Body Distribution and Insertion of Mites (Pterygosomatidae: Neopterygosoma) in Liolaemus pacha Lizard (Iguania: Liolaemidae)

Abstract

Mites are usually common ectoparasites of vertebrates. Their body distribution can vary between species and can cause skin lesions. Liolaemus pacha mites belong to the genus Neopterygosoma and are located below the scales of its host. The few records on the ectoparasite-host relationship led us to propose ourselves as objectives, quan titatively define the body distribution and determine the possible damage caused by the mites at the insertion sites through histopathological studies. For the mite count, five body regions were defined and histological sections of the skin areas presenting mites were made. A total of 52 individuals of both sexes were analyzed. A higher concentration of mites was observed on the flanks and in the gular region. Histological analysis showed that there is not epidermal damage or inflammatory reactions in the host’s skin. Therefore, we conclude that L. pacha mites do not cause local skin damage and even their characteristic form of insertion cast doubt on the type of hematophagous feeding reported in other studies. The results obtained provide new information about the biology of Liolaemus pacha and Neoptorygosoma sp., allowing to improve the interpretation of their interaction.