNA in D. delphis. The cerebellum of the animal was Toxoplasma-infected, which might be relevant to inadvertent stranding. In this study, new genetic markers were sequenced for several helminth parasites of marine mammals, possibly including undescribed species.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1431625

First record of Ixodes (Scaphixodes) caledonicus in the Carpathian Basin and first time molecular-phylogenetic analysis of this tick species with updated host records and geographical range

Jenő Kontschán Attila D. Sándor Nóra Takács Sándor Hornok Péter L. Pap

Publication Name: Ticks and Tick Borne Diseases

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 15

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Four Ixodes species represent the subgenus Scaphixodes Schulze, 1941 in Europe, but none of them were reported to be compared in a molecular-phylogenetic context. This study compensates for this lack of data. A tick larva, morphologically identified as Ixodes (Scaphixodes) caledonicus Nuttall, 1910, was collected from an Alpine swift (Tachymarptis melba) during its nesting period in Transylvania, Romania. Following DNA extraction, PCR analyses and sequencing in part with newly designed primers, three genetic markers of this specimen were amplified and compared to GenBank data, and two were analyzed phylogenetically. Based on sequence comparisons of its mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and nuclear 28S rRNA genes I. caledonicus appeared to be closely related to members of the subgenus Pholeoixodes. However, the topology of the concatenated cox1 and 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic tree clearly showed its clustering with Ixodes (Scaphixodes) philipi. In conclusion, I. caledonicus is part of the tick fauna of Romania and is expected to occur also in other countries of the Carpathian Basin where rocky cliffs are available for nesting of swifts and other birds. This is the first species of the subgenus Scaphixodes in Europe, for which the traditional (morphology-based) taxonomic assignment is confirmed by molecular-phylogenetic analyses.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102280

East-to-west dispersal of bird-associated ixodid ticks in the northern Palaearctic: Review of already reported tick species according to longitudinal migratory avian hosts and first evidence on the genetic connectedness of Ixodes apronophorus between Siberia and Europe

Jenő Kontschán Attila D. Sándor Vojtěch Brlík Gergő Keve Denis Fedorov Andor Pitó Nóra Takács Sándor Hornok

Publication Name: Current Research in Parasitology and Vector Borne Diseases

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 6

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Birds are long-known as important disseminators of ixodid ticks, in which context mostly their latitudinal, south-to-north migration is considered. However, several bird species that occur in the eastern part of the northern Palaearctic are known to migrate westward. In this study, a female tick collected from the sedge warbler, Acrocephalus schoenobaenus, in Lithuania was identified morphologically and analyzed with molecular-phylogenetic methods. In addition, literature data were reviewed on ixodid tick species known to be associated with birds that have recorded east-to-west migratory route in the Palaearctic. The tick collected from A. schoenobaenus was morphologically identified as Ixodes apronophorus. Two mitochondrial genetic markers for this specimen showed 100% identity with a conspecific tick reported previously in Western Siberia, Russia. Based on literature data, as many as 82 bird species from 11 orders were found to have records of ringing in the easternmost part of the northern Palaearctic and recaptures in Europe. Of these bird species, 31 ixodid tick species were reported in the Euro-Siberian region. Nearly all passeriform bird species with east-to-west migration were reported to carry ticks, whereas no reports of tick infestation were documented from the majority of wetland-associated bird species, mostly from the orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes. The first European sequences of bona fide I. apronophorus revealed genetic connectedness with conspecific ticks reported from Siberia. Since the principal hosts of this tick species are rodents which do not migrate large distances, the most likely explanation for genetic similarity in this direction is dispersal of this tick species via migratory birds. Given the high number of tick species that are known to associate with bird species migrating in westward direction, this appears to be an important means of the gene flow between geographically distant tick populations in the northern Palaearctic.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100201

Description of Ixodes lanigeri sp. nov., a new hard tick species (Acari, Ixodidae) collected from mouse-eared bats (Vespertilionidae, Myotis) in Vietnam

Ai Takano Jenő Kontschán Yasuhiro Gotoh Vuong Tan Tu Sándor Hornok Alexandre Hassanin

Publication Name: Zookeys

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 2024

Issue: 1215

Page Range: 107-125

Description:

Historically, for more than one and a half centuries, only one so-called “long-legged bat tick” species, i.e., Ixodes vespertilionis Koch was known to science. However, during the past decade, it was recognized on a molecular basis that long-legged ixodid ticks associated with bats may represent at least six species. Of these, until recently, five have been morphologically described. In this study, Ixodes ticks were collected from two Myotis species in southeastern Asia, Vietnam. Based on the morphological and molecular characteristics of the female, nymph and larva, Ixodes lanigeri Hornok, sp. nov. is described here. The male is unknown. Like other members of the Ixodes ariadnae complex, I. lanigeri Hornok apparently shows a preference for vesper bats as its typical hosts. In this context, host-association and geographical separation may explain the evolutionary divergence of I. lanigeri Hornok from its closest relative occurring on Murina hilgendorfi Peters in East Asia, Japan, because no Myotis or Murina spp. have overlapping distribution between Vietnam and the main islands of Japan. On the other hand, supposing that (similarly to I. ariadnae) I. lanigeri Hornok probably occurs on other myotine bats and knowing that several Myotis species indigenous in Vietnam have a broad geographical range in southern and southeastern Asia, the new tick species most likely has a widespread distribution in this area.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1215.123624

Phylogenetic analyses of Ixodes rugicollis with notes on its morphology in comparison with Ixodes cornutus

Andrei D. Mihalca Jenő Kontschán Attila D. Sándor Denis Fedorov Nóra Takács Sándor Hornok Olivier Plantard

Publication Name: Parasites and Vectors

Publication Date: 2023-12-01

Volume: 16

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Background: The subgenus Pholeoixodes contains Ixodes species typically associated with birds that nest in cavities or with carnivorous mammals that are burrow-dwelling. Among ticks infesting the latter, Ixodes rugicollis is regarded as the rarest species in the western Palearctic. Despite the unique morphology of this species, its identification (especially of subadult stages) is difficult, and molecular-phylogenetic data to offer other diagnostic methods and a better understanding of its taxonomy are not available. Methods: In this study, a female and a male of I. rugicollis were collected in Romania. The female was compared morphologically to another female of this species collected in France and to the lectotype of Ixodes cornutus (from Tajikistan), which has similar morphology and host association. Following DNA extraction, two mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I: cox1 and the 16S rRNA gene) and two nuclear genetic markers (18S and 28S rRNA genes) of I. rugicollis were amplified and analyzed in a phylogenetic context. Results: Females of I. rugicollis and I. cornutus differed in the shape of their palps, scutum and areae porosae and the size of peritremes, but they were similar in palpal setal length, dental formula and arrangement of anal setae. Measurements of two I. rugicollis females examined were not less different from each other than from I. cornutus. Phylogenetically, I. rugicollis clustered with other members of its subgenus. The topology of all trees showed the position of bat-associated tick species of the subgenus Eschatocephalus among Pholeoixodes species. Conclusions: For the first time to our knowledge, this study provides high-resolution digital pictures of male and female I. rugicollis as well as corresponding molecular data. Morphological comparison of this species with I. cornutus could not resolve uncertainties in the validity of the latter species, which can only be accomplished after collecting new specimens of I. cornutus and consequent molecular comparisons. This study includes the first comprehensive molecular-phylogenetic analysis of western Palearctic Pholeoixodes species based on both nuclear and mitochondrial genetic markers and including I. rugicollis. The results of these confirm the phylogenetic position of subgenus Eschatocephalus within Pholeoixodes, justifying the need to merge them to comply with the taxonomic criterion of monophyly. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05718-z

Molecular-phylogenetic analyses of Ixodes species from South Africa suggest an African origin of bird-associated exophilic ticks (subgenus Trichotoixodes)

Jenő Kontschán Miklós Gyuranecz Ali Halajian Áron Botond Kovács Gergő Keve Denis Fedorov Nóra Takács Sándor Hornok Olivier Plantard Heloise Heyne

Publication Name: Parasites and Vectors

Publication Date: 2023-12-01

Volume: 16

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Background: Among hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae), the genus Ixodes comprises the highest number of species, which in turn are most numerous in the Afrotropical zoogeographic region. In South Africa extensive morphological studies have been performed on Ixodes species but only few reports included molecular analyses. Methods: In this study, 58 Ixodes spp. ticks, collected from ten mammalian and eight avian host species in South Africa, were molecularly and phylogenetically analyzed. In addition, a newly collected sample of the Palearctic Ixodes trianguliceps was included in the analyses. Results: Among the ticks from South Africa, 11 species were identified morphologically. The majority of ticks from mammals represented the Ixodes pilosus group with two species (n = 20), followed by ticks resembling Ixodes rubicundus (n = 18) and Ixodes alluaudi (n = 3). In addition, single specimens of Ixodes rhabdomysae, Ixodes ugandanus, Ixodes nairobiensis and Ixodes simplex were also found. Considering bird-infesting ticks, Ixodes theilerae (n = 7), Ixodes uriae (n = 4) and ticks most similar to Ixodes daveyi (provisionally named I. cf. daveyi, n = 2) were identified. Molecular analyses confirmed two species in the I. pilosus group and a new species (I. cf. rubicundus) closely related to I. rubicundus sensu stricto. Phylogenetic trees based on concatenated mitochondrial or mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences indicated that the subgenus Afrixodes forms a monophyletic clade with bird-associated exophilic ticks (subgenus Trichotoixodes). Ixodes trianguliceps clustered separately whereas I. alluaudi with their morphologically assigned subgenus, Exopalpiger. Conclusions: Phylogenetic analyses shed new lights on the relationships of Ixodes subgenera when including multiple sequences from subgenus Afrixodes and African as well as Palearctic species of subgenera Trichotoixodes and Exopalpiger. Subgenera Afrixodes and bird-associated Trichotoixodes share common ancestry, suggesting that the latter might have also originated in Africa. Regarding the subgenus Exopalpiger, I. alluaudi is properly assigned as it clusters among different Australian Ixodes, whereas I. trianguliceps should be excluded. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05998-5

Contribution to the knowledge of the Neotropical Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata)

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán Stefan Friedrich

Publication Name: Zootaxa

Publication Date: 2023-10-26

Volume: 5360

Issue: 2

Page Range: 255-268

Description:

Two new species of Uropodina are described from Peru—Stammeroplitis panguanaensis sp. nov. and Rotundabaloghia (Circobaloghia) koepckeorum sp. nov.. the genus Stammeroplitis is diagnosed and a key to its Neotropical species is presented. twenty species of Oplitis are moved to Stammeroplitis. the new family clausiadinychidae fam. nov. is established for the genus Clausiadinychus and a key to the known species of Clausiadinychus species is provided. New information is presented for three known species of Uropodina (Clausiadinychus quadricaudatus hirschmann, 1973, Rotundabaloghia dillerae Błoszyk, 2019 and Trichouropoda solaris hirschmann, 1972).

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5360.2.5

Three new species of Oppiidae (Acari, Oribatida) from Mexico

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Zootaxa

Publication Date: 2023-10-25

Volume: 5360

Issue: 1

Page Range: 113-126

Description:

Three new species of oppiidae (oribatida)—Graptoppia (Apograptoppia) rooensis sp. nov., Neoamerioppia (Neoamerioppia) mexicoensis sp. nov., and Ramusella (Insculptoppia) quintanaensis sp. nov.—are described based on adults collected from leaf litter in a large karst pit in the secondary semi-evergreen tropical forest in Mexico. the subgenus Graptoppia (Apograptoppia) is recorded for the first time in the neotropical region.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5360.1.6

Phylogenetic relationships of a novel bat fly species infesting the geographically widespread Old World fruit bat, Rousettus leschenaultii, in Southern Asia

Kevin J. Olival Jenő Kontschán Kendra Phelps Tahir Mehmood Khan Arshad Javid Shahzad Ali Muhammad Imran None Attaullah Sándor Hornok

Publication Name: Parasitology Research

Publication Date: 2023-09-01

Volume: 122

Issue: 9

Page Range: 2101-2107

Description:

The global epidemiological significance of bats and their blood-sucking ectoparasites is increasingly recognized. However, relevant data are scarce from Pakistan where the Palearctic and Oriental zoogeographic regions meet. In this study, 200 bats belonging to five species were examined for the presence of ectoparasites in Pakistan. Bat flies were found only on Leschenault’s fruit bat (Rousettus leschenaultii). The prevalence of infestation did not correlate with habitat type and host traits including age, reproductive status, and sex. All bat flies represented the same Eucampsipoda species which was shown to be morphologically different from all species of its genus with known south Asian distribution and belonged to a separate phylogenetic group. These results highlight the existence of a hitherto undescribed bat fly species in southern Asia, which is not shared by the fruit bat species (R. leschenaultii) and insectivorous ones (e.g., Rhinopoma microphyllum) thus probably playing a role only in intraspecific transmission of pathogens.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07909-0

New species and records of Oripodoidea (Acari, Oribatida) from Mexico

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Systematic and Applied Acarology

Publication Date: 2023-06-28

Volume: 28

Issue: 6

Page Range: 1109-1120

Description:

Twelve species, 10 genera and five families of Oripodoidea (Oribatida) are registered from leaf litter in secondary semi-evergreen forest in Quintana Roo, Mexico; of them, five species (Nasobates spinosus, Mucrobates fissuratus, Scheloribates milleri, S. (Perscheloribates) minusculus, Protoribates paracapucinus) are recorded for the first time in this country; two species (Muliercula bilineata, Peloribates (Peloribatodes) roynortoni) are found for the first time in the Neotropical region. Two new species - Scheloribates (Perscheloribates) mexicoensissp. nov. (Scheloribatidae) and Setoxylobates palaciosvargasisp. nov. (Haplozetidae) - are described. An identification key to the known species of Scheloribates (Perscheloribates) from the Neotropical region is provided.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.11158/saa.28.6.8

Catalogue of trachyuropodid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata: Uropodina: Trachyuropodidae) of the world, with the description of Trachyibana kozari n. sp. from Singapore

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Acta Phytopathologica Et Entomologica Hungarica

Publication Date: 2023-06-01

Volume: 58

Issue: 1

Page Range: 18-50

Description:

All known trachyuropodid mites (Acari: Uropodina: Trachyuropodidae) are listed together with diagnoses of the family Trachyuropodidae and trachyuropodid genera. A new illustrated key to trachyuropodid genera is also presented. The second species of the genus Trachyibana (T. kozari sp. nov.) is described and illustrated from Singapore. Forty eight new combinations are also presented: Arculatatrachys darwini (Kontschán and Starý, 2013) comb. nov.; Arculatatrachys newtoni (Kontschán, 2010) comb. nov.; Bostocktrachys berlesesellnickia (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; B. extremica (Kontschán and Starý, 2013) comb. nov.; B. kiewensis (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; B. myrmecophila (Wiśniewski and Hirschmann, 1992) comb. nov.; B. plagiata (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; B. zicsii (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; Castritrachys quadriauricularia (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; Cristicepstrachys sinuata (Berlese, 1904) comb. nov.; Cephalojanetia multituberculata (Hirschmann, 1976) comb nov.; C.Tuberosa (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; C. dentata (Kontschán, 2007) comb. nov.; Cephalouropoda alapaducta (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; Excavatatrachys auricularia (Costa, 1962) comb. nov.; E. longicornuta (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; E. longicornutasimilis (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; E. poppi (Hirschmann and Zirngiebl-Nicol, 1969) comb. nov.; E. quadricornuta (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; E. sellnicki (Hirschmann and Zirngiebl-Nicol, 1969) comb. nov.; Graecatrachys bali (Kontschán and Starý, 2013) comb. nov.; G. endrodyi (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; G. ghanaensis (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; G. mesofovea (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; G. mesofoveasimilis (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; G. represa (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; G. rufipes (Hirschmann, 1976) comb nov.; Magnatrachys dacica (Huţu, 1973) comb. nov.; M. imperforata (Berlese, 1904) comb. nov.; M. mexicana (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; M. pecinai (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; M. schusteri (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; M. schusterisimilis (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; Trogulotrachys ablesi (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; T. celtica (Halbert, 1907) comb. nov.; T. hirschmanni (Pecina, 1980) comb. nov.; T. kinsella (Kontschán et al., 2010) comb. nov.; T. michaeli (Ewing, 1909) comb. nov.; T. wasmanniana (Berlese, 1903) comb. nov.; T. willmanni (Hirschmann and Zirngiebl-Nicol, 1969) comb. nov.; Urojanetia baloghi (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; U. baloghisimilis (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; U. belunensis (Lombardini, 1962) comb. nov.; U. hexaspinosa (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; U. mahunkai (Hirschmann, 1976) comb. nov.; U. similicoccinea (Hiramatsu, 1979) comb. nov.; Urotrachytes formicariasimilis (Hirschmann, 1975) comb. nov.; and Ur. ponticuli (Karg, 1989) comb. nov.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/038.2023.00183

Screening of Domestic Cats from North-Eastern Hungary for Hepatozoon felis and Cytauxzoon europaeus That Cause Infections in Local Wildcat Populations

Jenő Kontschán Sándor A. Boldogh Barbara Tuska-Szalay Luca Rompos Viktor Beresnyák Ádám Izsó Nóra Takács Sándor Hornok Róbert Farkas József Lanszki

Publication Name: Pathogens

Publication Date: 2023-05-01

Volume: 12

Issue: 5

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Among vector-borne protozoa Hepatozoon felis and Cytauxzoon europaeus are considered emerging species in felids in Europe. To investigate the presence of these two protozoa 127 domestic cats and 4 wildcats were screened by PCRs targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. and piroplasms, as well as the cytb gene of Cytauxzoon spp. The samples were collected inside and outside a region of Hungary, where both protozoan groups are endemic in wildcats. Among domestic cats, one proved to be infected with H. felis. Furthermore, spleen samples of four wildcats were also examined, among which three tested positive for H. felis, and one had co-infection with C. europaeus. Importantly, H. felis from the co-infected wildcat belonged to genogroup II, similarly to H. felis from the positive domestic cat. Based on phylogenetic evidence, this genogroup probably represents a separate species from genogroup I of H. felis, which was hitherto reported from Mediterranean countries in Europe. The two other wildcats also harbored H. felis from genogroup I. Neither Hepatozoon nor Cytauxzoon infections were detected outside the recently discovered endemic region. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time in Europe that H. felis from genogroup II may emerge in free-roaming domestic cats in regions where this protozoan parasite is endemic in wildcats.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050656

Taxonomic contribution to the knowledge of Galumnidae (Acari, Oribatida, Galumnidae) from Cuba

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán Vasiliy B. Kolesnikov Pavel B. Klimov

Publication Name: Zootaxa

Publication Date: 2023-03-30

Volume: 5258

Issue: 1

Page Range: 465-474

Description:

The present study is based on galumnid mites (Oribatida, Galumnidae) collected from leaf litter of two mixed forests in Cuba; six species from three genera are identified. Three new species - Pergalumna (Pergalumna) cienfuegosensis sp. nov., P. (P.) foveolatostriata sp. nov. and Galumna (G.) gigantea sp. nov. - are described. Allogalumna brevisetosa (Bayartogtokh & Weigmann, 2005) is recorded in the Neotropical region for the first time; P. (P.) obvia (Berlese, 1914) is recorded in Cuba for the first time.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.7

Contribution to the knowledge of Rotundabaloghia mites: new species and new records (Acari: Mesostigmata: Rotundabaloghiidae) from the Oriental and Australasian regions

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Systematic and Applied Acarology

Publication Date: 2023-03-01

Volume: 28

Issue: 3

Page Range: 405-410

Description:

No description provided

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.11158/saa.28.3.1

A NEW MODEL OF STINK BUG TRAPS: HEATED TRAP FOR CAPTURING HALYOMORPHA HALYS DURING THE AUTUMN DISPERSAL PERIOD

Jenő Kontschán Gábor Bozsik Gábor Szőcs

Publication Name: Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 69

Issue: 1

Page Range: 39-46

Description:

Invasive stink bug species, such as Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), are serious agricultural pests worldwide. During autumn dispersal, adults aggregate in large numbers in human-made structures, homes and on walls of buildings. Preferred overwintering sites are sun-warmed, well-protected shelters. Exploiting a new concept, we developed a new collection method for monitoring and controlling them in their pre-overwintering period. Our trap design exploits the heat preference of stink bugs seeking overwintering sites. As a result, significantly greater numbers of H. halys adults moved into our black box traps, equipped with a heating apparatus, than into unheated ones. Experiments were performed in October during the pre-overwintering autumn dispersal period. Traps were placed next to a building that served as an overwintering site, where stink bugs usually aggregate in large numbers. Heated traps were operated on sunny afternoon hours when stink bugs were found to be active by visual observations. Our results represent the first example of an effective collection method based on artificially heated traps placed in natural conditions

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.17109/AZH.69.1.39.2023

Remarks on the genus Phymatodiscus Berlese, 1917, with the description of Phymatodiscidae fam. nov. and Bardizon eotvosi gen. nov., sp. nov. from Indonesia (Acari, Mesostigmata)

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Zookeys

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 1182

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 223-235

Description:

Phymatodiscidae fam. nov. is diagnosed, with Phymatodiscus as the type genus. A new genus, Bardizon gen. nov., with Bardizon eotvosi sp. nov. (from Indonesia) as the type species, is erected to accommodate the Phymatodiscus species with an eye-like dorsal depression. Six Phymatodiscus species are reclassified as Bardizon: B. aokii (Hiramatsu, 1985), comb. nov., B. haradai (Hiramatsu, 1985), comb. nov., B. oculatus (Hirschmann, 1977), comb. nov., B. kuni (Kontschán & Starý, 2011), comb. nov., B. insolitus (Kontschán & Ripka, 2016), comb. nov., and B. malayicus (Kontschán & Starý, 2012), comb. nov. The new species differs from the previously described congeners in the sculptural pattern, the shapes of the dorsal and ventral setae, and the sculptural pattern of the sternal shield of the male and the genital shield of the female. A list of all known phymatodiscid species is presented. Phymatodiscus titanicus (Berlese, 1905) is moved to the genus Bostocktrachys: B. titanicus (Berlese, 1905), comb. nov. (family Trachyuropodidae).

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1182.109744

Faunistic and taxonomic additions to the oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) of Cuba

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán Vasiliy B. Kolesnikov Denis V. Sharapov Pavel B. Klimov

Publication Name: Acarologia

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 63

Issue: 3

Page Range: 770-782

Description:

The present study is based on oribatid mite materials collected from leaf litter in two forest locations in Cuba. A list of 64 species, belonging to 47 genera and 31 families, is presented. Of these, one genus and two species are recorded for the first time from the Neotropical region; 17 species, one subgenus, six genera, and two families are recorded for the first time from Cuba. Two new species of the superfamily Oripodoidea—Lagenobates fossatus Ermilov and Kontschán n. sp. (Haplozetidae) and Muliercula curvilineata Ermilov and Kontschán n. sp. (Scheloribatidae)—are described.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.24349/hi71-nsch

New Angulobaloghia species and records (Acari: Mesostigmata: Rotundabaloghiidae) from the Oriental region

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Acarologia

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 63

Issue: 1

Page Range: 253-261

Description:

Two new Angulobaloghia species are described from Southeast Asia: A. nabau sp. nov. from Malaysia and A. badangi sp. nov. from Singapore. Angulobaloghia nabau sp. nov. has a three-peaked female genital shield, which is unique within the genus Angulobaloghia. Angulobaloghia badangi sp. nov. is distinctive by having the female genital shield between the central area of coxae II, its rectangular apical margin, and the sternal shield with oval pits. New localities for two known Angulobaloghia species, A. scrobia Kontschán and Stary, 2011 and A. vietnamensis (Kontschán, 2008), are presented from Vietnam.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.24349/nwhs-7n23

RESURRECTION OF THE GENUS MICHERDZINSKIIOBOVELLA HIRSCHMANN, 1989, WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF M. PETOFII SP. N. FROM SINGAPORE (ACARI: MESOSTIGMATA: URODINYCHIDAE)

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 69

Issue: 2

Page Range: 127-138

Description:

The genus Micherdzinskiiobovella Hirschmann, 1989 (Mesostigmata: Uropodina: Uropodinychidae) is resurrected for species of the Uroobovella micherdzinskii-group. This genus differs from the other taxa of the Uroobovella sensu lato based on the shape of body, the first gnathosomal setae, the peritreme and the number of the ventral setae. All species from the Uroobovella micherdzinskii-group are moved to the genus Micherdzinskiiobovella, as M. japonica (Hiramatsu et Hirschmann, 1977) comb. n., M. levigata (Hirschmann et Hiramatsu, 1990) comb. n., M. makilingensis (Hirschmann et Hiramatsu, 1990) comb. n., M. mitakensis (Hiramatsu et Hirschmann, 1977) comb. n., M. pauxilla (Hiramatsu, 1981) comb. n., M. pauxillaoides (Hirschmann, 1981) comb. n., M. similimitakensis (Hirschmann, 1981) comb. n., M. topali (Hirschmann, 1981) comb. n., and M. multisetosa (Kontschán et Starý, 2011) comb. n. A new species (M. petofii sp. n.) is described, based on one female and four males collected from Singapore. The new species differs from the congeners in the length and shape of the ventral setae.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.17109/AZH.69.2.127.2023

REVISION OF THE ORIBATID MITE GENUS AMBOROPPIA (ACARI, ORIBATIDA, OPPIIDAE), WITH DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SUBGENUS AND SPECIES FROM MEXICO

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 69

Issue: 4

Page Range: 313-321

Description:

A new oribatid mite subgenus of the genus Amboroppia (Oribatida, Oppiidae) –A. (Quintanoppia) subgen. n., with A. (Quintanoppia) defectofossulata sp. n. as type species – is described, based on material collected from Mexico. It can be distinguished from the nominate subgenus by the absence concavities between rostrum and transcostula and behind transcostula, and the presence of strong teeth on lateral sides of prodorsum. A revised generic diagnosis, identification key and data on distribution and habitats of representatives of Amboroppia are presented.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.17109/AZH.69.4.313.2023

NEW FAUNISTIC AND TAXONOMIC DATA ON ORIBATID MITES (ACARI: ORIBATIDA) OF THAILAND

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán Alexander A. Khaustov

Publication Name: Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 69

Issue: 2

Page Range: 93-116

Description:

This study is based on oribatid mite materials collected from the vicinities of Phatthaya city and the Samet Island in Thailand; 18 species from 14 genera and 11 families are registered, of these, nine species are recorded from the Thai fauna for the first time. A new species of the genus Dolicheremaeus (Otocepheidae) – D. phatthayaensis sp. n. – is described. The supplementary description of Galumna paracalcicola Ermilov et Anichkin, 2014 is presented based on specimens from Thailand. Identification keys to the known representatives of the genera Dolicheremaeus from Thailand and Galumna from the Oriental region are presented. Galumna indica Hafeez Kardar, 1989 and G. striata Hafeez Kardar, 1989 are combined in the genus Setogalumna.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.17109/AZH.69.2.93.2023

An update on the occurrence of flies (Diptera: Muscidae, Calliphoridae) and sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) of veterinary importance in Malta: First record of Lucilia cuprina and Linognathus africanus

Jenő Kontschán Attila D. Sándor Gergő Keve Andrea M. Cini Bruno Nóra Takács Sándor Hornok

Publication Name: Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 10

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

To obtain new data on the species diversity, host associations and spatiotemporal occurrence of flies and blood-sucking lice of veterinary importance in Malta, ectoparasites were collected at cattle, sheep and goat, pig farms, as well as dog shelters, and in two places in the absence of domestic animals. The species were identified morphologically, but voucher specimens were also analyzed with molecular-phylogenetic methods following DNA extraction. Altogether 3,095 flies (Diptera: Muscidae, Calliphoridae) were collected at farms and kennels near domestic animals, as well as 37 blowflies (Calliphoridae) in rural and urban areas without animals nearby. Regarding Muscidae, the great majority of flies (n = 3,084) were identified as the common housefly (Musca domestica). Eight flies represented the stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans). Three blowflies associated with dogs and small ruminants belonged to Lucilia cuprina. By contrast, all 37 blowflies collected without domestic animals nearby, were identified as Lucilia sericata. In addition, 22 sucking lice were collected from goats, and all belonged to Linognathus africanus. Molecular identification of 28 flies and four lice confirmed the above species. Considering the sex ratio of M. domestica among samples collected randomly at cattle farms, females predominated in the whole study period, but the abundance of males increased significantly toward the autumn. Stomoxys calcitrans was associated with cattle and dogs, whereas L. cuprina was found near small ruminants and dogs. To our knowledge, this is the first study including the molecular analysis of flies and lice of veterinary-medical importance from Malta. The most important finding of this study is the first evidence for the autochthonous occurrence of L. cuprina in Malta. The exclusive presence of L. cuprina at animal-keeping facilities in rural areas and association of L. sericata with urban areas void of livestock might reflect similar habitat preference of these species in Malta to what was reported in South Africa. Based on the sucking-louse burden in the examined goat herds, the situation in Malta was similar to northern Africa where the exclusive presence of L. africanus was reported, unlike toward the north in the Mediterranean Basin where populations of this species are mixed with Linognathus stenopsis.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1143800

Description of three new bat-associated species of hard ticks (Acari, Ixodidae) from Japan

Ai Takano Jenő Kontschán Hiroshi Shimoda Yasuhiro Gotoh Dávid Kováts Mamoru Takahashi Vuong Tan Tu Junko Mizuno Michio Natsume Sándor Hornok Takeo Yamauchi

Publication Name: Zookeys

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 1180

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 1-26

Description:

In Eurasia, the geographically most widespread ixodid tick species of the bat families Rhinolophidae Gray, Vespertilionidae Gray, and Miniopteridae Dobson were considered to belong to four species, Ixodes vespertilionis Koch, I. collaris Hornok, I. ariadnae Hor-nok, and I. simplex Neumann. Previous data attest that bat-associated tick species from Eastern Asia show remarkable genetic difference from the above four tick species, but in the absence of detailed morphological comparison these were regarded as conspe-cific. In this study we compensate for this lack of data on three bat-associated tick spe-cies, reporting their morphological comparison, as well as molecular and phylogenetic relationships. According to the results we describe the females of three tick species new to science, i.e., I. nipponrhinolophi Hornok & Takano, sp. nov., I. fuliginosus Hornok & Takano, sp. nov., and I. fujitai Hornok & Takano, sp. nov. In case of all three new tick species the cytochrome c oxidase subunit (coxI) gene showed remarkably high sequence differences from the species that they previously were thought to belong to, well exceed-ing the average limit delineating ixodid tick species. This, as well as observed morphological differences fully justify their taxonomical status as new species.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1180.108418

Redescription of Trachycilliba persica (Kazemi & Kontschán), notes on the genus Trachycilliba Berlese (Acari: Mesostigmata: Uropodidae), and a key to world species of the genus

Jenő Kontschán Shahrooz Kazemi

Publication Name: Systematic and Applied Acarology

Publication Date: 2025-04-18

Volume: 30

Issue: 4

Page Range: 734-753

Description:

The female of Trachycilliba persica (Kazemi & Kontschán) is redescribed, and the male and deutonymph of the species are described for the first time based on the holotype and additional specimens from Iran. Notes on the genus Trachycilliba are given. Finally, a key to the known species of Trachycilliba is provided.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.11158/saa.30.4.7

New and rare trachyuropodid mites from Paraguay (Acari: Mesostigmata)

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán Rita Ábrahám

Publication Name: Ecologica Montenegrina

Publication Date: 2025-09-19

Volume: 89

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 189-196

Description:

New occurrences of the Origmatrachys gracilis (Hirschmann, 1976), Graecatrachys mesofovea (Hirschmann, 1976), and Arculatatrachys pomberoi Kontschán & Ermilov, 2022 are presented from Paraguay with the description of a new trachyuropodid mite species (Leonardiella aoao sp. nov.). This is the first report of the genus Leonardiella from Paraguay, from South America, and from continental America as well. The new species differs from the congeners in dorsal setation and ring-like, strongly sclerotized structures on the ventral idiosoma.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.89.12

Updates on subgenus Ixodes in the Mediterranean region: validity of Ixodes festai Rondelli, 1926, reinstatement of Ixodes tatei Arthur, 1959, and a new species closely related to Ixodes gibbosus Nuttall, 1916

Jenő Kontschán Attila D. Sándor Adem Keskin Tijs J.M. van den Bosch Paulina Lesiczka Gergő Keve Andor Pitó Tim Warbroek Nóra Takács Sándor Hornok Igor Uspensky

Publication Name: International Journal for Parasitology

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: Unknown

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The southern part of Europe is one of the most species-rich regions from the point of view of the genus and subgenus Ixodes. However, numerous unresolved or questionably interpreted issues exist in the context of tick species indigenous to Mediterranean countries, such as the validity of Ixodes festai, synonymy of Ixodes tatei with Ixodes eldaricus (never tested molecularly) or the haplotype heterogeneity of Ixodes gibbosus. In this study, 21 specimens of six tick species from the subgenus Ixodes were compared morphologically with high resolution digital microscopy and also analyzed with molecular-phylogenetic methods based on two mitochondrial genetic markers. The nymphs of I. eldaricus and I. tatei showed differences in the morphology of the scutum and basis capituli. Both the nymph and the females of I. festai could be distinguished from those of I. eldaricus, I. ventalloi and I. acuminatus. A female tick resembled I. gibbosus but was also different from this species, based on its descriptions. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships confirmed with moderate to strong support that all six species examined in this study represent different taxa of the subgenus Ixodes, including a previously unknown sister species to I. gibbosus. The latter is recognized and described here as a new species, Ixodes paragibbosus Hornok and Kontschán, sp. nov. Based on findings of this study, the tick species I. tatei Arthur, 1959 should be resurrected and reestablished. Morphological and phylogenetic comparisons performed here (including the first barcoding sequences of I. eldaricus and I. festai) confirm that the latter is a valid species, distinct from both I. eldaricus and I. ventalloi. For the differential diagnosis of the above species, the results highlight the importance of observing (among other structures) the auriculae, the internal spur of coxa I and the hypostome.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2025.09.002