The genus Perissopalla Brennan and White, 1960 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) in Brazil: Redescriptions, new localities, and host records with the first molecular data for the genus.

The genus Perissopalla Brennan and White (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) is currently represented by ten species with three from Brazil: Perissopalla barticonycteris Brennan, Perissopalla ipeani Brennan, and Perissopalla tanycera Brennan. In the present study, these three species are redescribed and illustrated based on the types and additional non-type specimens. New host and locality records for P. ipeani and P. tanycera are included. Additionally, a partial sequence for the 18S rRNA gene for P. ipeani was provided.

A review on trombiculiasis: An underreported parasitosis that affects humans and animals, including world distribution, clinical findings, associated pathogens, prophylaxis and identification methods

Chigger mites comprise three families: Trombiculidae, Leeuwenhoekiidae and Walchiidae, with over 3,000 species worldwide. Their life cycle includes six stages, and the larvae are parasites, while the other stages are free-living predators. Once attached to a host, the larvae spend several days feeding on the host's epithelial tissue, forming the stylostome. An inflammatory reaction can be formed during larval feeding, known as trombiculiasis or trombiculosis. In this study, we provide a literature review using 123 scientific articles on the cases of trombiculiasis in animals and humans reported in different biogeographical regions, including 29 countries and 30 different chigger species, with all the information compiled in the Supplementary material. This review aims to increase the visibility of this disease and group of mites, so that physicians and veterinarians can become more aware of the disease and include the causative agent in differential diagnoses. We also offer knowledge on mounting and control methods in order to improve mite identification for future research. Lastly, the prophylaxis and control methods in cases of infestations and associated pathogens are mentioned.

Bacterial pathogens' screening in Brazilian chigger mites (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae), with the first report of 'Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi'-like in avian-associated chiggers.

Chiggers are larval ectoparasites of the Trombiculidae that can transmit pathogens to their hosts. In this study, chiggers collected from birds in Brazil were morphologically identified as Blankaartia sinnamaryi, Eutrombicula batatas, Eutrombicula daemoni, Eutrombicula goeldii, Eutrombicula tinami, and Parasecia gilbertoi. For these specimens, a beginning attempt at molecular identification were also provided, as well as, were genetically screened to detect bacterial pathogens. The species B. sinnamaryi and E. tinami were positive for Rickettsia felis-like and 'Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi'-like, respectively. For the other agents (Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia spp. and Orientia tsutsugamushi), the tests were negative. This is the first report of 'Ca. R. colombianensi'-like and the second record of R. felis-like in chigger collected on birds from Brazil.

Bacterial pathogens’ screening in Brazilian chigger mites (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae), with the first report of 'Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi'-like in avian-associated chiggers

Chiggers are larval ectoparasites of the Trombiculidae that can transmit pathogens to their hosts. In this study, chiggers collected from birds in Brazil were morphologically identified as Blankaartia sinnamaryi, Eutrombicula batatas, Eutrombicula daemoni, Eutrombicula goeldii, Eutrombicula tinami, and Parasecia gilbertoi. For these specimens, a beginning attempt at molecular identification were also provided, as well as, were genetically screened to detect bacterial pathogens. The species B. sinnamaryi and E. tinami were positive for Rickettsia felis-like and ‘Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi’-like, respectively. For the other agents (Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia spp. and Orientia tsutsugamushi), the tests were negative. This is the first report of ‘Ca. R. colombianensi’-like and the second record of R. felis-like in chigger collected on birds from Brazil.

A new genus for Euschoengastia chisosensis Wrenn, Baccus, and Loomis, 1976 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae)

The trombiculid genus Euschoengastia Ewing, 1938 is currently comprised of species from all biotic regions giving the genus a worldwide distribution. In North America, there are 60 described species. One species, Euschoengastia chisosensis Wrenn, Baccus, and Loomis, was collected parasitizing cricetid rodents in Texas, USA. In the present study, a new genus is proposed for this species, Jumanoacarus Bassini-Silva, Jacinavicius, and Welbourn.

Description of Goffacarus n. gen., to Reallocate the Species Euschoengastia latchmani Brennan and Yunker and Euschoengastia obscura Wrenn and Loomis (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae).

PURPOSE: Euschoengastia Ewing is a chigger genus in need of revision as it historically has combined species solely on the presence of expanded prodorsal trichobothria. The objective of the present study is to describe a new genus to reallocate two North American Euschoengastia species, to start an organization into this genus. METHODS: In this study, we provide drawings, measurements and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss for the two redescribed species. RESULTS: After examining the types of the species Euschoengastia latchmani Brennan and Yunker and Euschoengastia obscura Wrenn and Loomis, we realized that it was necessary to create the new genus to relocate these two species, mainly based on the following characters: (1) the number of prongs on the odontus; and (2) ornamentation of the prodorsal sclerite. CONCLUSION: Goffacarus latchmani n. comb. and Goffacarus obscura n. comb. are redescribed here and to reallocate these two species the genus, Goffacarus n. gen. is proposed.

Two New Species of Chiggers (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) From Brazil.

Chigger mites are parasites of terrestrial vertebrates, including humans. Here, we describe two new species belonging to the American genera Colicus Brennan and Parasecia Loomis. Both species were described on the base of museum specimens originated from Minas Gerais State, Brazil, Colicus barrosbattestiae n. sp. parasitizing the rodent, Oligoryzomys fornesi and Parasecia jacinaviciusi n. sp. parasitizing the marsupial, Monodelphis domestica.

A New Species of Elianella Vercammen-Grandjean (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) from the Insular Equatorial Guinea with a Key to the Species into this Genus.

PURPOSE: The African continent has 452 chiggers (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) in 61 genera. One of these, Elianella Vercammen-Grandjean, 1956, has only two species known for Africa. The objective of the present study is to describe a new species for Equatorial Guinea, with the aim of increasing knowledge so scarce for Africa. METHODS: In this study, we provide drawings, measurements and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss for the new species described below. Also, this type of the new species is deposited in the USNM. RESULTS: We describe a new species of Elianella collected parasitizing the Bioko Forest Shrew, Sylvisorex isabellae Heim de Balsac (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae) from the insular Equatorial Guinea. Also, we are providing a key for the three species of Elianella. CONCLUSION: Finally, we are contributing to the knowledge of African species, due the fact this new species is the first chigger recorded to the Equatorial Guinea, on the west coast of Central Africa.

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.

First record of Eutrombicula tinami (Oudemans, 1910) (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) parasitizing a cat in Brazil.

Chigger mites are ectoparasites of terrestrial tetrapods and can cause dermatitis in the host, known as trombiculiasis. In Brazil, there are 73 species of chiggers; however, cats never have recorded as a host in this country. Here, we report the first record of chiggers parasitizing a domestic cat in Brazil; and a new locality for Eutrombicula tinami (Oudemans 1910) in the Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil.

A new species of Boshkerria and redescription of B. punctata (Boshell and Kerr)

The Neotropical chigger genus Boshkerria includes, B. tuberculata and B. punctata, both species parasites mammals in Central and South America. Here, we redescribe B. punctata based on a lectotype and paralectotype designated herein and describe a new species, Boshkerria erwini n. sp., from the green acouchi Myoprocta pratti in Peru. Also, we provide a key to the three species in this genus.

Two new species of chiggers (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) from Brazil

Chigger mites are parasites of terrestrial vertebrates, including humans. Here, we describe two new species belonging to the American genera Colicus Brennan and Parasecia Loomis. Both species were described on the base of museum specimens originated from Minas Gerais State, Brazil, Colicus barrosbattestiae n. sp. parasitizing the rodent, Oligoryzomys fornesi and Parasecia jacinaviciusi n. sp. parasitizing the marsupial, Monodelphis domestica.

Taxonomic notes on Neoschoengastia esorhina Brennan, 1971 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae), a chigger species from Brazil

Neoschoengastia is a genus of chiggers that mainly parasitizes birds and is comprised of more than 70 described species widely distributed throughout the world. Here we improve the description of the species Neoschoengastia esorhina based on the type series, also providing drawings of these types. This species is known only from the type series, which was collected in Ananindeua City, Pará State, parasitizing Automolus infuscatus (Passeriformes: Furnariidae).

A new species of Elianella Vercammen-Grandjean (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) from the insular Equatorial Guinea with a key to the species into this genus

Purpose: The African continent has 452 chiggers (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) in 61 genera. One of these, Elianella Vercammen-Grandjean, 1956, has only two species known for Africa. The objective of the present study is to describe a new species for Equatorial Guinea, with the aim of increasing knowledge so scarce for Africa. Methods: In this study, we provide drawings, measurements and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss for the new species described below. Also, this type of the new species is deposited in the USNM. Results: We describe a new species of Elianella collected parasitizing the Bioko Forest Shrew, Sylvisorex isabellae Heim de Balsac (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae) from the insular Equatorial Guinea. Also, we are providing a key for the three species of Elianella. Conclusion: Finally, we are contributing to the knowledge of African species, due the fact this new species is the first chigger recorded to the Equatorial Guinea, on the west coast of Central Africa.

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.

A new case of trombiculiasis caused by Eutrombicula daemoni Bassini-Silva & Jacinavicius, 2018 (Trombidiformes Trombiculidae) in a dog from Brazil

Chiggers are ectoparasites and can cause severe dermatitis in their hosts, known as trombiculiasis. Besides that, these mites can be vectors of bacteria of the genus Orientia, in various regions of the world. The genera Eutrombicula Ewing, 1938 is currently represented by more than 80 species worldwide. Species of this genus are recorded parasitizing reptiles, birds, and mammals. One of this species, Eutrombicula daemoni Bassini-Silva & Jacinavicius, 2018 was recently described causing trombiculiasis in a dog. Our goal is to report a new case of a dog’s trombiculiasis, including a new locality record for E. daemoni in Brazil. In May 2021, a female Shih-Tzu dog with three years old and with access to the forest of the Santa Tereza municipality, southeastern Brazil, sought veterinary medical attention for intense itching and erythema in the facial region. Mites were collected directly from the face of the dog. These materials were slide-mounted and deposited in the Acarological Collection of the Butantan Institute (IBSP). The material extracted from the dog was examined and identified as E. daemoni. Part of the fixation site tissue of the dog was collected, showing the feeding tube produced by the enzymatic reaction of saliva by the mite, known as a stylostome. In this report, we emphasize the occurrence of trombiculiasis in domestic animals that have access to forest regions, places that unfed chigger larvae live. Additionally, this record represents a new locality record for E. daemoni to the Espírito Santo State, Brazil.

Complete type catalog of Trombiculidae sensu lato (Acari: Trombidiformes) of the U.S. National Entomology Collection, Smithsonian Institution

Mites in the family Trombiculidae sensu lato are parasites of terrestrial vertebrates, even humans, in their larval stage. There are more than 3,700 species of chiggers, and about one-third of these species are represented by type specimens in the Smithsonian Institution’s United States National Museum Entomology Collection. Here we provide a catalog of all primary and secondary type specimens of chiggers (holotype, paratype, syntype, lectotype, and paralectotype) housed in the collection. Listed herein are 1,026 type specimens with 645 representing holotypes, 782 paratypes, 69 syntypes, 19 lectotypes, and 16 paralectotypes of larvae, deutonymphs, and adult chiggers.

New species records of Quadraseta Brennan, 1970 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) in South America

The genus Quadraseta Brennan, 1970 (Trombiculidae) is distributed in South American, with a few records from Central America. The larvae (chiggers) are primarily mammal parasites, with one species from birds. Examination of unidentified material at US National Insect and Mite Collection revealed five species to this genus: Q. brasiliensis Goff & Gettinger, 1989, Q. falconensis Goff & Brennan, 1977, Q. flochi (Brennan & Jones, 1960), Q. mackenziei (Yunker & Brennan 1964), and Q. mirandae Goff & Brennan, 1977. This study resulted in new South American localities and host records for these species.

Description of Goffacarus n. gen., to reallocate the species Euschoengastia latchmani Brennan and yunker and Euschoengastia obscura wrenn and loomis (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae)

Purpose: Euschoengastia Ewing is a chigger genus in need of revision as it historically has combined species solely on the presence of expanded prodorsal trichobothria. The objective of the present study is to describe a new genus to reallocate two North American Euschoengastia species, to start an organization into this genus. Methods: In this study, we provide drawings, measurements and microscopy images on a Microscope Zeiss for the two redescribed species. Results: After examining the types of the species Euschoengastia latchmani Brennan and Yunker and Euschoengastia obscura Wrenn and Loomis, we realized that it was necessary to create the new genus to relocate these two species, mainly based on the following characters: (1) the number of prongs on the odontus; and (2) ornamentation of the prodorsal sclerite. Conclusion: Goffacarus latchmani n. comb. and Goffacarus obscura n. comb. are redescribed here and to reallocate these two species the genus, Goffacarus n. gen. is proposed.

Eutrombicula daemoni Bassini-Silva and Jacinavicius, 2018 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) parasitizing a dog in Brazil

Chigger mites are ectoparasites of terrestrial vertebrates and can cause severe dermatitis in their hosts, known as trombiculiasis. There are 69 recognized species of chiggers in Brazil that parasitize most vertebrate taxa except domestic dogs. In this study, we report the first known record of trombiculiasis with a domestic dog as a host in Brazil. This record additionally represents a new locality record for Eutrombicula daemoni in the country.