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

BACKGROUND

The Caribbean country Jamaica has only seven reported chigger species. Of these, one was recorded from bats.

METHODS

For the specimens examined in this study were provided drawings, measurements, and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss. This material is deposited in the Smithsonian National Chigger Collection.

RESULTS

In the present study, we describe a new genus and species parasitizing the Antillean ghost-faced bat in Jamaica. This new genus can be separated from all other genera of this family for the following combination of features: (1) palptarsus with four branched and three nude setae; (2) 3-pronged odontus; (3) femur I divided into basifemur and telofemur; and (4) 3 σ on genu I.

CONCLUSION

The description of this new genus contributes to the increase in the knowledge of chiggers that parasites bats in Jamaica. Also, this is only the second record of a chigger parasitizing this host in this country.