Contributions to the morphology and phylogeny of the newly discovered bat tick species, Ixodes ariadnae in comparison with I. vespertilionis and I. simplex.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recently a new hard tick species, Ixodes ariadnae has been discovered, adding to the two known ixodid tick species (I. vespertilionis and I. simplex) of bats in Europe.

Findings

Scanning electron microscopic comparison of adult females of these species shows morphological differences concerning the palps, the scutum, the Haller's organ, the coxae, as well as the arrangement and fine structure of setae. Molecular analysis of 10 geographically different isolates revealed 90-95% sequence homology in the 12S and 16S rDNA genes of bat tick species. Based on 12S rDNA sequences, genotypes of I. ariadnae clustered closest to I. simplex, whereas according to their 16S rDNA gene they were closest to I. vespertilionis. The subolesin gene of I. ariadnae had only 91% sequence

SUBMITTER: Hornok S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4311468 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature