A RANGE-WIDE ECTOPARASITE SURVEY FOR ALLEGHENY WOODRATS (NEOTOMA MAGISTER).

Allegheny woodrats (Neotoma magister) are karst-specializing rodents that are rare or in conservation need in many states within their current range. Parasitism and habitat fragmentation have been suggested as primary reasons for declining populations. The presence, prevalence, and impact of ectoparasites, including fleas, ticks, and bots, is not fully understood rangewide. We collected Allegheny woodrat ectoparasites across 8 states in their range, identifying parasites via morphological and genetic means. Across contributions from 8 states, we discovered 2 woodrat-specific fleas parasitizing Allegheny woodrats: Orchopeas pennsylvanicus (all contributing states, n = 228) and Epitedia cavernicola (Indiana only, n = 9). The former was a new state record in New Jersey and Ohio. Woodrat specialists Ixodes woodi were morphologically identified as the dominant tick species (n = 38), and our contributions to genetic databases may ease confusion in future efforts. Three generalist species of ticks representing 8 individuals were identified as Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, and Ixodes scapularis. Only 2 bot fly species were recognized in Allegheny woodrats: 1 squirrel bot (Cuterebra emasculator) and 10 individuals of Cuterebra sp. not genetically conspecific to any known eastern U.S. rodent bot. The host specificity for fleas is not surprising, given that previous small-scale surveys and ticks primarily appear to be a mix of genus-specific (Ixodes woodi) and generalist species. There remains uncertainty with bots via morphological and genetic analyses. Our survey presents a wide-ranging baseline survey for Allegheny woodrats across their range, emphasizing the diversity (or specificity) of parasite groups for this species. An understanding of Allegheny woodrats and the health impact of ectoparasites is imperative because they face myriad challenges rangewide, especially considering the bot-driven demise of 1 woodrat in our study. Ectoparasites can have a marked impact on already-declining woodrat populations across their range and should not be overlooked in future surveys.

Ecological factors shaping the ectoparasite community assembly of the Azara's Grass Mouse, Akodon azarae (Rodentia: Cricetidae).

Parasites are integral members of the global biodiversity. They are useful indicators of environmental stress, food web structure and diversity. Ectoparasites have the potential to transmit vector-borne diseases of public health and veterinary importance and to play an important role in the regulation and evolution of host populations. The interlinkages between hosts, parasites and the environment are complex and challenging to study, leading to controversial results. Most previous studies have been focused on one or two parasite groups, while hosts are often co-infected by different taxa. The present study aims to assess the influence of environmental and host traits on the entire ectoparasite community composition of the rodent Akodon azarae. A total of 278 rodents were examined and mites (Mesostigmata), lice (Phthiraptera), ticks (Ixodida) and fleas (Siphonaptera) were determined. A multi-correspondence analysis was performed in order to analyze interactions within the ectoparasite community and the influence of environmental and host variables on this assembly. We found that environmental variables have a stronger influence on the composition of the ectoparasite community of A. azarae than the host variables analyzed. Minimum temperature was the most influential variable among the studied. In addition, we found evidence of agonistic and antagonistic interactions between ticks and mites, lice and fleas. The present study supports the hypothesis that minimum temperature plays a major role in the dynamics that shape the ectoparasite community of A. azarae, probably through both direct and indirect processes. This finding becomes particularly relevant in a climate change scenario.

An integrative approach to explore species limits in Laelaps mazzai Fonseca, 1939 (Mesostigmata, Laelapidae), a South American widespread mite parasitizing the cricetid Calomys Waterhouse, 1837.

Laelaps mazzai Fonseca, 1939 (Mesostigmata, Laelapidae) parasitizes several species of the widespread South American rodent genus Calomys Waterhouse, 1837. Morphological variation has been noticed within this laelapid but has yet to be analyzed. Since several other species of laelapids that initially were considered generalists have resulted in host-specific species, after further analyses, herein we explored, through morphology and genetics, the variation of this parasite across six species of Calomys, trying to establish if it constitutes a polymorphic species or a complex of cryptic host specific-species. An integrative approach was applied, including principal component and discriminant analyses of females and males and DNA sequences (nuclear region ITS and the COI gene). The obtained results indicate that female mites tend to differentiate only the sizes of their dorsal shield among host species but with extensive overlapping. At the same time the males lack metrical differentiation, and the genetic evidence failed to resolve specific-species clades. We conclude that L. mazzai is a single widespread mite with little genetic and phenotypic differentiation.

NEW SPECIES OF ALIPPISTRONGYLUS (TRICHOSTRONGYLINA: NIPPOSTRONGYLINAE) FROM THE ELEGANT RICE RAT, EURYORYZOMYS NITIDUS, OF LA CONVENCIÓN, PERU.

A new species of AlippistrongylusDigiani and Kinsella, 2014, was found in the intestines of the elegant rice rat, Euryoryzomys nitidus, collected in the Amazon rainforest. These mammals were preserved in alcohol and archived in the Colección Científica de Mamíferos del Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad Mayor de San Marcos and accessed for the observation and investigation for the diversity of their endo-parasites. A total of 857 worms were recovered from the 3 individuals examined. Morphological investigations and comparisons with the only known species of the genus indicate that this is an undescribed species. These nematodes feature the diagnostic characteristic of the genus, being a bifurcated posterior end that consists of a tail and a conical appendage near the level of the vulva and uninterrupted ridges in the synlophe of unequal size. However, the orientation of this conical appendage on the female tail, features of the synlophe, and shape of the copulatory bursa warrant the proposal of an amended diagnosis to include character variability detected in the new species.

Variability of Calodium hepaticum eggs from sigmodontine host species through geometric morphometric analysis.

Calodium hepaticum is a zoonotic nematode with a worldwide distribution. Although the host range of C. hepaticum includes a wide spectrum of mammals (including humans), this parasite is predominantly associated with the families Muridae and Cricetidae. Several Sigmodontinae species from Argentina were found to be infected by C. hepaticum, with a high prevalence in Akodon azarae. The present study focuses on C. hepaticum eggs from natural infection of three species of sigmodontine rodents from Argentina. Eggs were genetically characterized (intergenic 18S rRNA region). The objectives of this work are: (i) to propose a new analytical methodology; and (ii) to morphologically characterize C. hepaticum eggs, from three Sigmodontinae species (A. azarae, Calomys callidus and Oligoryzomys flavescens). Analyses were made by the Computer Image Analysis System based on the new standardized measurements and geometric morphometric tools. The resulting factor maps clearly illustrate global size differences in the parasite eggs from the three Sigmodontinae species analysed. The degree of similarity between egg populations was assessed through pairwise Mahalanobis distances, showing that the largest distances were detected between parasite eggs from C. callidus and O. flavescens. Herein, the phenotypical plasticity of C. hepaticum eggs is shown. Significant positive correlations were obtained between each egg parasite principal component 1 and rodent corporal characteristics: weight; liver weight; rodent length; and rodent body condition. The usefulness of the geometric morphometric analysis in studies of the relationship between C. hepaticum and its host must be highlighted. The high prevalence observed in A. azarae, associated with the wide size range of the parasite eggs evidenced by principal component analysis, suggests A. azarae to be the Sigmodontinae host species that plays the most important role as reservoir host for C. hepaticum in the New World.

Analyses of Bloodmeal Hosts and Prevalence of Rickettsia parkeri in the Gulf Coast Tick Amblyomma maculatum (Acari: Ixodidae) From a Reconstructed Piedmont Prairie Ecosystem, North Carolina.

Host feeding patterns and the prevalence of infection with Rickettsia parkeri were determined for the primary vector, Amblyomma maculatum Koch as well as sympatric tick species A. americanum (Linnaeus) and Dermacentor variabilis (Say) collected from a reconstructed prairie in the Piedmont region of North Carolina during 2011 and 2012. The occurrence of R. parkeri among A. maculatum adults and nymphs was 36.9% (45/122) and 33.3% (2/6), respectively. Rickettsia parkeri was detected in a single male A. americanum 2.3% (1/43). A PCR-reverse line blot hybridization assay of a 12S rDNA fragment amplified from remnant larval and nymphal bloodmeals of host-seeking ticks was used to identify bloodmeal hosts. Of the tick samples tested, bloodmeal host identification was successful for 29.3% (12/41) of adult A. americanum and 39.2% (20/51) of adult D. variabilis. For A. maculatum, bloodmeal host identification was successful for 50% (61/122) of adults collected from vegetation and 100% (4/4) of nymphs removed from cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus Say and Ord). The cotton rat was the most common bloodmeal host with 59.0% (36/61) identified for adult A. maculatum. No statistically significant association was observed, however, between bloodmeal host and pathogen prevalence for any tick species. While the cotton rat was an important bloodmeal host for A. maculatum nymphs, this vertebrate did not appear to be the primary source of R. parkeri infection for A. maculatum.

Sensitivity comparison between Mini-FLOTAC and conventional techniques for the detection of Echinococcus multilocularis eggs.

Canines serve as the definitive host of Echinococcus multilocularis. This study evaluated the sensitivity of the Mini-FLOTAC technique (MF) for the detection of E. multilocularis eggs in definitive hosts. First, we investigated the effects of heat inactivation and preservative conditions on the detection rate of eggs obtained from experimentally infected dogs. The sensitivity of MF was compared with that of eight other techniques: the centrifugal flotation with sucrose or zinc sulfate, MGL, AMS III, and a combination of MF and flotation/sedimentation techniques. Finally, we compared the sensitivity of MF and the centrifugal flotation with sucrose for the feces of E. multilocularis-infected foxes. The detection rate reached a plateau level with a specific gravity (s.g.) 1.22 for fresh eggs, but the highest rates were obtained with s.g. greater than 1.32 for heat-inactivated eggs. There was no significant difference in the detection rate among the preservative conditions. MF showed significantly higher EPG than the other techniques. Moreover, it showed higher diagnostic sensitivity for the fox feces than the centrifugal flotation technique. These results suggest that heat inactivation may alter s.g. of E. multilocularis eggs and that MF with zinc sulfate (s.g. = 1.32) would be effective for detecting heat-inactivated E. multilocularis eggs.

Recovery and analysis of ancient beetle DNA from subfossil packrat middens using high-throughput sequencing.

The study of ancient DNA is revolutionizing our understanding of paleo-ecology and the evolutionary history of species. Insects are essential components in many ecosystems and constitute the most diverse group of animals. Yet they are largely neglected in ancient DNA studies. We report the results of the first targeted investigation of insect ancient DNA to positively identify subfossil insects to species, which includes the recovery of endogenous content from samples as old as ~ 34,355 ybp. Potential inhibitors currently limiting widespread research on insect ancient DNA are discussed, including the lack of closely related genomic reference sequences (decreased mapping efficiency) and the need for more extensive collaborations with insect taxonomists. The advantages of insect-based studies are also highlighted, especially in the context of understanding past climate change. In this regard, insect remains from ancient packrat middens are a rich and largely uninvestigated resource for exploring paleo-ecology and species dynamics over time.

A New Genus and Species of Chiggers (Trombidiformes: Leeuwenhoekiidae) From Peru.

South American chiggers have historically been poorly studied, and this has continued into present times. Of the 33 genera in the family Leeuwenhoekiidae Womersley, only Odontacarus Ewing and Sasacarus Brennan & Jones have been reported in Peru. Here, we describe a new genus, Peruacarus n. gen., and a new species, Peruacarus anthurium n. sp., parasitizing Koford's grass mouse, Akodon kofordi Myers & Patton, in Peru.

Validation of the names of four species of laelapid mites (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) parasitic on sigmodontine rodents (Rodentia: Cricetidae).

Savchenko Lareschi (2019) and Lareschi (2020) described four new species of mites in the family Laelapidae. However, the papers were published in electronic form only and were not registered in ZooBank. They do not satisfy Article 8.5.3 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 2012), so the new names are not available from those papers. Therefore, the aim of the present note is to validate the names Laelaps schatzi, Androlaelaps azarae, Androlaelaps montensis and Androlaelaps cursor. Type specimens of the four new species are deposited in the Coleccin de Entomologa, Museo de la Plata, Argentina.

A Combination of Deworming and Prime-Boost Vaccination Regimen Restores Efficacy of Vaccination Against Influenza in Helminth-Infected Mice.

Helminths still infect a quarter of the human population. They manage to establish chronic infections by downmodulating the immune system of their hosts. Consequently, the immune response of helminth-infected individuals to vaccinations may be impaired as well. Here we study the impact of helminth-induced immunomodulation on vaccination efficacy in the mouse system. We have previously shown that an underlying Litomosoides sigmodontis infection reduced the antibody (Ab) response to anti-influenza vaccination in the context of a systemic expansion of type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1). Most important, vaccine-induced protection from a challenge infection with the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus (2009 pH1N1) was impaired in vaccinated, L. sigmodontis-infected mice. Here, we aim at the restoration of vaccination efficacy by drug-induced deworming. Treatment of mice with Flubendazole (FBZ) resulted in elimination of viable L. sigmodontis parasites in the thoracic cavity after two weeks. Simultaneous FBZ-treatment and vaccination did not restore Ab responses or protection in L. sigmodontis-infected mice. Likewise, FBZ-treatment two weeks prior to vaccination did not significantly elevate the influenza-specific Ig response and did not protect mice from a challenge infection with 2009 pH1N1. Analysis of the regulatory T cell compartment revealed that L. sigmodontis-infected and FBZ-treated mice still displayed expanded Tr1 cell populations that may contribute to the sustained suppression of vaccination responses in successfully dewormed mice. To outcompete this sustained immunomodulation in formerly helminth-infected mice, we finally combined the drug-induced deworming with an improved vaccination regimen. Two injections with the non-adjuvanted anti-influenza vaccine Begripal conferred 60% protection while MF59-adjuvanted Fluad conferred 100% protection from a 2009 pH1N1 infection in FBZ-treated, formerly L. sigmodontis-infected mice. Of note, applying this improved prime-boost regimen did not restore protection in untreated L. sigmodontis-infected mice. In summary our findings highlight the risk of failed vaccinations due to helminth infection.

Life cycle of Ixodes schulzei (Acari: Ixodidae) in the laboratory, and demonstration of reproduction by parthenogenesis.

Ixodes schulzei is an ixodid tick that parasitizes Cricetidae rodents, chiefly the South American water rat, Nectomys squamipes, in Brazil and Argentina. In the present study, we evaluated the life cycle of I. schulzei by exposing larvae and nymphs to feed on two rodent species, N. squamipes and Calomys callosus (large vesper mouse),while adult ticks were exposed to feed on N. squamipes. Off-host developmental periods were observed in an incubator at 27 °C, 95% relative humidity, and 0:24 (light:dark) regimen. Larvae and nymphs successfully fed on either C. callosus or N. squamipes. Mean larval and nymphal feeding periods were 8.8 and 8.7 days on N. squamipes and 8.5 and 9.7 days on C. callosus. The majority of engorged larvae (79.0-80.8%) and nymphs (67.0-86.0%) successfully molted to nymphs and adults, respectively. Mean premolt periods were 11.5-11.7 days for engorged larvae and 22.5-23.7 days for engorged nymphs. Only adult females emerged from engorged nymphs, regardless of host species, i.e., none of 120 engorged nymphs molted to male. Around 18% of the unfed females presented teratologies compatible with the metagynander type of gynandromorphism. Ixodes schulzei adult females successfully fed (mean feeding period, 9.4 days), oviposited, and presented high reproductive performance (high engorged weight, egg mass weight, and % egg mass hatching), in the absence of male ticks. Our results showed that I. schulzei successfully reproduces by parthenogenesis, and corroborate field data that indicate N. squamipes as the most important host for this tick species. The male of I. schulzei remains unknown.

Three new species of Laelapidae mites (Mesostigmata) parasitic of species of Akodon (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) on the basis of female, male and deutonymph specimens.

Three new species of Androlaelaps (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) are described on the basis of the female and male specimens, and deutonymph for two of them. Each of the new species parasitizes a different species of Akodon (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae). Diagnostic characteristics support that the three new species are included in the Androlaelaps rotundus species group, and may be differentiated between them because of the length of proximal seta in coxa I; distances j5-j5, j6-j6 and z5-z5 setae in males and females; and length of st3, and st1 setae in females. Out of the seven species included in A. rotundus species-group, only the males of three of them are known, while immature stages are unknown. The new information herein provided contributes to a better knowledge of the laelapid mites and is essential to further investigate the epidemiological role of these mites as vectors of pathogens.

Description of two new species of Ectinorus (Ectinorus) (Siphonaptera, Rhopalopsyllidae) from Argentina, including a morphometric approach.

Two new species of fleas of genus Ectinorus (Siphonaptera: Rhopalopsyllidae) are described from sigmodontine rodents (Rodentia: Cricetidae) collected during a survey of small mammals in northwestern Argentina.The new species belong to the subgenus Ectinorus and can be distinguished from all other species of the subgenus by the characteristics of the modified abdominal segments and by the genitalia. Moreover, the male of Ectinorus (Ectinorus) disjugis is described for the first time and the finding of this flea parasitizing the rodent Akodon spegazzinii, constitutes a new flea-host association. A phylogenetic analysis of the genus Ectinorus, using traditional morphological characters and morphogeometric data, is presented to support the erection of the new species of Ectinorus. An identification key for all species of Ectinorus is also provided. Our study increases to 38 the total number of species of the subgenus Ectinorus, and to 20 the number for Argentina. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that Ectinorus is monophyletic but the subgenera are not. This study offers a new interpretation of morphological diversity within the genus as well as an evaluation of hypotheses about their relationships.

Parasites in micromammal fecal pellets throughout the Late Holocene ("Cueva Peligro" paleontological site, Patagonia, Argentina).

Parasite remains in micromammal fecal pellets collected from the paleontological site "Cueva Peligro" (CP 43°40'18"S, 66°24'52"W), Chubut Province, Argentina, were examined. The samples were obtained from two grids, dated between 1220 ± 7014C yr B.P. to modern dates. Fecal pellets were whole processed, rehydrated, homogenized, and examined via light microscopy. Eggs of parasites found were measured and photographed. Fecal pellets belong to one or more insectivore to omnivore unidentified micromammal species, possibly sigmodontine rodents. A high number of helminthes species was recorded (11 species), eight nematodes, two anoplocephalid cestodes and one acanthocephalan species. The sigmodontine-parasite relationship varied throughout the studied period and between studied grids. This is the first time that Gongylonema sp. and Syphacia sp. are reported from ancient times from Patagonia. The obtained results contribute to the knowledge of parasite assemblages associated to native South American sigmodontine rodents and the zoonoses present in the area throughout the lasts 1200 years.

Morphometric variation of Androlaelaps fahrenholzi (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) associated with three Sigmodontinae (Rodentia: Cricetidae) from the north of Chile.

Androlaelaps fahrenholzi is a mite with a large distribution and associated with a wide range of hosts. To assess morphometric variation of A. fahrenholzi associated with different host species (Phyllotis xanthopygus and Akodon albiventer, both from Putre, Chile) and localities (Las Chinchillas National Reserve, Fray Jorge National Park, and Llanos de Challe National Park, all in Chile and all from the host Phyllotis darwini), 41 morphological characters of each specimen were measured, and principal component analysis and discriminant analysis were used. Both analyses showed two groups separated for species of rodents. Mites associated with P. xanthopygus are smaller than those of A. albiventer. The analysis by location indicates two groups: group 1 comprises all mites collected from Fray Jorge National Park and Las Chinchillas National Reserve, and group 2 comprises only mites from Llanos de Challe National Park. These results indicate that A. fahrenholzi population can vary between hosts and geographical areas. Molecular analysis would be necessary to validate these results and determine whether they are subspecies or different species.

Morphological and genetic description of Moniliformis necromysi sp. n. (Archiacanthocephala) from the wild rodent Necromys lasiurus (Cricetidae: Sigmondontinae) in Brazil.

A new species of Moniliformis Travassos, 1915 (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae) is described from the hairy-tailed bolo mouse, Necromys lasiurus Lund, 1840 (Cricetidae: Sigmondontinae), captured in the Brazilian Cerrado, in Uberlândia, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The specimens were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. Molecular phylogenies were inferred from partial nuclear large subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences and partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. The new species is distinguished from other moniliformid species by the number of rows and number of hooks per row, size of the proboscis, size of the eggs, host species and geographical distribution. Molecular phylogenies and genetic distances analyses demonstrated that Moniliformis necromysi sp. n. forms a well-supported monophyletic group with sequences of other species of Moniliformis and is distinguished from them, which agrees with the morphological characteristics, allocating the new species to this genus and to the family Moniliformidae Van Cleave, 1924. This is the first moniliformid acanthocephalan described from a wild rodent in Brazil.

A New Species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Eastern Woodrat, Neotoma floridana (Rodentia: Cricetidae), from Arkansas, USA, and a Summation of Eimerians from North American Woodrats.

INTRODUCTION: North American woodrats or packrats (genus Neotoma) are excellent hosts of coccidians and several species remain to be reported as hosts. Eleven species of Eimeria have been previously described from Neotoma spp. However, it has been nearly 35 years, since the last eimerian (E. ladronensis Reduker and Duszynski, 1985) was described from any woodrat species. METHODS: Six adult eastern woodrats, Neotoma floridana (Ord, 1818) were collected with Sherman live traps from Blue Haze Vista, Polk County, Arkansas, USA. Fecal specimens or rectal contents were examined for coccidia. Measurements were taken on 30 sporulated oöcysts and photographs were taken using brightfield optics. RESULTS: One (17%) eastern woodrat was found to be passing oocysts of Eimeria machardyi n. sp. as well as three (50%) with Eimeria albigulae Levine, Ivens, and Kruidenier, 1957, and two (33%) with Eimeria glauceae Wheat and Ernst, 1974. We provide a description of a new species of Eimeria from eastern woodrats, Neotoma floridana, the first photomicrograph of E. glauceae, and additional information on E. albigulae. A summation of the eimerians of North American woodrats is also provided. CONCLUSIONS: Nine of 13 (69%) species of packrats north of México have now been reported to harbor 12 species of eimerians. Additional surveys of Neotoma spp. which have not yet been reported as hosts, particularly those from México and Central America, should yield more eimerians and distributional records as well as the possibility of discovery of new species.

Digenean parasites of Sigmodontinae rodents from Argentina: a list of species, new host, and geographical records.

INTRODUCTION: Among Argentinean rodents, only one species of Muridae and seven of Cricetidae were reported as digenean hosts. Despite the available data, the taxonomic diversity of the Digenea from rodents has been little explored. An update on digeneans of Sigmodontinae rodents (Cricetidae-Muroidea) in Cuenca del Plata is provided. New host and geographical data are recorded and taxonomic and ecological data are summarized. METHODS: Rodents were collected from 11 localities in the region Cuenca del Plata, Argentina. Moreover, other unidentified specimens from four localities, deposited in the Colección de Helmintología del Museo de La Plata, were studied. Prevalence, mean intensity, and mean abundance are provided. RESULTS: Eight species of digeneans belonging to four families were identified. Twelve new geographical records for five provinces of Argentina are presented. In addition, six new host-parasite associations are reported. The information is presented in a taxonomic list for each digenean species: site of infection, host records, locality records, and comments. CONCLUSIONS: It becomes interesting to explore the diets and habits of each rodent species to understand the dispersal and transmission ability of each group of digeneans. This survey constitutes an update on digeneans of Sigmodontinae rodents in Cuenca del Plata, Argentina.

Three new species of Eimeria Schneider 1875 in the montane grass mouse, Akodon montensis (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae), and redescription of Eimeria zygodontomyis Lainson and Shaw 1990 from southeastern Brazil.

We describe three new coccidian species of the genus Eimeria Schneider 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) and redescribe and report Eimeria zygodontomyis Lainson and Shaw, 1990 in the montane grass mouse, Akodon montensis Thomas, 1913 from the Serra dos Órgãos National Park in southeastern Brazil. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria zygodontomyis are ellipsoidal to cylindrical with a 0.6 (0.5-0.8) µm thick very delicate bi-layered wall; length × width (n = 49) 18.3 × 12.5 (16-20 × 11-13) µm; length/width ratio of 1.4 (1.2-1.6); 1 polar granule occasionally present; micropyle, residuum both absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal; length × width 8.5 × 5.2 (8-11 × 5-6) µm; length/width ratio of 1.5 (1.3-1.7) µm; Stieda body is prominent; sub-Stieda body is absent; sporocyst residuum is compact. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria montensis n. sp. are spheroidal to subspheroidal with a 1.2 (1.0-1.4) µm thick bi-layered wall; outer layer lightly pitted; length × width (n = 30) 16.3 × 12.5 (15-17 × 13-15) µm; length/width ratio of 1.3 (1.0-1.4); 1 polar granule present; micropyle, residuum both absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal; length × width 7.2 × 5.1 (6-8 × 4-6) µm; length/width ratio of 1.4 (1.2-1.6); Stieda body is present, sub-Stieda body is absent; sporocyst residuum consists of small, scattered granules. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria uricanensis n. sp. are ovoidal to pyriform with a 1.4 ( 1.3-1.6) µm thick bi-layered wall; outer layer lightly pitted; length × width (n = 40) 26.6 × 18.6 (23-30 × 17-20) µm; length/width ratio of 1.4 (1.3-1.6); 1 polar granule present; micropyle, residuum both absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, length × width 13.3 × 8.0 (10-16 × 7-9) µm; length/width ratio of 1.7 (1.5-1.9); Stieda body, sub-Stieda body both absent; sporocyst residuum consists of a cluster of granules, forming a spheroid mass. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria parnasiensis n. sp. are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal with a 1.8 ( 1.3-2.4) µm thick bi-layered wall; outer layer lightly pitted; length × width (n = 54) 28.2 × 21.9 (26-32 × 19-28) µm; length/width ratio of 1.3 (1.2-1.4); 1 polar granule present; micropyle is absent; oocyst residuum is present and consists of a cluster of granules of varying thickness. Sporocysts are ovoidal, tapering towards the Stieda body; length × width 12.2 × 7.6 (10-13 × 6-9) µm; length/width ratio of 1.6 (1.4-1.9); Stieda body is present; sub-Stieda body is absent; sporocyst residuum is present and consists of an aggregate of thin granules.