Lesions in osteoderms of pampatheres (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Cingulata) possibly caused by fleas.

In this study, the first records of lesions in osteoderms of Holmesina, a group of fossil cingulates related to armadillos, possibly caused by the action of penetrating fleas (Siphonaptera) are described. Three individuals of Holmesina cryptae (Pampatheriidae) were collected from Quaternary sediments in Lapinha Cave (Iramaia, Bahia state, Brazil). Their osteoderms were analyzed by stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopy and alterations on their surfaces were recognized. We found 63 marks distributed in 23 of 1300 analyzed osteoderms (approximately 1.8% of the total of osteoderms), characterized by vertical cavities with well-delimited circular borders similar to those lesions made by Tungidae fleas in extant mammals. These records indicate that there was an interaction between penetrating fleas and pampatheres during the Quaternary in Brazilian Intertropical Region, and contribute to the understanding of the evolution of these ectoparasites and the relationship with their hosts.

A new and most complete pampathere (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Cingulata) from the Quaternary of Bahia, Brazil.

Pampatheriidae is a group of South American native cingulates recorded from the Middle Miocene to the Early Holocene. These animals arrived in North America during the Great American Biotic Interchange. During the Quaternary, at least three genera existed: Tonnicinctus Góis, González Ruiz, Scillato-Yané and Soibelzon, Pampatherium Gervais and Ameghino, and Holmesina Simpson. They are differentiated mainly by craniodental and osteodermal characters. In this paper, we describe a new species of Holmesina from Bahia state, Brazil. Two well-preserved specimens possessing osteoderms associated with their skeletons enabled us to determine the genus and species more reliably. Holmesina cryptae sp. nov. differs from the other Quaternary pampatheres by having the simplest ornamental pattern of osteoderms, sharing characteristics between Pampatherium and Holmesina osteoderms and the most robust skull among the Holmesina species, however preserving the main synapomorphies of the genus. Moreover, the integrity of the remains of H. cryptae sp. nov. enabled us to describe elements of the hyoid apparatus, the clavicle, the entire vertebral column and the pelvis. It was also possible to measure its total axial length (2.2 m) more reliably, which is smaller than previously estimated for other pampatheres. Holmesina cryptae sp. nov. constitutes the sixth species of the genus, and it is the fourth in South America.