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.

摘要

蛇螨，Ophionyssus natricis（蜱螨亚纲：Macronyssidae）是兽医的意义外寄生虫侵袭，因为可能会导致它的主机异常脱落和贫血。蛇螨也与病原体的传播有关。在这项研究中，59 只昏昏欲睡的蜥蜴 ( Tiliqua rugosa ) 在南澳大利亚中北部地区的玛丽山和阿德莱德的哈雷特湾保护公园附近的一个研究地点被捕获，并检查了蛇螨的存在。大约10%的蜥蜴被发现感染了蛇螨。这项研究证实，昏昏欲睡的蜥蜴是这种外寄生虫的宿主，并提供了南澳大利亚的其他分布记录。