Additional instances of snake mite (Ophionyssus natricis) parasitism on sleepy lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) in South Australia

Gerrut Norval, Bruce Halliday, Robert D. Sharrad, Michael G. Gardner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The snake mite, Ophionyssus natricis (Acari: Macronyssidae) is an ectoparasite of veterinary significance because infestations can cause abnormal shedding and anaemia in its hosts. The snake mite has also been implicated in the transmission of pathogens. In this study, 59 sleepy lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) were caught at a study site in the vicinity of Mt. Mary in the Mid North region of South Australia and Hallet Cove Conservation Park in Adelaide, and examined for the presence of snake mites. About 10% of the lizards were found to be infested by snake mites. This study confirms that sleepy lizards are competent hosts of this ectoparasite and presents additional distribution records for South Australia.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)183-193
Number of pages11
JournalTransactions of the Royal Society of South Australia
Volume145
Issue number2
Early online date18 Jun 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Competent host
  • ectoparasite
  • exotic invasive species
  • Macronyssidae

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