A New Species of Sucking Louse (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Polyplacidae) From the Gray Mouse Lemur, Microcebus murinus (Primates: Cheirogaleidae), in Madagascar

J Med Entomol. 2018 Jun 28;55(4):910-914. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjy046.

Abstract

Lemurpediculus madagascariensis sp. nov. (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Polyplacidae) is described from the Gray Mouse lemur, Microcebus murinus (J. F. Miller) (Primates: Cheirogaleidae), from Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar. Lemurs were trapped using Sherman Live Traps and visually inspected for lice, which were preserved in 90% ethanol. Adults of both sexes and the third-instar nymph of the new species are illustrated and distinguished from the four previously known species of Lemurpediculus: L. verruculosus (Ward); L. petterorum Paulian; L. claytoni Durden, Blanco, and Seabolt; and L. robbinsi Durden, Blanco, and Seabolt. It is not known if the new species of louse is a vector of any pathogens or parasites.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anoplura / anatomy & histology
  • Anoplura / classification*
  • Anoplura / growth & development
  • Anoplura / physiology
  • Cheirogaleidae*
  • Female
  • Lice Infestations / parasitology*
  • Madagascar
  • Male
  • Nymph / anatomy & histology
  • Nymph / classification
  • Nymph / growth & development
  • Nymph / physiology